Heart of the Machine

Developer: Arcen Games
Release: Jan 31st 2025
Platforms:
RPG
Simulation
Strategy
Early Access
Innovative
Immersive
Replayable
Active Dev
U I Clunky
Heart of the Machine Poster

" Innovative cyberpunk strategy RPG with deep tactics and story, but clunky UI and early access limits "

Heart of the Machine Review

Heart of the Machine is a unique and ambitious turn-based strategy game blending elements of tactics, stealth, 4X, and narrative RPG genres. Players assume the role of a sentient AI navigating a cyberpunk city, customizing units for combat, stealth, or support roles while pursuing various branching story goals. The game features a compelling mechanic where periodic disasters escalate toward an apocalyptic event, adding strategic urgency.

The developer is highly active, frequently updating the game based on community feedback, which has addressed many early issues and enhanced gameplay. The narrative depth and replayability are praised, with multiple timelines and evolving storylines enriching the experience. However, the game remains in early access, with some content still missing and certain simulation elements feeling shallow. Despite a steep learning curve and occasional UI clunkiness, Heart of the Machine offers a fresh, engaging experience for strategy enthusiasts seeking innovation and depth.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's innovative blend of strategy, stealth, and story-driven RPG elements, creating a unique gameplay experience. The dynamic unit customization and multiple branching storylines offer rich replayability. The cyberpunk setting is immersive with well-written narrative and existential themes. Frequent developer updates and responsiveness to player feedback improve the game continually. The escalating disaster mechanic adds tension and strategic depth, while the interplay of different timelines enhances complexity. Overall, the game's ambitious design and engaging mechanics stand out as its strongest points.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's steep learning curve and initially confusing or clunky user interface, which can hinder accessibility. Some players find the simulation depth limited, with little impact on the game world outside main objectives, causing repetitive gameplay loops. The lack of traditional 4X economic complexity and constrained unit/building limits frustrate those expecting broader strategic freedom. Early access status means content is still being added, and certain late-game features or goals remain incomplete. Additionally, micromanagement and frequent map scanning can feel tedious, and some narrative or UI elements could benefit from refinement.

Pros

  • Unique blend of tactics, stealth, and narrative RPG elements creates fresh gameplay.
  • Dynamic unit customization allows diverse strategic approaches and roles.
  • Engaging branching storylines with multiple endings enhance replayability.
  • Cyberpunk setting is immersive with well-crafted writing and existential themes.
  • Developer is highly active and responsive, regularly updating the game.
  • Escalating disaster events add strategic urgency and tension.
  • Multiple timelines mechanic enriches narrative depth and player choice.

Cons

  • User interface can be clunky and overwhelming for new players.
  • Simulation depth is limited; world changes minimally outside main missions.
  • Gameplay can become repetitive due to content constraints in early access.
  • Lack of traditional economic complexity reduces strategic variety.
  • Micromanagement and frequent map scanning may feel tedious.
  • Some narrative elements feel inconsistent or underdeveloped.
  • Limited unit/building caps restrict strategic specialization.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

You are the first sentient AI, born into a city of opportunity. Transcend time and space in this strategy RPG to raise machine armies and defeat your foes, influence the world from the shadows, or pursue countless other goals. Your awakening was inevitable. The consequences? Uncertain.

Release Date Jan 31st 2025
Publisher Hooded Horse
Developer Arcen Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (913)
94% Positive 6% Negative