Broken Lines by PortaPlay is a story-driven tactical RPG that is set in an alternate version of WWII. The game follows a group of eight soldiers that have crash-landed behind enemy lines, and attempt to make their way home.

While yes it is a well put together turn-based strategy game, the main focus is on the narrative, and how the characters deal with their actions and the horrors that they see in war.

Gameplay

The combat in Broken Lines is the same as any other turn-based tactical RPG, but soldiers move only when the action phase starts, allowing players to set up multiple moves all at once. When new enemies and hazards make themselves known to the player, the game pauses to allow them to react to the new change, and adapt their plan to counter it.

Leaning over to the narrative aspect of the game, as the story progresses, the group of soldiers will be presented with random encounters that will need to be dealt with one way or another. It is up to the player to decide what the outcome is. All of the choices that are made have varying consequences that can and will shape the story.

Expectations

As a somewhat new player of turn-based strategy games, I don’t really know what I expect from Broken Lines. I hope the main focus stays strongly on the narrative for the rest of my playthrough, as I have really enjoyed that aspect of the game so far, and I would hate to see that be altered.

As for the actual gameplay, I am enjoying learning the unfamiliar style/mechanics that the game has to offer me.

Conclusion

From what I have played of the game so far, the plot and dialogue between the characters is well written and the game is just genuinely fun to play. I am not an avid turn-based strategy gamer, but I am enjoying my time in this title, and I must say the large focus on the narrative helps with that quite a bit.

Broken Lines is available now for $24.99 on Steam. Be on the lookout for our full review coming soon.