Lamplighters League: A New Take on Turn-Based Tactics
In our Lamplighters League review, we take a look at a new take on Turn-based Tactics that aims to lower the entry barrier for players new to the genre. While purists might scoff at the idea of streamlining some of the genre’s complex mechanics, this fresh take from developer Nodesminders introduces strategic decision-making without overwhelming players with percentages and maths.
Despite her powerful abilities, Ingrid the Lamplighter frequently falls asleep on the job. As the head of a supernatural private investigation agency, she’s frequently tasked with stopping the Banished Court, but her stress leads to a random draw from a deck of playing cards that affects her abilities. Sometimes, this leads to positive effects, like a buff to her attack damage. However, more frequently, she’s knocked down at the start of her turns, which becomes problematic when facing self-reviving flaming mummies that need to be burned to death twice.
The Lamplighters League combines turn-based tactics with stealth mechanics, giving you the freedom to explore a map and find alternative routes rather than simply encountering enemies in a specific order. You can choose to play as a Gentleman Djinn, who can silently take down enemies, or a Saboteur like Eddie, who can sabotage and use mines. However, if you’re relying on stealth and you’re spotted, you might be forced to abandon it and go loud.
I enjoyed the strategic decisions the Lamplighters League forced me to make, but sometimes I felt the gradual ratcheting up of pressure was a bit too slow. It might be that I’m spoiled by the more rapidly escalating difficulty curve of games like XCOM 2, where you find yourself in over your head almost immediately.
The Lamplighters League’s standout feature is its accessibility. Simplified combat means that you’re not overwhelmed by a complex menu system and can quickly identify synergies between buffs, debuffs, and special abilities. Each of the Lamplighters has a mix of familiar ideas from other games, but they all feel like they belong in this world.
For instance, Ingrid fights much like the Reaper in XCOM 2, but her ability to pull a card after every turn means that you need to plan for a sudden change in her abilities. The Gentleman Djinn can use silence to take down multiple enemies at once, but his effectiveness can be hindered by his own stress. When he falls in battle, Célestine mourns her lost friend and reflects on the streets of Montmartre that they both call home.
The Lamplighters League feels like a breath of fresh air for the genre, and its accessibility and unique combat and supernatural elements create a fresh experience. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the turn-based tactics pool, Lamplighters League is a great place to start.
