Quarterstaff by Generic Lake Monster
I’ve talked in previous reviews about how tactics games are often a form of puzzle. Take away the genre staples like stats and storytelling, and what you’re ultimately left with is a question: how do you use the tools at your disposal to survive an encounter as unscathed as you can?
Quarterstaff, the debut game from Generic Lake Monster, understands this better than most. While it has a genuinely gripping story and plenty of character customization, its primary focus is on dropping you into new situations and asking, “How are you going to get out of this one?”
Thankfully, it has the gameplay to back this up.
Don’t Wait for Tthe Wizard
As the wandering wizard Kalresh, your goal is simple: save the land from the conqueror that has laid it to waste. You’re up against overwhelming odds, often with only your quarterstaff, spellbook, and talking chameleon to help you. Thankfully, that’s really all you need.
While not exactly original, Quarterstaff’s story is still effective. The combination of evocative character designs and solid writing helps keep Kalresh’s journey engaging, and several exchanges even had me chuckling. Its cutscenes, though very sparsely animated, also do a good job of evoking the particular mood the game is going for.
However, Quarterstaff’s true focus is on its combat, which is where you’ll be spending most of your time. Taking place on a grid full of enemies and hazards, every turn gives you a comprehensive look at what enemies are going to do, from movement to attacking. This gives you time to plan your response, which is executed by a few simple mouse clicks.
I Got the Magic Stick
Kalresh will attack enemies on the side while shifting past them, or any that you charge directly into. Kalresh can also stay still for a turn, blocking all hits and charging up a meter that gives you free turns. Combined with an array of special attacks, spells, and maneuvers like backflips, and you’ll feel like a martial arts master in an old kung-fu movie.
It’s an impressive array of options, made all the more impressive by just how easy it all is to execute. Quarterstaff clearly wants you to feel powerful, like you’re outsmarting your enemies as much as smacking them down. It even gives you bonus objectives that force you to think your strategy through, which reward you with upgrade points for Kalresh’s stats.
That’s not to say it’s all combat, though. There’s a map to navigate and secrets to find, including new staffs, spells, and special moves, allowing you to customize your build to your liking.
The Verdict
I’m pleasantly surprised with Quarterstaff. It’s rare to find a tactics game this simple that stays compelling, which this has accomplished in spades. Honestly, the best compliment I can give it is that I’m going to go right back to playing it after I finish this review.
Maybe this time I can figure out how to lay an entire army to waste in three turns. Maybe.
Quarterstaff is available via Steam.
Watch the trailer for Quarterstaff below: