Capes Critic Reviews

Capes is the perfect game for those looking for a level of challenge similar to that of any XCOM. Fun, complex and colourful, at times the game becomes very difficult, requiring more and more attention from the player, but if taken calmly, Capes can offer many emotions and hours of fun.

Sending your own superhero into the race is a brave move and, at least in terms of play, it really works here. There's plenty of scope to come up with your own solutions, and figuring out the best strategy makes the hours fly by. The fact that the ambitious story is not supported by a corresponding character design is regrettable, but in view of the undeniable gameplay qualities it is easy to get over.

Capes offers a fresh theme in the TRPG market, with a story of flawed superheroes fighting for justice in an oppressed city. The turn-based combat is sleek and well-balanced and the unique Team-Ups offer a bevy of approaches to address mission challenges. The UI is clear and concise, and the game does a great job of presenting key information to make effective tactical choices. It’s a pity that a few hindrances, both graphically and in the repetitive combat, hold the game back from being truly epic, but if you want a little bish, bash, and boff with your tactical, turn-based RPG, you could do a lot worse than playing superhero with Capes.

As it is, with its few pitfalls, it isn't quite as refined as I would have hoped, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot to love and appreciate in worldbuilding, narrative, character design, and presentation. Spitfire Interactive has taken some risks with this game, not all of them have paid off, but there's definitely still a lot of potential and promise with this game all the same.

With its vibrant visuals, intricate gameplay mechanics and a narrative that both entertains and provokes thought, Capes sets itself up as a memorable addition to the superhero genre. While there are minor audio-visual sync issues and balance quirks in the combat system, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. This game promises hours of engaging gameplay and delivers a powerful commentary on control and resistance in a dystopian future.

An awkward story doesn't hold Capes back from being one of the best turn-based strategy games of recent years.

If Capes’ biggest crime is that it isn’t the most original game and that its fights require more thought than some might like, then I’d call Spitfire Interactive’s debut a hearty success. Within its deep tactics gameplay is plenty of exciting and creative party DNA to tool around with. It even has a surprisingly refreshing tone and take on the superhero genre that is the most authentic I’ve seen in a while. So why not go save the world? I promise a super duper good time awaits.

Capes’ clever and challenging take on superhero-flavored turn-based tactical combat gives you all of the information you need to turn the tables on its villains. Watching the action figure-like characters combine their powers and supercharge their diverse ultimate abilities sells their teamwork well, and chasing optional objectives in each mission gives you a lot to think about to counter a wide range of enemy types. Stealth missions don’t work quite as well but they’re mostly optional, and the story, heroes, and villains are entertainingly written throughout the substantial campaign.

Overall, Capes is just fun. If you like XCOM but wanted your heroes to have more power from the get-go, Capes scratches that itch incredibly well. The by-the-numbers plot and somewhat-thin characters hold it back slightly, but the title is engaging enough to keep you invested in the next fun stage or exciting boss fight. It's a great example of how the XCOM formula still has plenty of life in it, as long as you're willing to look at things from a different angle.

Capes is a good enough game, but lacks the necessary distinction to go up, up and away.

The narrative itself, while presenting some interesting twists on the genre, also spins its wheels during several sections, resulting in a story that outstays its welcome approximately halfway through its runtime of 40 hours or so.

Quotation forthcoming.

Quotation forthcoming.

A tactical turn-based game without randomness and covers. While it's attempt to diverge from the path of XCOM is commendable, the lackluster story, monotonous gameplay, and content composition remind us why XCOM remains the king of turn-based tactical games.

Capes mostly overcomes its cliches, lack of customization, and limited scope thanks to its strategic gameplay that will test the mettle of even the most hardened of turn-based tactics veterans.

Capes offers solid turn-based strategy with cool skill synergy and a nice hero design. However, Spitfire Interactive's debut suffers from clear weaknesses in terms of staging, overview and character depth.

It’s got a great idea but it doesn’t come close to living up to its promise, and you’re better off playing any number of other superhero games or XCOM-alikes.

Capes is an XCOM with super heroes where the superheroes are the problem to solve.