Updates continue for the tactical strategy game MENACE, a promising title developed by Overhype Studios, the creators of Battle Brothers. Through their frequent updates, we’re learning a wealth of details about their new project, which appears to be something very close to XCOM. So far, we’ve seen the following details:
- How the Strategy Layer works.
- New details about the combat system.
- Information on weapons and their associated skills.
- Squad Leaders, Stats, Supplies, and Equipment.
- Suppression And Ship Improvements.
- How Perks And Promotions Work.
The new dev diary introduces us to one of the game’s factions: the Space Pirates. While their antics may sometimes border on comical, make no mistake: these scavengers, raiders, and outlaws are a serious threat. Today, we’re diving into the factions of MENACE, exploring the Space Pirates’ lore, units, and tactics.
The Space Pirates of the Wayback System
Unlike the more structured military forces seen in the Core Worlds, these space pirates are a collection of outlaws, criminals, and scavengers who thrive in the lawless outer regions. Their presence has grown stronger in recent years due to the declining authority of the Planetary Jingwei, allowing them to raid and pillage freely. Though they are often depicted as disorganized and somewhat incompetent, the true masterminds behind their operations remain hidden, pulling the strings from the shadows.
The pirate forces rely on mobility and aggressive tactics rather than precision or discipline. Their weapons and vehicles are often repurposed from scavenged materials, making them unpredictable in battle. Though their equipment may seem crude, it compensates with sheer firepower, particularly when used in rapid assaults.
Their combat strategy revolves around fast-moving transport vehicles that help them close in on their targets quickly. However, this reliance on mobility comes with weaknesses, as pirates are vulnerable when exiting their transports. Successful engagement requires anticipating their movements and preparing defensive positions accordingly.
Units And Vehicles
The pirate units vary in role and effectiveness, with common foot soldiers like the Scavengers forming the backbone of their forces. These pirates wield makeshift assault rifles and grenades, using reckless aggression to overwhelm their enemies. More specialized units include Chain Gun Teams, which provide suppressive fire, and EMP Gunners, who disable enemy mechs and vehicles but pose little threat to infantry. The Boarding Commandos represent the faction’s elite warriors, heavily armored and specialized in close-quarters combat, equipped with shotguns, thermite grenades, and other breaching tools.
Their vehicular arsenal is equally diverse, featuring various improvised combat trucks. The Rocket Truck delivers powerful but wildly inaccurate artillery barrages, while the Chain Gun Truck offers mobile suppressive fire but suffers from frequent jamming issues. More specialized options include the Laser Truck, armed with a repurposed spaceship laser capable of damaging even the most heavily armored targets, and the Flame Truck, which can devastate infantry with its flamethrower but is highly vulnerable to explosive damage.
Notably, most of their weapons and vehicles can be repurposed by players, adding depth to encounters with this faction. MENACE is under development and is expected to be released in Early Access in Q3 2025 on PC via Steam. I will keep following the updates and bring them to the TBL pages. Ciao
