KickStarter Heroes of Steel - turn based tactical RPG from Trese Brothers

[Lhynn]

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tresebrothers/heroes-of-steel-fantasy-rpg
Steam Greenlight: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=210285625

http://www.tresebrothers.com/heroes-of-steel/

Spoiler

"Heroes of Steel is a tactical RPG set in a grim post-apocalyptic fantasy world. Coordinate your party of four heroes in turn-based combat and navigate a engaging world and story."

Link to steam page

Looks interesting, anyone here tried it?

 

[ERYFKRAD]

Lol Cory Trese games. No thanx.

 

[Whiran]

Lol Cory Trese games. No thanx.

Who?

 

[da_rays]

"Heroes of Steel is a tactical RPG set in a grim post-apocalyptic fantasy world.

I barely started with this , a few fights in. Look interesting. Tile based grid for mouvement and combat. You basically have 4 archetype ( Warrior , Sneak , Holy dude and Magic user ) with 2 class each. The story is told around thoses 4 heroes , the sneak is the more useful ( for now ) out of combat , she have skill like unlocking door and chest , listening to door to gauge danger. Like a baws.

Combat is enjoyable. Nothing grandiose . All turn based of course with AP ( Yum~ ) which is used for movement and various actions ( spells , abilities and weapon use ) . AP pool is enough to move 7-10 tiles ( varying with class ) or full assault mode with 3-5 attacks moves. No movement / attack phase or heroes turn. Its all in ''your'' turn , you can switch with any hero at any time. Havent seen character progression for now , seem to have around 10 skills for eachs hero. Must be different with the other class i didnt pick ( i hope ).


I dont like the art too much tho...but thats my personal preference. Soooo what of the overall fun you might say? All depend on your taste / graphic whore inside you but , it's good fun , good setting , so far the story want me to learna bit more . Might wanna wait for a good bargain on this one. Also , im a sucker for tile based combat , from dungeon master to WH40K , so toss that into the mix.







If TL;DR come to mind , Yeah not bad for a roll with TB with a grid combat game

 

[Mustawd]

Caveat 1: Played this about a year ago before the newer updates.
Caveat 2: Played this on my iPad2 so YMMV on PC
Caveat 3: I only played the first chapter

Graphics: Combat and movement is top down tactical view. Only real discernible features are hair color and clothes color. Otherwise, each model looks pretty identical to the other.

For Narration, the portrait view is used. Portraits are "good enough". The art is not great, but it's at least serviceable and has a consistent theme. Graphic-philes might be put off though.

My biggest gripe with the art is that the level design is pretty damn boring. You start out in a dungeon and it's just one tile after another of grey stone. Granted, at the end of the first chapter there seems to be more variety and potential, but it's hard to tell.

Story: Meh, generic and shallow in the first chapter, but it's not horrible. Dialogue is....ok I suppose. Nothing offensive really. At the end of the day you're not playing the game for the story. Also, keep in mind that I only played the first chapter. It might just have a slow start, seeing that the beginning is combat heavy.


Combat: Turn-based goodness with decent attack options and tactics. Some of the combats were a bit boring at first, but the game does a good job of keeping resources scarce enough to make resource management important. Nice mix of ranged and melee mobs; plus some heavier hitting mobs towards the end.

Wish there was more variety in enemy types, but its understandable given the setting.


UI: Controls are clunky and not optimized for the iPad. Movement, attack, and action gestures on the ipad are all really similar, so it was frustrating to get in a groove. A few times I attacked when I wanted to move and vice versa. However, YMMV with PC.


Overall: I had fun with the game and put it on my play list. Now that's it's on Steam I might just pick it up and finish the thing. The combat is engaging enough, and the graphics are minimalist but unobtrusive (if uninspired at times).

It's a good not great game, but pick it up if you like TB combat.

 

[Lhynn]

No KoTC i guess, but ill give it a try and come back to this thread if i fnd anything to add.

 

[Loriac]

Its a good turn-based rpg for the mobile platforms (I played it on android) where there just isn't much out there. The game is fairly complicated, and you have to build your characters as a team and understand how the abilities work together (I think respec was added in as an option recently). I played it a bit over a year ago and found it enjoyable once you get past the prologue and start to understand the systems - and that was before a lot of quality of life improvements were added by the devs. I keep meaning to try it out again to see what its like with the changes made, and will do once I have some free time to do so.

 

[Galdred]

Thank you for your feedback. Which do you think is the better version? Android? PC? iOS?

 

[Loriac]

I haven't tried the game on PC, but I suspect the UI would seem quite bad without using a touch interface. I'm not sure if there is an iOS version, I think the developers have been focused on android mostly and only recently started looking at porting to other platforms. You can try the demo on android if you have that platform (not sure if there are demos on the others) - you get the prologue 'free' which takes maybe an hour or so. The only problem is that you won't see the full complexity of the systems in place during the prologue, so the game feels quite basic at that point. You can buy the android version piecemeal (i.e. pay for each chapter as its released, and each additional character of 4 you want to add to the standard 4) whereas the PC pricing is 'all-in' i.e. around $12 iirc. You could check out the game's forums - they have a small number of 'regulars' on there who have put together strategy guides etc which may help to give you an idea of the underlying complexity of the game's mechanics.

The developers are quite industrious on the android platform, and have created 4 other games so far (cyberpunkish rpg, space trading rpg, warhammer 40k type tactical game, 4x space strategy game). Heroes of Steel is the second most recent of their games (the 4x strategy game is their most recent) and they are implementing better design as they become more experienced. They also update their games more frequently than any other developer I've seen on the android platform (typically you see updates for their games every fortnight or so).

However, with the best will in the world, the game doesn't hold a candle to properly designed PC rpgs; its a mobile touch-based game by design, and developed by a team who don't yet have experience on the PC platform. If I was looking to buy an rpg to play on the PC only, I'd choose from one of the wave of incline thats been hitting over the last year or so. However, if you want a mobile game then HoS is one of the best on the android platform (iOS has more choice than android, and I'm not very familiar with the games available on it so its possible there are better options on that platform).

 

[Mustawd]

I can confirm that there is an iOs version.

A lot of what Loriac mentioned rings true in that the prologue seems basic, but shows a promising game. In terms of the UI, for me it's hard to see how a PCI port would be anything but an improvement. Then again, some steam reviews mention that it's an obvious tablet port, whatever that means.

 

[SausageInYourFace]

Thinkin about getting this since I really enjoy their other game Templars Battleforce. Since the combat is incredibly fun in that one I was wondering whats the combat like in this game - are there varying objectives that spice it up like in Templars (surviving for a number of turns, escorting someone, conquering a specific tiles, etc.) or is just about killing-all-enemies everytime?

 

[Mustawd]

Not sure if the PC has a demo, but you can get the first chapter on iOs.

And the UI is p. unchanged from the tablet, so I imagine the gameplay is very similar.

I remember liking it on my ipad, so I bought it in this last sale.

 

[Andhaira]

Playing this puppy right now; it's surprisingly good, despite the top down perspective (not isometric, straight top down) The graphics are charming though and animations are good enough.

The 'best' parts are the story, character narratives and ofcourse the TB combat. Let me explain: The story is linear, your party is fixed with 2 characters for each class 'slot' but each character plays differently somewhat. Each character narrates different stuff in the story depending on his/her specialty; so your priest or paladin might feel some evil force within an NPC while the others don't. Interparty banter is fun, and you learn about the story via the PCs talking to each other. There is no quest compass, as you infer what you have to do by reading the dialogue of your party as they speak to each other.

Now about the story, it's a simple good vs evil tale on a small scale (for now, i am only a few hours in) Nothing grandoise, and quite gritty. No overtly complicatd bullshit or lengthy wordsalads written to make the game appear deep. It's exactly what I need to enjoy an rpg these days. The game also stats off with a bang; you are in prion and you use you PCs talents to escape. Interparty banter fills you in on the story as you fight and run; opening is quite similar to Darksun 1's opening actually.

Highly recommended.

 

[Catacombs]

The top-down view is an immediate turnoff.

 

[SausageInYourFace]

Andhaira

What about this old question I've had:

Thinkin about getting this since I really enjoy their other game Templars Battleforce. Since the combat is incredibly fun in that one I was wondering whats the combat like in this game - are there varying objectives that spice it up like in Templars (surviving for a number of turns, escorting someone, conquering a specific tiles, etc.) or is just about killing-all-enemies everytime?

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

If remember correctly there are some varying objectives, like escaping from pursuing enemies and surviving number of turns.

 

[Andhaira]

Andhaira

What about this old question I've had:

Thinkin about getting this since I really enjoy their other game Templars Battleforce. Since the combat is incredibly fun in that one I was wondering whats the combat like in this game - are there varying objectives that spice it up like in Templars (surviving for a number of turns, escorting someone, conquering a specific tiles, etc.) or is just about killing-all-enemies everytime?

Not that far in as of yet; don't be on the fence, just get the game. It's pretty cheap these day due to Steam Sale.

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tresebrothers/heroes-of-steel-fantasy-rpg/posts/2216104

Jun 18 2018

Major Add/Upgrade -- Thanks Patreons!

Heroes!

We are sending out an update today to share the status on the final completion of the Heroes of Steel story line as well as an exciting add or upgrade that is coming to the game thanks to our supporters on Patreon.

First -- the final story update for Heroes of Steel is coming soon. In summary -- the monsters are all done, the loot is all prepared, the maps have been made, the story events being written and everything is getting wired together. With so many choices in the story that all lead to this moment, it has become a challenge to weave it altogether again cohesively in the last few moments. We are taking our time to get it right but it is our only priority in Heroes of Steel at the moment.

Second -- after the story is finished, Heroes is lucky to have been selected by our supporters on Patreon for an epic booster. A huge thanks to the patrons who all voted for Heroes of Steel to be selected from among our catalog of games. Soon all of our patrons will be invited to vote again -- this time picking the exact nature of the epic booster. Check out the current exciting list of potential additions -- including a 9th hero, a slimmed down version of the original Honor Classes stretch goal, a redraw of all the gods and villains, a redraw of the heroes' sprites, a redraw of the 4 oldest hero portraits or a tileset upgrade! Sound exciting and want to get involved? Join us on Patreon -- there is still time to get in before the vote!

Thank you for your support and patience as we put the final touches on this after years of work and support for this amazing game! We could not have created it without you.

Andrew and Cory Trese

Trese Brothers Games

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

https://steamcommunity.com/games/291190/announcements/detail/1701691696513718835

Update #113: Sprawling World
29 October - Trese Brothers

Update #113 is a small story release in order to tie up the last loose end before the final story update -- the question lingering in Freeport. If you've been there, you know who we are talking about, so but I won't say much more. if you return to Freeport during Episode 4 after the final trip to the City of the Dead, you'll be able to pass your judgment.

To help make the end of the game faster, we've added a fast travel network stemming from the Fierhold inn. Visit the tents there where you can rest and you'll find options to immediately travel to Brunehorn, Braeyshaulm, Freeport, and the Storm Bastion. Once you've made the trip, you can return to Fierhold from the inn at any of these far flung locations.

While the Wooden Flute is still waiting for its purpose, we've fixed its missing art. We've also fixed a longstanding bug where sometimes the Talents list would get stuck during screen transitions.

v4.5.17 - 10/29/2018
- The Crone's story arc is now ready for completion in Freeport after the return from the City of the Dead
- Visit Freeport to make your decision and judgment
- Added Fierhold Episode 4 fast travel network: travel between Fierhold, Brunehorn, Braeyshaulm, Freeport, Storm Bastion immediately
- Added missing art for story item: Wooden Flute
- Fixed bug where sometimes the Talents list goes nuts

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

https://dpwhittaker.github.io/hos-planner/

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

https://steamcommunity.com/games/291190/announcements/detail/1597013990397177191

Update #116: Major Milestone "SIEGE"
Final story update to bring Episode 4 to its stunning conclusion

The gates to the Sur-Relliar glacier have been kicked wide open and your heroes are ready to march north out of Fierhold to face the the Dark Born a final time.

With this massive and final story update, you can now complete the arc of Episode 4 and bring the entire game's storyline to a earth shaking conclusion. What started on that bridge ends here.

The final dungeons are massive, challenging and full of boss fights and unique and powerful loot. Battle drakes, ravagers, Evesse's blade-maidens and more as you fight to reach Wiegarn's final citadel. See the choices you've made throughout your journey bear their final fruit.

For those heroes who may want a second chance at the dungeon or want another round of loot and XP, you can play a New Game+ mode that will reset the final Sur-Relliar Siege and let you do it all over again, though you keep all the items, rewards, and XP you gained from the first time doing it.

We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our KickStarter backers and supporters over the years, we are very pleased to see this epic story reach its final moment.

v5.0.1 - 10/4/2019

- Epic Final Episode 4 Expansion Pack: Siege the Sur-Relliar Glacier
- Epic end-game conclusion to the tale of the 4 Harbingers
- Battle across 7 new brutally challenging dungeons and maps
- Lock blades and magic with multiple major bosses across the climactic siege
- Face 15+ new monster types -- Ice & Fire Drakes, Orcin Ravagers, Thorn Shamans, Unrequited Blades and more
- Loot 100+ new amazingly powerful weapons, armor and magical gear across the final dungeons
- Once beaten, you may invoke a New Game+ mode to replay the final dungeon and bosses again! (and again!)
- Fixed all issues with late-game bows named "FIX ME" and crafting out of Fierhold
- Fixed crash with "Great Flats" level loading in some situations

 

[Taka-Haradin puolipeikko]

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tresebrothers/heroes-of-steel-fantasy-rpg/posts/2645929

Final Update: 100% Delivered

Posted by Trese Brothers Games
October 8, 2019
Creator

Dear Backers,

Years ago, our studio embarked on a new journey. Alongside our titular 8 heroes, we plunged headlong into a new world full of strife, magic and intrigue. But we couldn't have done it without every single one of you joining us to make the project a reality and a success. Together we have built an epic game. With your help in the Alpha team, through the creative rewards, and across years of your community feedback we crafted Heroes of Steel.

We are posting this final KickStarter update to announce the final story update to Episode 4 for the game. This KickStarter is officially closed and 100% delivered.

Over the years, we expanded Heroes of Steel far beyond the original scope we could have hoped to achieve on the $20,398 of funding with over 150 dungeons and nearly 100 hours of gameplay that involves no repeat grinding for XP -- only forward play in new areas and new story. While our scope and ambition did grow throughout the development process, we kept our eyes always on our commitments and are pleased to say we delivered every reward and every commitment and then some.

There are many untold stories about this KickStarter and what it came to mean for the Trese Brothers studio. Knowing what we know now, 3 games later, we can say confidently that Heroes of Steel was the turning point that put our studio on a path that allowed us not only to survive, but to level up and grow. The commitments we made here pushed us to adopt a new engine to reach iPhones, iPads and eventually the desktop gaming market. It was our first project Greenlit through Steam with 3 more titles to follow during a time when it was not so easy to get onto Steam. And finally, the Heroes KickStarter showed us the strength of our community and allowed us to take the leap to full time gamedev. In every respect -- the fact that you backed our game and our studio enabled us to grow into what we have become today. From modest beginnings come great things!

Once again, let us express our deep gratitude for your support,

Andrew and Cory Trese

Trese Brothers Games

 

[rusty_shackleford]

Trese brothers deserve an award for most improved indie.

 

[ERYFKRAD]

Trese brothers deserve an award for most improved indie.

Really have come a long way from their early games.

 

[Falksi]

Added to Wishlist. Too many games to finish first before ordering, but looks interesting so will pick up when I've cleared a few of the list.