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PayPalWith a seriously great looking 80s terminal PC style that you need to see in action to appreciate, the hidden gem Mainframe Defenders has seen a big update recently.
Originally released in February 2020, it's a squad-based strategy game where you kit out a bunch of prototype robots on a quest to stop a deadly computer virus that's infected a research complex. A game for people who are after a sleek and to the point tactical battle game and Mainframe Defenders certainly delivers. The big 1.2 version release went out recently and with it a bunch of great new content including: new units you can command, an entirely new type of item with squad upgrades and there's 13 of those, 5 new support items, 2 new strategic map tiles with Suppression Field and Repair Gel plus strategic tiles now have different effects on destruction.
Not seen it before? Check out the trailer:
Direct Link
In some ways it definitely reminds me of the early tactical games including the likes of Laser Squad, X-COM and the earlier Space Crusade that was on the Amiga which I have pretty vivid memories of playing but never being any good at it. Mainframe Defenders gives off a great game feel, with you picking from various mission types to send your squad through that vary on difficulty and mission requirements.
With a sublime retro atmosphere, I can highly recommend Mainframe Defenders.
You can buy it on Steam and itch.io. It's 50% off on Steam until November 18.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
I like the look of the card-based upgrades at the end - some nice weapon diversity in there. It's also reminding me of Arcen's awesome Bionic Dues (which you can pick up right now for £1.74 until the end of November).
Might have to pick this up. It's ticking all the right boxes.
I'm not sure I love the look of it, but it reminds me of [Rebelstar on the Spectrum](https://www.mobygames.com/game/zx-spectrum/rebelstar), believe it or not! And I didn't know until I googled it just there, but Rebelstar was the precursor to Xcom, so I guess I'm getting the same vibe as Liam!
Wow Rebelstar is even more ancient (1986 on spectrum). [Laser Squad](https://www.mobygames.com/game/zx-spectrum/laser-squad) mentioned by Liam was released on zx spectrum two years later on 88 and a bit more fine tuned. Both designed by Julian Gollop, so they're XCOM precursors indeed.
Thanks for the nostalgia trip!
Anyway I got this game some months ago, because it had those Laser Squad vibes. And now with this update they even got it translated in Portuguese.
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