There’s a lot happening on the tactical front in the indie scene, as the many projects in development prove. One of them is The Simple Balance, an RPG that clearly harkens back to classics, especially in its retro visual style.
The title’s journey has been anything but smooth. First, a Kickstarter campaign failed to raise the funds needed for the developer’s full vision. Then came a name change, from Silence is a Lie to its current title, and after that, it fell off my radar for a while.
Even so, German indie developer deCode has not lost heart and says the first public beta for its tactical RPGThe Simple Balance will launch later this month on Steam. The turn-based game features 3D isometric maps, where elevation, line of sight, and choke points shape every fight.
More than 200 abilities can be mixed and matched through a flexible job grid, letting players build either balanced parties or single-role specialists.
The beta includes a single-player prologue estimated at five to eight hours, supports only 16:9 resolutions, and focuses on class balance, terrain clarity, and enemy AI. Feedback can be submitted in-game.
Story content introduces the Dragon Knights, elite guards serving an unnamed villain; player choices can branch the plot and affect the main character.
This is likely one of those times when the dev really needs our backing, and the best way to help right now is to slap the game on your Steam wishlist. Scroll down for a few more details and a quick snippet of gameplay footage.
About This Game
The only way out is the way through this world.
In search of a seemingly superior opponent, make decisions that not only change the course of the game but also yourself.
Note: This game is currently in beta pahse and is still in develeopment.
Tactical turn-based battles on challenging terrain are the heart of the game. Deploying your units in a well-planned formation will help you draw the line of battle along the terrain to your advantage.
The journey
Get supported by other characters who are helping you to beat the enemies along your way. Each brings his or her own flaws and characteristics to the table, which may be helpful, harmful, or just funny in themselves.
Turnbased isometric tactics
Battles take place in a 3D environment where the higher ground is just as important as blocking paths or hiding from range weapons.
Having trained your troops in a proper variety of jobs and equipping them with specialized abilities will make the difference in a fight. Balance your troops and find the best mix of physical fighters and magical support.
Class-System
Throughout the game, your teammates and the mercenary you recruit will be able to learn different Job classes and gain new abilities that way. Depending on the professions you choose, your characters will gain different qualities. A set of over 200 abilities is available for you to learn and use in battle. Choose wisely to form mediocre ‘all-rounders’ or to form units into experts in one profession. Each path you can take has its advantages and disadvantages.
Dragon Knights
The path of your journey will be blocked by evil guys and monsters. The court guard of the villain knows fighters, rangers, and mages of any kind. They are supported by evil souls creatures that will execute any of their commands. The Dragon Knights are the bodyguards of the game’s villain. The army of soulless henchmen armed with weapons of war, stuffed into shiny armor, flooding the land like a plague.
Italian Dad in love with Turn-Based RPGs and Indie Games. In 2018 he started Turn Based Lovers and now he can't live without it. A huge fan of RPGs in general, raised on the glorious video games of the '90s that shaped who he is today. Always hopeful that XCOM 3 will arrive one day.
