OrderlyStrife (Free RTS) Introduction, Impressions, and Strategy Notes

Preface

This real-time strategy game offers a simple and easy-to-understand gameplay experience, yet provides a deep and challenging experience.
It features American comic-style characters with sharp shadows and a stylish game screen.
It appears that what was originally released as a smartphone app has now been released as a free game for Windows.
I think it took me about 6-7 hours to complete the main story.
Including the extra stages that appear after clearing the main story, I think it took about 10 hours (not measured precisely).

Game Overview

The player is a newcomer to McFadden Securities, a non-profit organization operating in the fictional country of Natchina, which is plagued by civil war.
The job involves forming combat teams and commanding them on the field.
The story itself revolves around "Kura," and the player does not appear in it.

The main screen looks like this.
You recruit new members and form teams, then choose stages and fight your way through them.
Each chapter has a prologue and an epilogue at the beginning and end, and the story progresses through these sections.
The story isn't simple, but the way it unfolds through comic-panel-like illustrations is very engaging.

The battle stage screen looks like the image above.
The only actions a player can take in combat are advancing or retreating.
The key to the game is the timing of giving those instructions.

The red bar in the upper right corner of the screen represents the durability of the enemy supply base, and your deployed units can inflict damage by attacking it.
The objective of this stage is for each side to destroy this supply line.
Naturally, the enemy will also dispatch troops toward us, so if the two sides' forces come into contact, a battle will ensue.
While combat is fully automated, the compatibility and abilities of your units can give you an advantage or disadvantage.
Therefore, it is important to deploy units and combinations that will give you an advantage against the approaching enemy.

However, you cannot deploy troops indiscriminately without any restrictions.
When deploying troops, you will consume "resources" equal to the "cost".
The cost is shown as a small number next to the character's illustration, and the resources are shown as a green number in the lower left corner of the screen.
When you have troops waiting in the supply depot, resources will accumulate over time.
If all five units are kept on standby at the supply base, they will accumulate quickly, but then they won't be able to intercept the enemy.
The objective of the stage is to "effectively intercept the enemy, accumulate resources through logistics, deploy more troops, and destroy the enemy's supply lines."

Units that are defeated are forcibly returned to supply lines, and it takes time before they can be deployed again.
Therefore, it is important to allow wounded troops to retreat temporarily.
If you survive the mission, a percentage of the resources you used during the sortie will be refunded.
It's more efficient for accumulating resources to retreat when the time is right, rather than sending in and getting defeated.
However, since retreat is not possible during combat, it is necessary to consider in advance whether to advance or retreat after each battle.

When you clear a stage, the members you deployed will gain experience points and grow stronger.
By the way, you still get some experience points even if you lose, and there are no particular penalties.
Difficult stages require repeated trial and error, so keep trying as many times as you need.

This is the team formation screen, which you'll probably be staring at many times during the game.
Units can be broadly categorized into infantry, vehicles, and aircraft.
While there are general tendencies in ability scores depending on the type of infantry, even within infantry, there are various types with different characteristics, such as "anti-armor infantry" which is strong against vehicles, and "anti-aircraft infantry" which is strong against aircraft.
It's important to consider the optimal combination and assemble your team for each stage.

As you clear stages, you can recruit various types of personnel.
There are many unique and distinctive characters, so let's use them appropriately, considering their strengths and weaknesses.
By the way, if you wait on this screen, the contents of the speech bubbles will change in various ways.

Some characters possess a "combat doctrine" that activates when deployed, and another "logistics doctrine" that activates when on standby for logistics.
A doctrine is a special ability, similar to a skill.
This doctrine is just as important as combat power, so be sure to understand it.

thoughts

At first, my impression was that it was a simple, unrefined RTS game.
However, as the enemies gradually became more difficult, I had to consider things like enemy matchups, doctrines, timing of deployments, and my own tactics, which made it very interesting.
The "Aggressor" stages, which become available as extra stages after clearing the main story, include some with time limits and require meticulous tactics similar to those found in chess puzzles.
When you're experimenting and trying different things, you can easily lose track of time, but the joy of finally completing the task is truly special.
It was fun to come up with my own winning strategy among so many unique characters.
However, since that winning strategy depends on the stage, it seems impossible to clear every stage with the same team composition.

The story part was refreshing because it was like a moving comic book, with still images and panels that came to life.
The story and the atmosphere of the characters had a similar feel to the manga "Jormungand," which I really liked.
I would especially recommend this to people who like military-themed works.
The dialogue is delivered with sharp wit and is very cool.

Considering the gameplay, graphics, and overall experience, I get the impression that this game surpasses the typical expectations for a free game.
If you're even slightly interested, I think it's worth playing.

Strategy Notes

The TIPS section, accessible from the "Other" option in the main menu, contains detailed information that wasn't covered in the tutorial.
This section contains a lot of helpful information for clearing stages, so be sure to check it out.

After clearing the main story, the additional stage "Aggressor" will become available to select from the menu screen.
There are a total of 24 stages, some of which are quite challenging.
This game will really test your puzzle-solving skills, so it's perfect for players who are confident in their abilities.

Characters that I personally found useful

・Noikom
It doesn't have high combat capabilities, but it significantly reduces the damage taken by infantry.
It was useful when forming an infantry-centered army.
It's inexpensive, and it can at least hold its own against infantry.

McLeod
The logistics doctrine was useful because it reduced the cost of deploying infantry.
They are capable of fighting effectively against human infantry, making them useful in infantry-centered formations.
The doctrine that increases combat power as allied forces increase is also powerful.

Ortiz
Even in stages where anti-aircraft defenses aren't necessary, keeping them in supply lines will increase the rate at which resources are accumulated.
My strategy involves buying time in the early stages and then going for the win in the later stages, so I used this quite a lot.
In the second half, resource accumulation becomes very fast, so even if your allies are on the verge of collapse, you can quickly recover.

Mason
The 50% increase in resources recovered upon successful withdrawal is a welcome feature, as it prevents resource depletion even with frequent troop withdrawals.
In terms of abilities, he can handle almost any opponent reasonably well, so I deployed him in many stages, along with Ortiz.

Carmine Baron
My main goal while playing was simply to deploy him in battle.
If the enemy lacks anti-aircraft capabilities, you can practically overwhelm them with your attacks.
Although it's expensive, when I was able to deploy it early in the game, I would have it intercept enemies by itself for a while while waiting for resources to accumulate.

A guide to the stages that gave me trouble.

I'd like to leave some notes on the stages I personally found difficult.
I think there are many different play styles, so the stages that people find difficult will probably vary considerably from person to person.

3-5 The Black Monster Bird
(Enemy types: Anti-aircraft infantry Lv2, Helicopter Lv2)
It was the first time I got stuck on a stage, and I struggled quite a bit.
The basic strategy is to focus on intercepting enemy forces near your base in the early stages, thereby increasing your total resources.
The idea is to deploy everyone at once once you have enough resources to send them out, and then overwhelm the enemy.
The members who completed the challenge and their strategies are as follows:

Ortiz: This is for countering enemy helicopters.
Because it's expensive, we deploy the helicopter when it arrives, and withdraw it immediately after taking down the enemy.
兵站モードでいる時間経過に応じて兵站がどんどんアップするので、ヘリを撃退するとき以外は引っ込めておきます。

Mason: Basically, we won't deploy them in combat, and we'll make the most of our logistics doctrine.
We will ensure that the resources recovered from returning troops are not wasted, thereby increasing our total resources.
They only sortie during the final all-out attack.

Kaitoda: Basically, we keep them on standby in logistics to make the most of the logistics doctrine.
They will only be deployed during the final all-out attack.

McLeod: I'm an infantry interceptor.
Since there is a logistics doctrine that allows you to convert deployment costs into resources, make sure to keep your troops in logistics when deploying high-cost units.

Neukom: An infantry interceptor.
Because of its low cost and the added durability it provides to infantry units, I often deployed it alongside McLeod.

4-1 Haboob
(Sandstorm - Enemy types: Tank Lv2, Helicopter Lv2)
The members are Midnight Star, Ortiz, Sullivan, Mason, and Bolas.
We considered using sandstorms to our advantage with an infantry corps to attack, but it was a difficult and unfavorable strategy.
The basic strategy is to first withstand the enemy's attack, and then deploy the Midnight Star.
We intercept tanks and helicopters, then return to our supply lines, gradually accumulating resources.
The more resources Sullivan has, the faster he accumulates them, and the same is true for Ortiz.
Mason is incorporated to increase the resource return rate of the frequently returning Midnight Star.
Ultimately, we'll send everyone out at once, and all we can do is pray.

Midnight Star: This is the key to this operation.
Because it's so costly, if you get defeated even once, you're doomed.
While you're mostly safe against tanks, engaging in consecutive battles against helicopters is a bit risky.

Ortiz: He's a resource-gathering unit.
It can be used to intercept helicopters, but it's vulnerable to tank attacks, so only deploy it as a last resort.

Sullivan: Basically, he's a resource-gathering unit.
Like Ortiz, it's weak against tanks.

Mason: My main role is to increase the resource return rate upon survival.

Bolas: A low-cost anti-air and anti-armor unit with high logistical capabilities.
Infantry units can fight tougher than their numbers suggest thanks to the sandstorm bonus, making them surprisingly reliable.

4-6 Arashi
(Sandstorm - Enemy types: various vehicles, various infantry, helicopter Lv2)
Since there are many types of enemies, a well-balanced team composition is required.
That being said, the basic strategy is to use the Carmine Baron multirole aircraft alone to intercept and buy time until we can accumulate enough resources.
We'll have Ortiz and Mason on standby for logistics, creating an environment where Carmine Baron can be easily redeployed.
All that's left is to select units for anti-vehicle and anti-infantry operations.
Once you've gathered enough resources, all that's left is to send everyone in for a final charge.
In my case, I formed a team with Carmine Baron, Ortiz, Mason, Van Imp, and Anushka H.

5-2 Even a drop of water can wear away iron.
(Wind and rain / Enemy types: Anti-armored infantry Lv3, Tank Lv3, Helicopter Lv3)
There are many enemies that are strong against vehicles, making it difficult to deploy vehicles, but the environment also weakens aircraft.
In my case, I formed a team with Midnight Star, Ortiz, Mason, Anushka H, and Van Imp.
The basic strategy is to limit interception to areas near supply lines, using Anushka to handle enemy vehicles and Van Imp to deal with enemy infantry, while aiming to deploy Midnight Star.
Even after Midnight Star is deployed, we'll continue to hold on with Anushka and Van Imp as support while accumulating total resources.
Once we had enough resources, we all charged in and won.

Aggressor 08 Maximum Firepower Exercise
The members are McLeod, Samolenko, Bieber, Capchin, and Bolas.
As soon as the battle begins, deploy all members except McLeod, and deploy McLeod last (to activate the logistics doctrine which reduces deployment costs).
In my case, this was all I needed to clear it.
I think the key is to make the most of McLeod and Samorenko's doctrine, which is that they become stronger as more allies join the front line.

- Aggressor 09 Strategy Exercise
It has a similar feel to the Aggressor 08.
If you replace Samorenko with Neukom (or Brohmann) and deploy them in the same way, you can clear the mission with just a few seconds left.

Aggressor 11
If you don't destroy a multi-turret tank within a certain time after engaging it, it will unleash an extremely powerful attack.
The members who completed the game were McLeod, Tiger, Neukom, Samorenko, and Mason.
The enemy infantry and tanks will be handled by McLeod, Tiger, and Neukom.
And multi-turret tanks should be defeatable if you add Samorenko to those three.
Thanks to the sandstorm and the Neukom, the infantry are quite tough, which is a relief.
Mason does not need to be deployed; he was selected to minimize resource loss during retreat.

Aggressor 12: The Strongest Red Flag
The members are Ortiz Mason Carmine Baron Samorenko Van Imp.
Infantry will be intercepted with Van Imp (and Samorenko if possible), vehicles with Samorenko, and helicopters with Ortiz.
Mason's main role is to stay behind and secure resources.
If a multi-turret tank comes along, you can defeat it by focusing on using the Carmine Baron and Samorenko to repel it.

Aggressor 18 Flash
If you have Godspeed as a companion, I think clearing the game will be easy.
If we can capture the anti-aircraft towers first and then use them as our defensive line to hold out, we should eventually be able to destroy the enemy's supply lines.

Aggressor 22: A Strategy for the Underdog
It's extremely difficult because we lack initial resources.
The basic strategy is to always be able to fight on the other side of the anti-aircraft turrets, and to use the anti-aircraft turrets to disrupt the enemy's supply lines.
The members are Godspeed Ortiz Samorenko Van Imp Sullivan.
Since the battlefield needs to be beyond the central line, rapid advance and retreat speed are crucial.
Use Van Imp for player-versus-player combat and Sullivan for air defense, and retreat frequently to recover after each battle.
Samolenko and Ortiz are primarily for resource accumulation, so other members might be just as good.
If you can just get through the early stages and your resources increase, victory will be within reach.

Aggressor 23 Super Firepower Exercise
The enemy consists entirely of vehicles.
If we can get through the early stages, we'll be fine.
The band will consist of Carmine Baron, Anushka Samorenko, Ortiz Mason, and others.
I'll use Anushka to hold out in the early stages, and retreat if I get injured.
Your supply lines will be attacked by anti-aircraft turrets to some extent, but you'll have to be patient to a certain degree.
If a multi-turret tank appears, you should be able to destroy it before it attacks by pitting Anushka and Samorenko against it.
After that, keep the area beyond the center line on the battlefield, and when the timing is right, swap one of them for Carmine Baron.
That way, we won't need to attack the supply lines directly; we should be able to destroy them with anti-aircraft turrets.

Aggressor 24 Going Hunting
Since there are anti-aircraft turrets positioned closer to our side, we want to maintain control of the area from the beginning of the game.
The members are Ortiz Carmine Baron Van Imp Anushka Samorenko.
I use Van Imp, and occasionally Samorenko, to deal with opponents.
We will use the Anushka and Samorenko to handle multi-turret tanks, and the Carmine Baron and Ortiz to deal with heavy bombers.
Deploying vehicles while Van Imps are in the supply bay will save resources due to the supply doctrine, so try to utilize this as much as possible.
The general flow of the battle should be against infantry in the beginning, followed by multi-turret tanks, and then large bombers.
Fight while being mindful of the sequence of actions.