Sumerian Six is a real-time tactics game that casts players as a team of six unique agents infiltrating a Nazi-occupied castle to thwart a sinister plot. With a blend of stealth, puzzle-solving, and tactical combat, Sumerian Six invites players to orchestrate intricate operations, exploiting environmental factors and enemy weaknesses to achieve their objectives. But does this blend of old-school inspiration and modern execution amount to a captivating experience, or does it falter under the weight of its ambitions?
A Tapestry of Intrigue
Sumerian Six unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, where a rogue Nazi scientist seeks to harness ancient Sumerian magic for world domination. While the plot of a villain seeking world domination might seem familiar, Sumerian Six‘s distinctive art style and exceptional voice acting works seamlessly alongside it.
Players assume command of a diverse cast of characters, each possessing distinct abilities and personalities (and great sleuth-y voices, too!). From the agile scout to the heavy-hitting brute, each agent brings unique strengths to the table, demanding careful consideration of their roles within the team.
The narrative, while not ground-breaking, serves as a compelling backdrop for the core gameplay, offering a sense of purpose beyond mere objective completion. There is a lot of thinking required, which might sound obvious, but I say that for a good reason: you are unlikely to achieve your objectives by pure luck alone. There are only a few solutions or approaches to each objective, so be sure to think carefully about how you aim to achieve it. Creativity is also important, as it means that there is more than one way to get the job done, so-to-speak.
The Art of the Shadow
As mentioned, at its heart, Sumerian Six is a game of meticulous planning and execution. Players must carefully observe enemy patrol patterns, identify environmental vulnerabilities, and strategically utilise their agents’ abilities to navigate each level undetected. The game encourages experimentation, rewarding players for creative solutions and unconventional approaches. Things such as distracting guards with a well-placed rock, utilising environmental objects as cover, or exploiting enemy line of sight, are all great ideas and Sumerian Six empowers players to approach each challenge with a sense of tactical freedom.
A Symphony of Skills and Synergy
Sumerian Six boasts a diverse array of abilities across its six agents. From the scout’s ability to scout ahead and mark enemies to the heavy’s devastating melee attacks, each character offers unique tactical options. New abilities and enemy types are gradually introduced, ensuring a steady progression of challenge and complexity. However, the effectiveness of these abilities can sometimes feel inconsistent, which could leave you feeling frustrated by seemingly random outcomes, despite your forward-planning.
Whilst being a single-player experience, Sumerian Six emphasises the importance of teamwork and coordination. Players must carefully consider the unique abilities of each agent and strategically utilise their combined strengths to overcome challenges. The game encourages a sense of synergy, rewarding players for effectively utilising the diverse skillsets within their team.
A Grand Spectacle
Sumerian Six boasts a beautiful and visually striking art style, with detailed environments and well-crafted character models.
The voice acting is great, with each character’s voice seeming to fit their avatar perfectly. The atmosphere is further enhanced by a fitting soundtrack, with orchestral pieces that evoke a sense of tension and suspense.
A Playthrough for the Ages
Sumerian Six offers a respectable amount of replay value. There are multiple difficulty levels and optional objectives which encourage players to revisit levels and experiment with different strategies. The focus on player choice and emergent gameplay ensures that each playthrough feels unique, encouraging exploration and experimentation. As such, no two experiences will feel wildly similar, although there will be some familiarity in terms of the missions, for example.
Conclusion
Sumerian Six is a captivating real-time tactics game that successfully blends stealth, strategy, and puzzle-solving. Its intricate level design, diverse cast of characters, and the crucial emphasis on creating harmony within your team of agents provide a rewarding experience for fans of the genre. While the game may sometimes feel disjointed in places in terms of random outcomes, Sumerian Six is strong enough in other areas to remain a compelling and challenging adventure.
Pros
- Intricate level design.
- Diverse cast of characters with unique abilities.
- Great voice acting.
- Wonderful, strong atmosphere.
- Visually striking art style.
- Rewarding gameplay that encourages experimentation.
Cons
- Inconsistent ability effectiveness.
- Some random outcomes.
- Narrative may not be ground-breaking for some.