Antisquad

A turn-based tactical strategy game, Antisquad is currently free, for Windows — 100% free to keep — in what seems to be a flash Indiegala’s giveaway that likely won’t last long! Don’t miss out, as Antisquad normally costs US$5.99!

Antisquad is a turn-based tactics game where the goal is to command a small and diverse squad of mercenaries in strategic missions. It was developed by InsGames and released on May 22, 2014.

This is a lightweight game with simple but visually appealing graphics, with the character designs even reminded me of Team Fortress 2. The music has a retro vibe, evoking classic 60s/70s spy themes, which works surprisingly well in the overall context.

Published by InsGames itself for Windows, Linux, and Mac, Antisquad has received hundreds of neutral reviews on Steam, at least so far. There’s also a title by the same studio called AntiSquad Tactics, but it’s unclear whether it was released before or after Antisquad, or if it’s an enhanced edition, a spin-off, or something else.

You can get the game here!

Trailer

Gameplay

Antisquad is a turn-based tactical strategy game in which you control a squad of up to three characters in grid-based combat across diverse maps. The gameplay requires careful positioning, smart use of skills, and strategic exploitation of the environment. Players begin with five available characters and can hire up to three additional ones using the in-game currency. Each mission allows for three active members, each with unique abilities.

Combat is based on action points: each unit can move, attack, or use special skills during their turn by spending these points. Some tactical actions — such as smoke grenades — block the enemy’s line of sight for two turns, while other abilities deal armor damage or reduce the opponent’s movement points.

Characters level up as they progress through missions. They can also be equipped with new weapons, outfits, and consumables — all purchased using resources gained in battle. Outfits not only change the characters’ appearances but also affect their attributes.

The game features multiple campaigns and standalone missions, each with specific objectives. In addition to a tutorial mode, there are themed operations (such as missions against drug cartels) and optional challenges, like eliminating enemies in a specific order. Difficulty is scaled across four levels: Easy, Normal, Hard, and Hell. At higher difficulties, enemies appear in greater numbers and with heavier armor, requiring more complex strategies or fulfilling new specific goals, adding to the replay value.

Defeated enemies are automatically looted at the end of each turn, yielding currency, weapons, upgrades, and consumables. However, nearby enemies can also pick up these items, adding an extra layer of tactical risk.

The interface allows you to inspect both allies and enemies at any time. You can view their health, action points, special skills, and even brief biographies.

About the game

Widely known in small circles as AntiSquad, they are a military tactical response unit. These hardened military professionals, tired of bureaucracy, politics and serving the armed forces, have established a private paramilitary formation located in south United States. Being true military professionals, they periodically execute contracts for jobs that may not be considered “clean”.

The Team consists of many complex individuals with their own back story, but they do not shun mercenary applicants. Members of the team are idealists; they dwell on moral issues, as well as question blind nationalism, etc. AntiSquad strongly differ from military units. They truly are a bunch of contradictions put together – heartfelt cynics, gregarious egoists, aggressive pacifists, and phlegmatic rebels all under one banner.