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Frozen Synapse was officially released this past week. It is a simultaneous turn-based strategy game where you control minimalist looking, gun-wielding units—be it machine gunners, shotgunners or grenadiers. The simultaneous part of turn-based means that each player’s turn acts out at the same time, with each turn taking up 5 seconds of real time.

It is an exercise in precisely timing movements and unit placement, given that almost all engagement between adversary units is based on line of sight and cover. The maps and unit load outs are randomly generated, making the basic tenets of strategy emphasized, while also giving plenty of fresh layouts.

I still need some more time to make a more considered opinion on Frozen Synapse, especially the single player, which I'm not so sure about. But I have been really loving the multiplayer and skirmishes in both the pre-order beta and the little time I’ve had with the more final versions. It is unfortunate that the servers have been acting up the past few days, but as of this morning, I have been able to connect more reliably. Though this is somewhat at the expense of splintering players across many servers.

So there are a few kinks still, but it definitely seems like something everyone should at least take a look at.

[Frozen Synapse is 20 dollars with a free copy for a friend from the official website or through Steam. It is on Windows and Mac OS X. Buying it on the Mode 7 website also activates on Steam.]

Comments

  • Avatar
    Balancebgm
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Looks like a pretty cool game especially with the multiplayer component, but I wish there was a steam demo or something. It's a game I really need to try before I decide on a purchase.

  • Avatar
    Comradebearjew
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Looks really neat. I would like to try a demo or something.

  • Avatar
    NelgMonkey
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Nice visuals, will definatly try it out.

  • Avatar
    Soulglove
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Well I hope Joseph will have something to say about this game since I gave him my free extra copy to him back in December. Setting up multiplayer games in Frozen Synapse is great. Since everything is turn-based, you can play each turn whenever you are ready and submit. A game can be played throughout a day, a week, or longer. If anyone remembers how setting up movement and actions in a level in the old Rainbow Six games, it's similar to that.

  • Avatar
    XcavsX
    13 years, 6 months ago

    looks quite interesting, could make for some really fun online play.

  • Avatar
    SomethingSnappy
    13 years, 6 months ago

    looks interesting and i want to try it

  • Avatar
    brucezombie
    13 years, 6 months ago

    I like the idea of multiplayer in a game such as this. Looks fun, I might have to try this game out. Team Fortress 2 might finally have a friend on my steam account.

  • Avatar
    Skrams
    13 years, 6 months ago

    http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-frozen-synapse/17-2579/

    I think the giantbomb QL showed it off well. Looks pretty sweet and a key for a friend makes it even neater with it being like chess.

  • Avatar
    matto424
    13 years, 6 months ago

    well it looks interesting i may pick it up when i make my steam account and get 8 dollors on it and etc,,,etc

  • Avatar
    xtenext
    13 years, 6 months ago

    This really is a good game. It's cool because its right in between an RTS and a turn based strategy game

  • Avatar
    Nek™
    13 years, 6 months ago

    I can't help but think of Brink when I watch that trailer. Especially when it shows the buildings in the video (The Ark anyone?).

  • Avatar
    kd_battletoad
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Looks interesting, might check more about this game.

  • Avatar
    lemith
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Interesting, quite an old top-down format, but it does seem innovative. Ill have to check it out!

  • Avatar
    Riochyu
    13 years, 5 months ago

    Ima get this game for sure! It looks very entertaining and maybe i can hook my clan up with it. :)