Now that we’re into the second half of playtesting, here are some ongoing impressions and comments.
- I love the game’s concept, and the serial campaign is a huge draw for me.
- The weapon modeling is, of course, spot-on for the human. Rez – who can say?
- I really like the dice system for weapons and decision-making.
- The action cards really make for a great game experience. Every replay is different. Almost an unending variation.
- Solo play was much more interesting than I originally thought.
- At first, I thought it would be too complex for me, but the play is actually quite simple. It’s the tactics that are challenging, especially against a skilled opponent.
Some thoughts on ARC from a playtester:
To answer the most pressing question: yes, I like the game very much and am already looking forward to the physical version.
In the first five turns of my latest scenario, I’ve had some great moments: my ARC grenadier lobbing a frag at a REZ scout, a REZ counterattack against my sniper, and tense flanking maneuvers. It’s been a lot of fun dealing with suppression, hits, and diving for cover. I’ve already learned a few lessons about getting caught in the open!
The map design is very innovative. Having the movement values and cover indicators directly on the map makes determining LOS and terrain mods incredibly easy without needing a formal terrain effects chart. I found myself thinking tactically almost immediately, which is always a sign of a great game.
Although the combat system looks intimidating at first, it becomes intuitive once you “grok” it. I’ve already transitioned from just managing characters to forming actual tactical plans, like using bounding overwatch to move my team while the sniper provides cover. The cards are also very user-friendly; having the categories listed makes it simple to manage a large hand.
You can learn more about ARC – The Underworld or pre-order it on the P500 page here.
Author: James M. Day
