Chris InglisUrban Strife is a turn-based tactical RPG developed by White Pond Games and published by MicroProse and launched in Steam early access on December 10, 2024. Set during a zombie apocalypse, the game draws comparisons to classics like Jagged Alliance 2 (1999) and Dead State (2014). While still in early access development, Urban Strife shows some great promise with engaging turn-based combat, crafting and survival mechanics, and a map full of locations to be scavenged for supplies for the shelter.
Starting as a mysterious patient evacuated by CDC from their Atlanta lab, you are rescued half dead by the kind people of Urban town shelter, somewhere in deep south of USA. You need to raise up and become a leader, rebuild their pillaged camp and bring hope back in the hearts of the survivors. Then venture out to negotiate alliances with ruthless factions or go to war against them. All while trying to survive against a huge horde that is approaching the town after destroying Atlanta.
When you venture into out beyond the shelter, you control a squad of survivors, navigating grid-based environments. Initially free roaming, once you are spotted by an enemy or engage one yourself, the game switches to turn-based tactics. From here, each character has a defined number of action points for movement, attacks, and abilities. What I liked here is the visual representation of sight and sound zones for the enemy. In other turn-based combat games, there is usually a visual zone where the enemy will spot you. In Urban Strife, there are also zone squares indicated where the enemy can hear you. Crouching negates this so moving stealthily is a must.
The combat demands careful positioning and tactical decision-making like in most turn-based combat games. However, there are realistic ballistics that play a significant role in this game. Factors like weapon calibre, range, and material penetration influence damage, like shooting through a car window. This forces you to consider types of cover, weapon types, and enemy placement before making your final moves. You can also hold down shift and click an enemy and it will allow you to target specific body parts with a chance to hit count. This is useful if you and the enemy are both behind cover, but their left flank may be exposed so you can target their left arm or leg for a higher chance to hit. They too can do the same to you, so be mindful of your cover options.
Facing hordes of zombies requires a different approach however, emphasising crowd control and efficient takedowns. Whereas human enemies will often utilise cover and tactical manoeuvres, trying to flank you. Stealth is present, allowing for silent eliminations of zombies, though its effectiveness against human opponents requires refined tactics such as having a second player ready to back you up.
Beyond combat, Urban Strife incorporates robust survival elements. Looting items and resources not only allow you to craft things like meds, ammunition and alternative weapon types like a spiked plank, but you can also donate resources back at the shelter. The base-building aspect involves constructing and upgrading facilities and managing the needs of the community.
Survivors have individual stats, injuries, and morale, so you also need to balance the supplies you carry into each mission. This blend of tactical combat and survival management creates a compelling gameplay loop, where every choice has consequences. The constant struggle for resources and the need to balance immediate needs with long-term survival adds tension and depth.
Visually, Urban Strife doesn’t push graphical boundaries, however the game effectively conveys the bleakness of the post-apocalypse. Environments are detailed and atmospheric, and character models are serviceable. The sound design, however, is one area that could be improved. Weapon sounds sometimes lack impact, and voice acting is only present with characters acknowledging when you do an action with them. There is no dialogue during the main story text which I think is a big negative for the game. It would boost immersion much more if at least the main story characters were voiced.
Despite being in early access, Urban Strife demonstrates a strong foundation with its blend of tactical turn-based combat, survival mechanics, and bleak setting. White Pond Games has crafted a promising title with the potential to become a standout in the turn-based tactical RPG genre. Fans of games like Jagged Alliance and Dead State should keep a close eye on Urban Strife as it progresses through Early Access.
This review utilised a key provided by MicroProse and Urban Strife is available now on Steam early access.
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Daniel Agius