The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics

Fans of Netflix's family-oriented fantasy series might have anticipated worse of a small-budget video game spin-off. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics may lack the narrative depth, sophisticated combat, and epic length of other games in the genre (such as Final Fantasy Tactics and the Fire Emblem games), but it nonetheless provides a competent turn-based strategy role-playing experience with plenty of story tie-ins to appease fans of the show. The quick story sequences between battles never overstay their welcome. They introduce (and sometimes say farewell to) characters, and provide simple threads that keep things moving at a quick click. Combat is fast-paced, too. Maps are never overwhelming, nor is the number of characters under our control. Players are generally given just one or two main objectives to complete, and these can sometimes be accomplished in just a handful of turns. Which isn't to say missions are one-dimensional. Players need to make ample and proper use of all of the job-based abilities at their disposal, whether that means taking flight to outflank an enemy or making efficient use of potions and spells to keep their party healthy and effective.

Don't go in expecting too much, though. There are plenty of little fraying strings for nitpickers to tug at, including the need to occasionally grind levels to grow characters, or failing and needing to restart battles just because you didn't know which job abilities would be most useful beforehand. And while the simple, comic strip-style storytelling conveys adequate information, it does feel a little cheap -- especially when put up against the big budget TV show, which dazzles viewers with its visually stunning presentation. The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Tactics isn't pushing any boundaries, but it was never meant to. It's just a fun little turn-based fantasy romp designed to satisfy devotees of the show who also count themselves casual strategy game fans.