NEXT JUMP: Shmup Tactics

NEXT JUMP: Shmup Tactics is really, really awesome. You like turn-based? Check. You like clever chess-like logic moves that make you feel like a boss when you pull off a slick combo? Check. You like FTL-like procedural generation and tough-but-fair gameplay? Check. And believe it or not, they mixed bullet-hell with turn-based gameplay... And it worked brilliantly. There is some serious meat-on-the-bone for a mere five bucks. Tons of polish, too. The pixel art is beautiful, and the music is spot-on. They hold your hand to get you started, and even have a very detailed in-game manual (which, by all fairness, you will read if you want to have any chance of winning). The tutorial actually is a bit overwhelming, which is great because there is a lot of complexity here. Just dig in and you'll figure it out in time. All you need is a mouse, and the keyboard is optional. Essentially, the core gameplay fighting portion of the game is puzzle with a space battle skin. There are turns with ways to extend your turns, and the goal is to gain resources while not being hurt. The enemies have interesting 'tells' about what they will be doing next. It's all very well done, and quite interesting. There are a good number of ship and weapon upgrades, a bank to store your money, and more. Think of the map progression like FTL, but instead of a clear end-point, you are chasing an entity so if you waste time - you are just going to have to drag yourself through more battles. It's the good ol' risk/reward system. The bullet-hell/schmup part works itself in oh-so nicely, too. The strategy you take with weaving in-between bullets is great and attention to detail pays off, for sure. Pros: +Fantastically fresh new mechanic of a turn-based schmup +Strategic skill is highly valued here; this isn't a kick-the-door-down kind of gameplay +Music and artwork are great +UI is very functional and feels good Cons: -This is super nit-picky, but there is some *slight* clashing of art styles I noticed, particularly the pixel art versus some of what appears to be more hand drawn/stylized artwork (like in the ship selection screen) - don't get me wrong, it's both well done, it just maybe clashes a bit -A few very minor typos/grammar errors, but who cares If the genres that this game mashes together appeal to you (particularly turn-based play), go for it - I assure you that you won't be disapointed. Well worth full price.