ORX is a challenging breath of fresh air in strategy gaming
Carcassonne is a popular board game for modern tabletop gaming. This is due to its easy-to-learn tile-laying mechanism and puzzle-like approach to city-building. There are digital adaptations of this game and other games that draw inspiration from it, like the city-builder Dorfromantik. However, there is plenty of room for other teams who want to try this type of game. What does Johnbell’s ORX have to offer?
ORX is a unique combination of strategy subsets, mechanics, and elements. It combines elements of survival, tower defence, city-building, and meta-game features. To stop the titular orx from attacking the central castle, players will use tessellating tiles to place on a map made from cards. The game’s survival and city-building mechanics are the mainstays of its design.
Roguelike systems are primarily focused on deck-building and fulfilling mission challenges. These will give players more cards and options within each run. Although there is a small persistent reward feature between runs, it’s not as extensive or detailed as other roguelike strategy games like Loop Hero.
To get straight to the point: I haven’t seen anything quite as ORX. From its solid presentation, fresh mix strategy mechanics and addictive level of challenge, it is unlike any other game.
ORX’s strategy mechanics are well integrated, making it a rich tactical and strategic experience, even though it is small in scale. The four main features work together well: a sense of tension due to resisting evolving waves, long-term strategic decision-making with deck building, tactical puzzle challenges in laying down an effective defensive blueprint, and tactical adaptation due to the elements of randomness such as card draw.
The game’s four major systems are highlighted by the two most recent mechanics. They require players to think creatively, with foresight, in designing the abstract geometry of their fortifications and then adjust on the fly to any unexpected curveballs. The gameplay core is looking great, and the meta-game mechanics and roguelike add an extra layer of excitement to keep you strategically invested.
There is plenty to do in each mission, across multiple decision-making levels. ORX’s almost perfect mechanical balance makes it an addictive level of difficulty. You’ll find yourself hooked by the players’ inability to effectively use their resources to stop the orc’s hordes.
It’s also easy to restart a run, which makes it easier for players to have fun and fail while still learning and improving as they play. Balance is key to creating a strategy game that works. ORX seems to have mastered this skill.
The developers are aiming to launch four factions with their game at launch. Each will have its own set cards and unique mechanics, which will increase ORX’s replayability and allow for more tactical decision-making. Each run will include several missions, which will increase the difficulty and give you more to chew on.
