As good as the turn-based strategy game has become, it's a widely known fact that their complex game engines, methodical approach and grid-like environments can be sometimes intimidating. If only someone could deliver the same experience without the need for near mathematical genius. well now someone has. It's from renowned developer Zed-Two and it goes by the name of Future Tactics. Set in the not-too-distant future after an alien invasion that all-but wiped out the human race, players take command of Low and his sister Pepper as he walks the path of revenge, along with any other survivors he can find, to annihilate the creatures that murdered his father. It's a fairly decent story, well told by a series of cut-scenes, but plot-lines and narrative rarely serve as the driving force in such games. It's all about skilled, tactical combat and overcoming the odds as best you can. Future Tactics is unique in its approach to strategic gameplay because, unlike Final Fantasy, Advance Wars and the likes, Zed-Two's offering possesses a welcome action-based playing style. The game is indeed turn based, but instead of being governed by grids and statistics, it's the player's skill and dexterity that will ultimately help them through the adventure. There are usually three fighters available on the battlefield, and each character's movement is dictated by a varying green circle. When ready to attack, both long and short range abilities are made available to the player. Long range attacks, for example, generally require good line-of-sight, and necessitate the player's ability to target opponents by aiming with a crosshair. The better your aim is, the more reliable your shot will be. Future Tactics is a long-lasting adventure, prolonged by the game's mightily tough later stages and a decent two-player game. Zed-Two's fresh approach to the genre has paid off, making Future Tactics well worth a look.
