Augmented Empire by Coatsink out on Steam April 16th throws us into the dystopian city of New Savannah, where class divisions are as sharp as a well-maintained katana, and the elite rule from above while the less fortunate scurry below. With a star-studded voice cast, including Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager, Orange is the New Black), Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), and Garrick Hagon (Star Wars: A New Hope, Horizon Zero Dawn).
But does it deliver? I was given a two-hour preview window to explore its world, command my ragtag squad, and get a feel for the game’s turn-based combat. While I can’t give a final verdict, there’s much to unpack.
Gameplay
The story is where Augmented Empire shines, or at least flickers ominously, like a broken streetlamp in a bad part of town. From the safety of my high-tech hideout, I’ve been orchestrating the downfall of the elite by sending a band of outlaws into the thick of it. Each character has a unique background, skills, and just the right amount of world-weary cynicism to make them believable. The voice acting? Chef’s kiss. Mulgrew’s commanding presence, Frost’s comedic timing, and Hagon’s gravitas elevate the experience, highlighting dialogue sequences.
New Savannah resembles Bioshock’s Rapture, Dishonored’s Dunwall, and Arcane’s Piltover, a towering, opulent upper city with corruption. At the same time, the lower levels are grimy, oppressive, and packed with the downtrodden. The contrast between these two worlds is striking, adding to the game’s dystopian atmosphere. However, if I had to nitpick (and I do, it’s my role), the enemy variety is lacking. I’ve mostly been facing off against the same robotic enforcers and similarly grumpy-looking foes. It’s early days, though, and I’m hopeful the opposition becomes more diverse as the story unfolds.
Tactical Battles & Glimpse of Brilliance
Turn-based strategy fans will feel right at home here. The game’s combat is methodical, requiring me to carefully position my squad, consider cover, and unleash abilities at the right moment. It’s not XCOM-level punishing, but it does demand some thought. Each character in Augmented Empire has unique abilities that add depth to combat. Willa can fire three shots in a row, making her a powerhouse in the right position, while Charlie can hack enemy robots, turning them against their own.
Upgrades come in augments, which you can buy with scavenged money or find hidden in levels. These enhance abilities, letting you tailor your squad’s strengths. If you fancy a change, removal modules allow you to reverse upgrades, so there’s no need to worry about making the wrong choice. Experiment away! That said, while nicely designed, the environments feel a bit similar so far. There’s a distinct cyberpunk aesthetic, but after a few missions, I wished for more variety in the backdrops. Again, this could change later in the game, but it’s something to remember.
Graphics and Audio
Let’s talk music, because Augmented Empire nails this. The gorgeous soundtrack adds a melancholic, futuristic vibe that perfectly fits the game’s dystopian setting. Whether I was sneaking through enemy territory or listening to a dramatic monologue about the city’s corruption, the music effortlessly amplified the mood. Using piano and 20s style singing when in bars. Or futuristic synth-wave beats in fights.
Visually, the game is currently a bit of a mixed bag. The hand-drawn character portraits that appear during dialogue? Stunning. They give each character personality and depth, making conversations a joy to watch. However, the top-down 3D models? Currently, they’re a bit low-poly and lacking detail, which makes them feel at odds with the richly drawn portraits. You then get transported into the Detective Office now and then, which is a full 3d moment, so the art style is a bit mish mash. It’s not a deal-breaker, but I wonder if the game’s art direction could have leaned entirely into the hand-drawn aesthetic.
Final Thoughts (For Now)
After my two-hour preview, Augmented Empire is showing a lot of promise. The story is engaging, the voice acting is top-notch, and the tactical combat is satisfying, even if enemy variety and level design could be spruced up. The soundtrack is an absolute highlight, but the top-down 3D visuals don’t yet match the hand-drawn portraits’ beauty. Of course, this is just a preview; a lot could change as the game progresses. Will the environments become more diverse? Will I face more than just an army of identical robots? And will my ragtag squad succeed in toppling the corrupt elite? Time will tell.
For now, Augmented Empire feels like a solid entry into the tactical RPG genre with great potential, and I’m keen to see where it goes from here.
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