Solstice Chronicles: MIA

Solstice Chronicles: MIA is a top-down twin-stick shooter blending action and RPG elements with a post-apocalyptic setting. Players choose among four distinct classes, each with unique skill trees and playstyles, and engage in fast-paced combat against endless waves of alien creatures. The game offers both a story-driven campaign and a survival mode, with local couch co-op support but no online multiplayer. While the core gameplay is solid and enjoyable, many players found the RPG progression shallow, with limited itemization and skill customization. The threat management system and drone mechanics add tactical depth but have a learning curve. Graphically, the game is decent, powered by Unreal Engine 4, though some users experienced glitches and performance issues. The story is simple but has charm, supported by humorous dialogues. However, the infinite enemy spawns and lack of meaningful exploration or loot reduce incentives. Despite technical bugs and design flaws, the active developer support and replayability through multiple classes provide lasting appeal for fans of the genre.

Highlights

Players praised the game's engaging and fluid twin-stick shooter mechanics, with satisfying shooting and melee combat. The four distinct character classes and their skill trees offer varied playstyles and strategic depth. The threat system and drone abilities introduce unique tactical elements. Graphics are considered good for an indie title, with atmospheric lighting and effects. The story mode, though simple, features intriguing characters and entertaining cutscenes. Local couch co-op is highly appreciated, enhancing replayability. Weapon variety, including heavy weapons like flamethrowers, adds to the fun. The developers' active involvement and responsiveness to community feedback are also commended.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include shallow RPG elements, limited itemization, and repetitive gameplay with infinite enemy spawns reducing exploration incentives. Controls can feel clunky, and aiming or using drone abilities requires practice. Performance issues such as frame rate drops, graphical glitches, and bugs were reported. The lack of online multiplayer and limited survival mode content (only one map) disappointed many. Skill trees have some underpowered or redundant upgrades, and some classes are unbalanced. The story is considered bland by some, and the campaign is relatively short. Checkpoint and respawn mechanics can be frustrating, forcing level restarts. Sound effects, especially gunfire, were described as unsatisfying.