Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift

Tactical Troops: Anthracite Shift is a top-down, turn-based tactical game set in 2130, with the feel of an 80s science-fiction film. After Sedvan’s spheres—advanced teleportation devices—activate following decades of dormancy, a unit of interplanetary mercenaries is sent on what appears to be a routine mission to the isolated planet Anthracite. The world holds dangers they did not expect. You lead elite soldiers through a story-rich single-player campaign of 41 missions, lasting about 20 hours, or fight across 24 multiplayer maps.

Tactical movement

Combat takes place on gridless maps, where you can move units freely and attack across open ground or from concealed positions. Rocks, trees, buildings and bunkers provide cover, while buildings and bunkers can also hide ambushes.

Sedvan’s teleporters shape both the story and the battles. You can teleport your units, redirect bullets and grenades, set up ambushes from across the map, or use teleporters as cover.

Enemies and equipment

Anthracite’s threats include local fauna, Bullets bandits, autonomous robots and well-equipped ACP soldiers. Enemies use different tactics, powered by Grail, an AI engine developed in-house: animals charge predictably, while humanoid opponents avoid your traps and lay traps of their own.

You have over 30 weapons across seven classes, with each weapon manufacturer offering a distinct quirk. Seven types of gadgets are also available. You review the briefing, choose your equipment and plan how to deal with each opponent.

Multiplayer modes

You can play online against a friend or an AI opponent, or take turns in hot-seat mode. Multiplayer includes Domination, Devastator and the option to win by eliminating all enemy units:

• Domination: control two of the three control points for two consecutive turns.
• Devastator: destroy five enemy generators before your own are lost.
• Elimination: defeat all enemy units.