Overhype Studios, the brains behind the acclaimed Battle Brothers, is venturing into the realm of futuristic tactical warfare with their upcoming game, Menace, slated for 2024.

Unveiled earlier this year, Menace transports players to a distant future where they command a strike force of Republic Marines tasked with uniting a star system against an impending alien menace. The latest showcase, the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted 2023 trailer, paints a vivid picture of a brisk and intense battle unfolding in a snowy biome, showcasing the game’s reliance on strategic artillery deployment.

While Menace distinguishes itself from Battle Brothers with its shift to 3D graphics and a sci-fi setting, it retains the signature gloomy sandbox experience. Players face overwhelming odds as they carefully choose battles, equip their forces—expanding from marines to mercenaries and criminals—and hope to avoid devastating squad losses in engagements. The game introduces challenges like unpredictable weather, superior alien technology, and mid-battle errors, emphasizing the need for tactical decision-making and proper equipment selection.

Menace encourages diverse strategies, urging players to utilize flanking manoeuvres, pincer attacks, suppression, and cover to dislodge enemies from fortified positions. In addition to conventional forces, players can deploy powerful mechs and tanks to the battlefield, albeit at a resource cost that competes with improving squad equipment. The game dynamically adapts to players’ choices, as relationships with different factions influence available gear and support.

Each battle forms part of a branching operation, forcing players to make strategic decisions such as neutralizing anti-air defences before deploying heavy artillery or taking risks to rescue hostages with a smaller force. The procedurally generated operations promise varied experiences in each playthrough, adding to the game’s replayability. Despite the abundance of tactical games, Menace stands out with its emergent storytelling and interlocking systems.

Anticipation surrounds Menace, set to release in 2024, as it promises a compelling fusion of tactical depth, strategic choices, and a futuristic narrative that keeps players on the edge of their seats. Be sure to check out the Steam page for any updates.