Augmented Empire, developed by Coatsink, has made its much-anticipated leap from VR to PC, bringing its acclaimed cyberpunk world and tactical turn-based gameplay to a broader audience. The game is now available on Steam with a launch discount, offering both newcomers and fans of the original a chance to experience the dystopian city of New Savannah in a new light.
Setting & Story: A Divided Future
Set in 2058, Augmented Empire thrusts players into New Savannah, a city sharply divided by a rigid class system. The privileged elite live in luxury atop the city, while outcasts and criminals are relegated to the squalor below. You play as Craven, a figure once celebrated for civil obedience, who is forced by circumstance to lead a team of misfits in a fight for survival and justice.
The narrative is a standout feature, weaving themes of rebellion, hope, and personal transformation. The story is brought to life by exceptional voice acting, which adds depth and authenticity to each character. As you progress, you’ll uncover the backstories of your companions, each with their own motivations and unique abilities, making your journey through New Savannah both personal and compelling.
Gameplay: Tactical Depth with a Personal Touch
Augmented Empire delivers classic turn-based RPG mechanics reminiscent of titles like XCOM, but with its own twists. Combat requires spatial awareness and forward planning, as you guide up to six distinct characters through 26 missions and 60 hand-crafted environments. Each character brings unique skills to the table, encouraging strategic party composition and ability use.
A notable mechanic is the timing-based attack and defense system: during combat, players must hit precise spots on a bar to maximize their effectiveness- think of the active reload from Gears of War. This adds a layer of engagement to each encounter, making battles feel interactive rather than passive.
Between battles, you can unlock and upgrade abilities, tailoring your team’s progression to your preferred playstyle. The game’s interface is intuitive, and while the difficulty may not pose a significant challenge to genre veterans, it offers an accessible entry point for newcomers or those seeking a story-driven experience.
Personal Impressions: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
After spending time with Augmented Empire, I was particularly impressed by the depth of the story and the richness of its characters. The narrative pulls you in, making you care about your team’s fate and the city’s future. The requirement for spatial thinking and tactical planning kept me engaged, and the music provided a comfortable backdrop as I explored and tackled missions.
However, the transition from VR to PC isn’t without its rough edges. Between battles, the game sometimes feels a bit closed off, lacking the sense of openness or exploration that might be expected from a modern PC RPG. Additionally, some aspects of the interface and pacing could benefit from further refinement to fully match the standards of its new platform.
Final Verdict: Who Should Play Augmented Empire?
Despite minor shortcomings, Augmented Empire remains a highly enjoyable experience- especially for those who value strong storytelling and character development in their games. If you’re a fan of turn-based RPGs and appreciate a well-crafted narrative set in a vibrant cyberpunk world, this is a title worth checking out. The move to PC has made its gripping story and tactical gameplay accessible to a wider audience, and it’s a journey I can confidently recommend.
In summary:
- Engaging, character-driven cyberpunk narrative
- Accessible, tactical turn-based combat with unique timing mechanics
- Beautiful visuals and top-tier voice acting
- Some room for polish in the transition from VR to PC
- Highly recommended for story-focused RPG fans and newcomers to the genre
Augmented Empire is available now on Steam with a 15% launch discount until April 26th. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the most compelling cyberpunk stories in recent years.