
Shift'n Slay
Release Date: February 27, 2025
RPG, cyberpunk, science fiction, turn-based, roguelike, isometric view, tactics, indie games, singleplayer
Steam
A tactical RPG with additional roguelike mechanics and a randomness factor, set in a cyberpunk world. In Shift'n Slay our objective is to sever a timeloop created by the megacorporations. The gameplay features turn-based battles which encourage offensive style, allowing for an additional turn after each kill.
Shift'n Slay is a tactical RPG, enriched with clearly outlined roguelike elements. The game was developed by the independent team Drebot Game Studio.
Story
Shift'n Slay takes us to a cyberpunk world, controlled by mega-corporations. During the game, we take on the role of a character trying to break free from the time loop, created by people at the top of power.
Gameplay
In Shift'n Slay we watch the action in an isometric view.
Tactical battles
The main element of the gameplay are turn-based skirmishes with opponents, which we fight in locations covered with a grid of square fields. On the battlefield, we must demonstrate tactical thinking, deciding on what position we will take and what move we will make.
The game encourages us to take offensive actions, as each kill gives us an additional turn. This means that during a well-planned action, we can wipe out an entire unit before any of its members have a chance to make a move.
Character development and equipment
As we progress, we develop our character, which over time increases their combat potential. In this way, we can also adjust the protagonist to individual preferences. It depends on us whether they will specialize in close combat, engage in shootouts, or gain an advantage over enemies by setting traps for them and strengthening themselves with various stimulants.
Depending on the development path we choose for the character, different equipment will be at our disposal. We can use firearms (which we load with various types of ammunition), shields that provide us with cover when we are exposed, as well as grenades or mines.
Randomness
The environments in the game are procedurally generated, which means that the layout of the rooms and the placement of enemies can change with each approach.
Videos and Screens
[0:50] Shift'n Slay - Release Date Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Fun and Engaging Gameplay: Many users found the game enjoyable and appreciated the tactical depth, comparing it favorably to other turn-based strategy games like XCOM.
- Good Price Point: The game is considered affordable, providing value for the price, especially for fans of the genre.
- Visuals and Audio: Players praised the graphics, animations, and voice acting, noting that they contributed to an immersive experience.
- Unique Mechanics: Users enjoyed the mix of roguelike elements with tactical gameplay, as well as the variety of perks available between battles.
- Nostalgic Appeal: The game evokes memories of classic tactical RPGs, which resonated with many players.
The main cons of the game
- User Experience Issues: Several reviews pointed out UX problems, such as unclear movement indicators, highlighting issues, and lack of intuitive controls.
- Repetition and Lack of Depth: Some players expressed concerns that the gameplay could become repetitive quickly, with limited content and replayability.
- Tutorial and Clarity: The tutorial was criticized for not adequately explaining key mechanics, which led to confusion regarding action points and other gameplay elements.
- Visual Design Flaws: Issues were raised about character model visibility and the design of health bars, which made it difficult to differentiate between allies and enemies.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Upgrades and Customization: Players wanted more frequent upgrades and options to customize their characters and loadouts.
- Expanded Content: There was a desire for additional content, such as more levels, enemies, and variety in gameplay to enhance replayability.
- Improved Mechanics: Some users suggested that the game could benefit from more complex mechanics or strategic options, such as better interaction with the environment and more diverse gameplay scenarios.
- Enhanced Roguelike Elements: A few reviews noted that the roguelike aspects felt underdeveloped, with a call for deeper meta-game elements to increase engagement.
Summary
- Overall, while "Shift'n Slay" has received positive feedback for its engaging gameplay and aesthetic appeal, it also faces criticism regarding its user experience, depth, and content variety.
Summary generated on:
Shift'n Slay Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Drebot Game Studio
Publisher: Drebot Game Studio
Age restrictions: 16+
Shift'n Slay System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD FX 4350, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 780 / Radeon R9 280X, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7-4770K / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 580, Windows 11 64-bit