Satellite Reign Review (Dyna)
"Theatricality and deception are powerful agents."
This is the first game where I encounter a mechanic like this, unlike other games that feature stealth, for this one it is different. Generally, I would turn off the cameras and waltz in bypassing what would be considered patrols. When I did this in Satellite Reign, I was starting to get frustrated after I destroyed a camera and there were now 3 NPCs patrolling the entrance I wanted to use, then it hit me. They were guarding the gate because someone blew up their camera.
If you want a stealth approach in this game you need to take this into consideration, if you turn off the lights the guards will notice and boost their patrols. I really like this as you either bypass their security systems without altering anything, or you create distractions in close-by areas so the guards will leave the one you are interested in. You can use hijacking for this as well, works very nice.
I really like the variety in setups you can have and the many ways you can use your agents, the aesthetics are very pleasing, very Cyberpunk. The game does not force you down on any path, you have complete freedom. You can even try to rush the final boss fight without getting much gear if you really want to, or you can take your time and do all the missions, it is completely up to you.
One thing that I did find lacking, and this is where you can see that this is an indie game, is variety in missions. There are really 4 types of missions, go in and get out, go in with someone and break into the facility, break someone out of the facility, and finally, break into a facility and assassinate whichever NPC comes out running. I would of liked more variety in this area.
The world design is great, the ending has a nice twist, the visuals and music are great. Game play is awesome, I hope they make more of this. I wished I played this sooner because it really is a really good game.