Cyber Knights: Flashpoint
" Deep cyberpunk tactical RPG with unique heist strategy but clunky UI and visuals "
Cyber Knights: Flashpoint Review
Cyber Knights: Flashpoint is a turn-based tactical RPG blending stealth, combat, and base management in a cyberpunk setting. Players lead a mercenary team on varied missions—heists, hacks, assassinations—balancing stealth and loud combat, with a dynamic security AI escalating threats based on player actions. The game features deep character customization, multi-classing, and a strategic layer managing relationships, resources, and upgrades. The initiative-based turn order and unique abilities add tactical depth, while the cyberpunk narrative and emergent storytelling enrich the experience. Developers are highly active, frequently updating and refining the game, showing strong community engagement and support. Though still polishing, the game already offers a robust, addictive gameplay loop appealing to fans of XCOM, Invisible Inc., and Shadowrun. Despite some UI quirks and visual roughness, the core gameplay and strategic complexity stand out.
Highlights
Players praise the deep and innovative gameplay mechanics, especially the stealth and tactical combat balance, and the initiative-based turn system. The cyberpunk setting, rich customization options, and emergent storytelling contribute to strong immersion. The strategic layer involving base building, faction relationships, and resource management adds meaningful depth. Developers’ frequent updates and responsiveness are highly appreciated. The game's replayability, mission variety, and character progression systems receive consistent acclaim. Fans of tactical RPGs find it addictive and rewarding, with many calling it a standout in the genre.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's visual presentation, described as functional but lacking polish, with stiff animations and rough character models. The user interface is often called unintuitive and cluttered, making inventory and weapon management cumbersome. Tutorials are verbose but sometimes unclear, leaving players to rely on external resources. Some gameplay elements like hacking and stealth mechanics have a steep learning curve. Minor bugs and jankiness persist, though frequent patches mitigate these issues. The storyline is seen as serviceable but could be tighter and more engaging. Some players find the time pressure and security escalation stressful or restrictive.
Pros
- • Deep, engaging stealth and tactical combat with meaningful trade-offs each mission.
- • Highly customizable characters with multi-classing and implant options.
- • Dynamic security AI that escalates challenges based on player actions.
- • Rich cyberpunk atmosphere and immersive world-building.
- • Strategic base management and faction relationship systems add depth.
- • Frequent and responsive developer updates improve the game steadily.
- • Replayability through procedural missions and varied team builds.
Cons
- • Visuals are functional but lack polish and have stiff animations.
- • User interface can be unintuitive and frustrating to navigate.
- • Tutorials are overwhelming and sometimes unclear on key mechanics.
- • Some bugs and jankiness remain despite frequent patches.
- • Storyline could be tighter with higher stakes and better writing.
- • Time pressure from security escalation may feel restrictive to some.
- • Hacking minigame and complex systems have steep learning curves.
Rating Criteria
Cyberpunk mercenaries RPG! Turn-based squad tactics with unique heist-planning strategy. Build your crew wisely; their stories will become interwoven with your own. Pull off heists with powerful cyberware, faction connections, multiclassing, weapon modding, stealth, hacking, and more!