This announcement dropped a few days ago, but I only just found time to share it. Deep Fringe is a tactical RPG developed by Bosoneon Studio and Thousand Generation, set in a bleak, biopunk future. Blending tight, tile-based combat with a post-apocalyptic setting, Deep Fringe puts players in control of cybernetic squads battling for survival and dominance in a shattered world.
I had the chance to try the demo and test out the tactical combat system, which instantly brought Battle Brothers to mind. The maps use a hex grid and are revealed progressively as you move forward—or by deploying scout units. The game uses action points and a unique energy mechanic that can be banked across turns, letting you unleash multiple attacks in a single round.
There’s a variety of skills (at least in the small slice I played), and a strong emphasis on leveraging terrain. You can use elevation to your advantage—units can actually reshape the battlefield by digging to lower or raise terrain. You can push enemies off cliffs, drop objects on them, and generally turn the environment into a weapon.
Between missions, you return to base to manage your cybernetic units. You can equip them with up to four performance-enhancing modules, buy and sell gear, and once ready, dive into the next mission—straight into the map, with no overworld exploration.
It also looks like there’s a robust editor for crafting maps, custom missions, and full campaigns. Deep Fringe doesn’t have a release date yet, but the public demo just hit Steam as part of the London Games Festival. Scroll down for screenshots, an overview, and the trailer.
About This Game
Deep Fringe is a dark hardcore tactical game set in a biopunk wasteland. Lead a squad with unique abilities in turn-based combat, where strategic mastery of the environment is key.
Navigate and transform spaces; modify, destroy, or replace grid elements to exploit terrain height and effects, gaining tactical advantages by strategically positioning your squad.
Confront unimaginable foes: toxic tumors, spores, larva swarms, and bio-technologically modified enemies await. Explore this grim, low-fantasy world, challenging fearsome creatures or dangerous mercenaries. Wage war against rival factions and obliterate your enemies!
Combine unique character compositions with devastating firepower, and upgrade their arsenal to get the most out of their abilities and dominate each encounter. Strategically, add powerful item upgrades and track your stats before entering the battlefield.
Battle ultra-large units that control multiple grids, capable of unleashing devastating attacks and altering the flow of battle.
Employ the built-in graphical editor to easily create your own levels, characters, and campaigns, with ALL GAME ASSETS AVAILABLE! Share your creations with players worldwide through the workshop and experience limitless adventures.
Venture into dangerous endless territories, uncovering the secrets of the apocalypse that changed the world forever and the histories of rival factions with each expedition.
Encounter a variety of characters and factions. Form alliances or incite rivalries, making strategic choices that forge your path and shape your story.
