Acaratus

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ I had high hopes for Acaratus, but unfortunately, my experience with the game has been nothing short of a nightmare. The potential for an engaging turn-based strategy game was there, but the constant crashes and technical issues have completely overshadowed any positive aspects.

I've probably lost 3 hours of gameplay to crashes mixed with lack of auto save points/ability to manually save without going to the main menu. I only have 12 hours of gameplay.

Acaratus, developed and published by Nodbrim Interactive, is an ambitious turn-based tactical RPG that combines steampunk aesthetics, modular mech customization, and card-driven combat into a distinctive, if sometimes uneven, strategy experience. Set in a war-torn world ruled by an oppressive empire, the game places players at the head of a growing rebellion that relies on powerful steam-driven battle suits to challenge tyranny. From the outset, Acaratus makes it clear that it values strategic depth and player experimentation over streamlined accessibility, positioning itself as a game that rewards patience, planning, and a willingness to learn through failure. The narrative frames the experience around resistance and liberation, following a cast of characters united against an authoritarian ruler whose regime has pushed the world into despair. While the story leans on familiar tropes of rebellion and revolution, it provides enough context to give weight to each mission and to justify the escalating scale of conflict. Dialogue and story progression are largely text-driven, which allows for world-building and character exposition but can occasionally feel heavy or unevenly paced. T…

This game sort of feels like a mobile game to play, if that makes sense. The combat is deep, but it's mostly in maintaining your mech and units-- combat itself is pretty simple, at least in the beginning. The maps were small, but I think I might just be used to playing larger-mapped strategy games. It wasn't for me!

The game is "alright" I guess. Was a bit dull and slow for me. Storyline is "meh". I give it a 3/10

hidden gem. give it a chance as a fan of TBS. Perhaps on sale if you feel a little bit like a coward ;-)