Gears Tactics is a turn-based strategy video game wherein you take down monsters and save humanity. Developed by both Splash Damage and The Coalition, Gears Tactics is a spin-off game of the critically-acclaimed shooter franchise, Gears of War, and is the prequel to the first game. It shows the events during the war with the monstrous Locust Horde. Sergeant Gabe Diaz is tasked with recruiting a team to defeat Ukkon, the evil mastermind creator.

Conquer the map

The main campaign features Gabe Diaz going through missions to recruit other characters for the upcoming boss battle with Ukkon. You can get Hero units and Troop units—the former having special abilities you can use. The characters are also categorized into different roles and can go into 4 specializations. You can even customize their gear. While the storyline is mostly linear, the unique combat you can execute with your chosen team makes the game refreshing.

Unlike the past Gears games that feature third-person shooter mayhem, this title’s gameplay offers turn-based combat mechanics similar to X-COM. The maps are explorable without any grid or tiles and are littered with objects that can serve as either cover or higher elevation. You simply choose whether to go within the limit of your reach and execute your moves. This lets you creatively achieve the bonus points, such as killing 4 enemies in your turn.

Using action points that you can earn throughout missions, you can perform a number of moves once you’ve chosen your position on the map. Taking cover, you can set up an overwatch perimeter and a vision cone that lets your unit fire at enemies entering their field of view. You can also easily throw different grenades to ensure that clusters of enemies will be wiped out. The game doesn’t limit your movement much.

An improved X-COM

Despite the lack of third-person shooting, the action is still fast-paced and visceral in Gears Tactics. It does have some issues, like the hit chance still not increasing despite your proximity to an enemy, but these are minor compared to the solid gameplay. You will be required to sign in or create an Xbox Profile in order to play, which is fortunately free.