Aztez

Aztez, available on PS4, XONE and etc., is an unusual game combining two seemingly incompatible genres – turn-based strategy and brawler, all enclosed within original and monochromatic visuals. The game has been developed by an independent American studio comprising two former police officers – Ben Ruiz and Matthew Wegner.

Plot

Creators drew their inspiration for Aztez from their deep passion for the so-called ‘beat ‘em up’ games. Since the games representing their favorite genre often lack an interesting plot explaining the all the violence, the authors wrapped their game with classic turn-based strategy elements and set its action in a riveting, and not entirely discovered Aztec empire at the peak of its power.

The story is set 20 years before Spanish Conquistadors came to America, and a player is tasked with expanding the Aztec empire, collecting taxes, and handling diverse, randomly generated events. The game is based on developer’s broad historical knowledge of this period –they implemented over 30 Aztec cities and different types of Aztec warriors into the game, such as the elite Eagles and Jaguars. All of these are a faithful representation of the actual locations and units.

Mechanics

The reason for implementing brawler elements into the game lie in the violent nature of the Aztec world. Players have to brutally intervene whenever some subjects to the empire refuse to pay their taxes or slaughter everyone infected during an epidemic when all other attempts to cure them have failed. Among the four main weapons, one can find a spear, a club, a ritual knife and the legendary obsidian sword. A warrior that player gets to control features abilities allowing him to absorb the blood from the fallen enemies in order to replenish his health and unlock new combos.

Technical aspects

It does not take long to finish the PS4, XONE and etc. release of Aztez – one playthrough should take no longer than an hour. The key aspect of the game, however, is its randomness, and hence –replayability. The events, enemies, and the maps are all changed with each playthrough. Aztez features ascetic and monochromatic visuals based on the Unity Engine with blood red being the dominant color. Apart from the artistic aspects, this game was intended by the developers to put a strong emphasis on the brutality of the Aztec reality.

Last updated on 18 March 2014