Breachway, a roguelike deck-building space sim, had its early access release delayed by developers Edgeflow Studio and publishers Hooded Horse. This decision, while possibly reflecting Hooded Horse’s cautious approach to game publishing, left eager players like myself waiting until August 30th, 2024, to get their hands on the game via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. The delayed release may have been disappointing for some, but it also indicates a level of dedication to ensuring a polished final product.
In Breachway, players take control of a single ship and crew, embarking on a galaxy-wide search for a mysterious “Signal”. The game features event nodes that propel the player through starlanes, creating a dynamic and engaging journey. Battles in Breachway involve using cards to attack and defend health bars, reminiscent of classic games like Infinite Space. While the gameplay mechanics may seem straightforward, the incorporation of different combat systems and strategic elements adds depth to the experience.
The early access build of Breachway promises an array of exciting features for players to explore. With four distinct ship types, each offering unique layouts, bonuses, and faction standings, players can experiment with different playstyles. The game also includes a wide selection of combat systems, over 200 cards to discover, and recruitable crew members with special abilities. Additionally, the galaxy map boasts two regions with diverse events, enemy types, and boss encounters, providing plenty of content for players to engage with.
While Breachway stands out as a unique blend of genres, it faces competition from other space-themed games like Cobalt Core. Cobalt Core, known for its arcade-style gameplay and quirky characters, offers a different experience compared to Breachway’s focus on storytelling and strategic card-based combat. Both games have their strengths and appeal to different types of players, with Breachway catering to those seeking a deeper narrative experience and Cobalt Core appealing to fans of fast-paced action.
Breachway shows promise as a compelling space sim that combines elements of roguelike, deck-building, and narrative-driven gameplay. Despite the delayed release, the game’s impressive features, such as varied ship types, combat systems, and meta-progression elements, set it apart from other titles in the genre. With its intriguing premise and engaging gameplay mechanics, Breachway has the potential to captivate players looking for a challenging and immersive space adventure.