FIGHTS IN TIGHT SPACES REVIEW: BARE-KNUCKLE TACTICS
In my never-ending search for roguelike deck builders, I let Fighting in Tight Spaces slip by while in early access. Ground Shatter developed the game in the UK. It has been tweaked for over a year. The game is now available as a mix of turn-based strategies, deckbuilding and classic action-movies fighting sequences.
Fights in Tight Spaces is now available on Steam, Xbox One, and Xbox Series.
STORY – A UNDERCOVER SPY’S LIVE
Fights In Tight Spaces You play the role of a Section Eleven agent. This branch of Intelligence is very hands-on in its approach to fighting crime. You will be responsible for infiltrating and taking down several gangs. You’ll have to punch and kick your ways out of tight spaces such as elevators, offices and train compartments. You will find five chapters and a tutorial. Our sharply dressed character is assigned to a particular criminal gang, ranging from Scandinavian hunks and very Italian mobsters.
It is a beautiful setting that lends itself to the game. It’s refreshing to see something new in the fantasy-laden backgrounds of deck builders and other tactics games. The chapter structure has one minor flaw. You are strongly urged to start every chapter, which will give you bonuses that you almost have to use to survive the later stages.
GAMEPLAY: A SLOW, THOUGHTFUL APPROACH to FAST ACTION FIGHTING
You will follow a familiar path to the boss through each chapter. This is typical for roguelike deck builders. There will be fights, all in tight spaces, random events and visits to the gym or the medical centre along the way.
Combat is played in a small grid of 5×5. You draw cards each turn and can perform any actions your Momentum allows. It resets to 3 every turn. These actions include attacks, movements, defensive manoeuvres, and particular activities that can affect your hand or give you temporary or permanent bonuses. You can combine some of these actions on one card. A flying kick, for example, will allow you to move closer towards the enemy it is attacking. You can add a card to your deck after each win.
Fights in Tight Spaces has a lot in common with Into The Breach and Slay The Spire. First, there is a wide variety of enemies. Some of these enemies will introduce new game mechanics. Some will attack anyone who steps within their control area once per turn. Others will counter them. Others will defend you from all attacks, push you around or block your front line.
TACTICAL COMBAT TURN-BASED
Positioning in Fights In Tight Spaces is essential to survival, more than any related titles. Side objectives can include granting bonus money or improving your health/stats, ending the fight within a set number of turns. This means that you have to get the best out of your environment. These objectives can be achieved by either pushing your opponents off the board or getting them in the way of an incoming attack. They will determine the success of your run.
Unforgettable moments are created by focusing on tactical fighting. There are very few moments in gaming that make me happier than when an enemy pushes another player off the board. You might not realize you’ve lost the entire run just by moving one tile to your right. Although this is not a problem, you can lose the whole run by stepping one tile to your left.
