Introduction to Menace
Menace, a tactical RPG set in a Warhammer-like universe, first came to my attention in 2023. Since then, it has captivated my imagination, staying at the forefront of my thoughts. The game places players in command of a strike cruiser tasked with navigating a lawless space sector, delivering a depth that typically requires imagination to fill in the gaps within turn-based strategy titles.
Game Mechanics and Features
The layers of Menace are intricately designed, allowing for extensive customization of squad loadouts, interstellar faction management, and various mission paths. Although these elements can seem complex, they do not overwhelm. When I had the opportunity to play Menace at Gamescom 2025, I was pleasantly surprised to find it retained the familiar accessibility of XCOM, offering a wealth of mechanics that feel harmonious rather than confusing.
Without exaggerating, I can confidently say that Menace embodies my vision of the ideal strategy game, providing a level of freedom that enhances the narrative experience.
Gameplay Experience
The demo begins at a deployment screen, where I customize my squad leaders. Using a resource called manpower, I allocate additional squaddies (effectively extra hitpoints) to each character. However, the developers at Overhype Studios caution against excessive manpower allocation, as it may lead to critical shortages in the event of severe casualties. Players can also equip their squads with advanced armor and specialized weapons, like missile launchers, but must consider their budget constraints for each mission.
In this first mission, I pair my squads with a light tank, which can be customized as well. The battlefield is set in a large, open desert, with the objective to capture two buildings. My intelligence level, which can be enhanced via the ship, provides preliminary information about the enemy’s positions. Upon deployment, I strategically position my troops to target both objectives simultaneously.
Unexpected Challenges
As any player familiar with XCOM or Xenonauts knows, plans can quickly go awry. Within minutes, one of my squads was caught in the open and suffered significant losses from enemy Outcasts, a group of low-level criminals. A suppression system keeps the remaining squad members pinned down, while another squad returns fire from behind cover.
Meanwhile, the right flank performs admirably, managing to capture their designated building and engage more well-equipped pirates. The tank proves to be a valuable asset, utilizing its destructive cannon and also transporting troops, which allows for prompt reinforcement of the beleaguered squad.
A Living, Breathing Battlefield
The immersive experience had me grinning throughout the battle. The atmosphere feels alive, with continuous gunfire echoing as I consider my next move. Action persists even after units complete their turns, maintaining a sense of dynamic combat.
Turning the Tide
Victory comes by calling in aerial support. One squad member deploys a drone for reconnaissance, revealing enemy positions. I then request aerial bombardment from our ship, a move that takes strategy and foresight to execute correctly, given the time it takes to arrive. By strategically using missile and laser strikes, I successfully weaken several pirate groups, forcing their retreat as morale takes a hit from the onslaught.
Conclusion of the Demo
While my demo concentrated primarily on immediate combat scenarios, the broader RPG elements and management components essential to restoring order in the Wayback system were not fully explored. Nevertheless, Menace excels in providing players with the tools to craft their own engaging narratives. As someone who previously chronicled experiences in XCOM 2, I believe Menace is poised to be a significant title in the genre, deserving the attention of every strategy enthusiast.
As I await the early access release date for Menace, I encourage others to explore our curated list of the best PC games available now.
