Gray Zone

Gray Zone is a real-time tactical strategy game from the Slovak Eastworks studio. This is the studio's debut game, as the developers previously specialized in the outsourcing and supporting other developers in such projects as ARMA III: Apex, Mafia III, Murdered: Soul Suspect or Might & Magic: Heroes VI. The production went first to early access on the Steam platform.

Plot

The plot of Gray Zone tells the story of a slave named Valern, who decides to free himself from the yoke of the corrupt authorities ruling the entire galaxy and oppose them along with other rebels. The action of the game takes place in the distant future on colonized, culturally diverse planets, on which we encounter not only unique animals and monsters, but also numerous characters, some of whom are friendly to us and can help to stop the government.

The campaign is divided into four chapters and twenty-five missions. During the process, we get to know the charismatic characters with whom we often have funny dialogues and perform specific goals. The game offers a variety of tasks, some of which are optional.

Mechanics

Gray Zone is a classic tactical RTS where we are fighting against the overwhelming forces of the enemy, moving around with small troops and taking advantage of the strengths of the controlled characters. However, you don't have to fight with the enemy every time, because the strategy provides for an alternative scenario, which allows us to avoid unfriendly individuals. If you decide to fight, you can use a rich arsenal, various types of armoured vehicles and special items.

Tactics play a big role in the battle, and therefore it is important to correctly place individual units on the map and use the environment. An unlimited pause helps you make decisions, during which you can rethink your next moves and give the right orders.

Technical aspects

Gray Zone action is shown in an isometric view. The planets are diverse in terms of climate and full of small details, and during the fights, special effects and physics were taken care of. A lot of attention has also been paid to the appearance of characters and vehicles that match the style of the game's futuristic environment. The studio took care of the full sound, including all the film interludes and dialogues, and between the missions we can watch masterfully crafted conceptual graphics and comic books summarizing the events in the campaign.