The Technomancer Review

From the idea of Mars: War Logs, comes a deeper experience, with a ton more to it. The Game introduces you to a world of a dark, gritty Mars covered with the idea that lives are limited, and valuable. You are a Technomancer, a master of electrical powers. You embark then soon on a world of discovery and exploration, on top of plenty to do and see. Claimed from the idea of the game,  is your character is a large box of customization. The game was well awaited on my behalf. I really enjoyed Mars: War Logs originally with its decent story, and fun combat. Much like Batman: Arkham Asylum. Let us break down the gameplay, going deeper into the combat.

This game branches into a larger scale then what you might have seen from Mars: WL. You are introduced to some decent dialog(nothing too gripping). Then brought into the games combat. Which at first is a acquired taste. Unlike games like Batman, there are no combat ques to dodge attacks.  Unless you read movements from enemies and are sharp to catch on and roll out of the way, then follow up with a array of attacks of your own. If you decide to get this on PC, you might want to consider a gamepad of sorts. The mapping is not bad in terms of navigation, but I found there were too many controls all over the place. Over time I mixed up just using a gamepad , then keyboard and mouse. It felt less inviting for KB+M, than with just a gamepad. Which the game seemed stronger in element to use, making it easier to just use a Xbox One/PS4- (if you get DS4Window, free program) controller. Spells for the most part are presented on a grid system. However, this requires some space between you and enemies and spot on timing, or you will get smacked pretty hard. Killing in this game by default is not shunned. It is used to collect a currency called Serum. This in turn, is used to purchase materials used to upgrade or make parts for your armor, and weapons in the game.

The game has some aspects of games like from Star Wars:The Knights of the Old Republic, with having a line of party members. I actually liked that idea a ton, because it fills out some lines of dead air with conversations or whatever else, along the time you spend wondering around. How good the AI responds to combat you might ask? Well, surprisingly well. But at points, you do get slammed a lot, to almost no health left. So at times,  I needed to juggle between small packs of enemies and help them out of hairy points. Combat alone requires a lot of focus,  keeping your eye on your health bar and making sure everyone is up and healthy. I usually swap out of stances at points, to try to revert offense to enemies vulnerable points. This is such as when a enemy is one stance, I try to counter with another. Or at least assume it is always the best option. If a enemy has fast counter attacks I try a ranged game. When an enemy is a little bit more slower, I usually attack quicker and get aggressive. It all works pretty well,  adding a ton of depth to what was originally a simple brawler style we have seen before. One thing did feel a bit disappointing – that was character advancement feeling a bit lacking. Sure you can gain new skills and buffs, but I never felt the difference completely. Hopefully in patches to come,  they do an over haul of skill allocation and ability adjustments. Those I felt needed the most work. Otherwise,  the character tree system in it self is good in format, just needs a fix.

Visuals and sound are great. With some sharp draw distance in areas. With much of eye candy to behold. The environments are the games strongest element. Having plenty to wander around in, explore, touch, and loot. I found the map hud pretty darn slick. At the touch of the button,  I could being up a moving,  real time map along with my as I trekked about the towns or landscapes. I found myself  getting lost or confused at points, of some structures. So I would just pop it out (With the R2) and toke a peak. Correcting my progress in the location at foot. The soundtrack is pretty good, so much so I would want a physical CD of it to just listen too while I browsed the web, or reading a book. I tip my hat to the composer.  Sound effects are sharp, and add depth to the immersion.

In Closing:

The Technomancer is a well accomplished game. Its combat can be fun, but also for some, frustrating. This all plays a part,  in the lack of cues for enemies attacking the player. I personally liked the challenge of guessing when I dodge and follow up in combat. The idea of the game is great. Some of its concepts hopefully can be carried on for new games in the future. With that said , they also need to adjust advancement with characters. Giving a more rewarding feeling. With some hopefully needed patches,  where their skills and some balancing are fixed. I can say the game is still highly playable and can be fun past some of those let downs. The story is good in my opinion so overall..

Recommended!