BatalJ Beta

By Juan M Carrillo

BatalJ is a sci-fi turn-based action strategy game that lets the player command squads in a 1 v 1 battle to win the game. As the game loads it takes you to the screen menu, it is here where you are introduced to one of three factions the Re-Link, Rusters, and the Splicers. Each faction has a distinct look to them giving them a sense of character. The Re-link are Almost robotic like beings almost futuristic like aliens. The Ruster are the only one that seem to feature humans and as the name suggest the Rusters look like salvagers gathering parts from ships and perhaps other battles. And Finally, we have the Splicers like the Re-links they seem Alien like but are more organic then robotic. The art and character styles almost resemble that of Overwatch or Smite giving it a familiar look that is pleasing to the eye.

For being a beta there is not much you can really do, at first, I played the tutorial which introduce me the game play. The tutorial itself takes you to a top view map to where the player can command its units to destroy enemy units or capture enemy post. The game play itself is tiled based meaning you must strategically place your units in various positions. Each faction has the same units unique to them. They are separated by three categories. Tier one, tier two and heroes, each with its own movements, range, and combat.

However, since BATALJ is still on its closed beta and I’m not sure how many people have downloaded the game, the tutorial was as far as I got to playing the game, I tired to play the two other game modes that are available. In quick match I spent more then 10 minutes trying to find a game before eventually quitting. Sandbox however lets your play with the camera and explore the map but that is as far as it goes. The game also has the habit of glitching out which would make the game lag and on two occasions it did make my computer crash.

In conclusion the game is unique and has a charm, that both fans of turn-based games and strategy-based games will enjoy. The familiar art styles and character make it recognizable. Despite its lack of game play, lag times, and glitches It is worth keeping an eye out for BATALJ.