Fuga: Melodies of Steel

After their village is caught in a war, a group of children sets out aboard the ancient tank Taranis to fight the invading forces and try to save their families. Players assign the children to the tank’s gun turrets, where each brings distinct skills to the crew.

Battles use turn order and enemy weaknesses to shape each move. Players can swap crew members, use abilities and items, and target weaknesses to delay enemy attacks. On the journey, branching routes offer different risks, battles, recovery opportunities, and rewards.

During intermissions, players spend limited actions to tend to the crew and improve the tank: activities include farming, cooking, healing, upgrading, and building relationships between children. These bonds and the crew’s condition affect their combat capabilities. In a crisis, the Taranis can also fire the Soul Cannon, a powerful weapon that requires a crew member’s sacrifice.

Many reviewers enjoy the contrast between the children’s endearing presentation and the grim wartime premise, often singling out the emotional story, artwork, and music. The turn-based battles and crew-management loop also appeal to players who like tactical planning. Some reviewers, however, find combat repetitive, the writing or character development thin, or the challenge uneven.