14 DAY TRIAL // Solving a protection racket problem by applying force, assisted by the use of a gun, is a great way to make money from a contract while targeting the bonus from a critical success. Isabella Loren might not look threatening, but she packs serious physical strength, with her valiant effort bringing in more than 200 dollars. This means I can get another agent and open up another set of cases to deal with, for bigger rewards and bonuses.
Rough Justice: ‘84 is developed by Gamma Minus UG and set to arrive before the end of the year. The game uses boardgame-inspired mechanics to create a dice and mini-game-powered strategy experience.
In the city of Seneca crime is on the rise and the police are unable to cope. So, players form their own private security agency, dealing with a variety of cases, trying to complete challenges and make money. The overall quality of the writing is decent but not spectacular.
The gameplay is focused on agents and the cases they can take on. They all have five core attributes, which influence how many dice they can roll to deal with a challenge. Get good results to solve the situation and get a reward. Fail and see how hard it is to run a company with negative cash flow. Games also have to make binary decisions on how to best approach a situation and the title also features mini games that add some variety to the action.
I like the map implementation and the possibilities it is showing. But the core gameplay loop feels a little empty and the dice rolls never generate excitement. Rough Justice: ‘84 shows off its boardgame roots while delivering a presentation that draws heavily on nostalgia for the period it is depicting.
The character’s looks are the highlight, with plenty of neon colors and a simple way to know what they can do at a glance. The soundtrack is also a throwback to the ‘80s, but it can use more energy to lend players some momentum.
Conclusion
Gamma Minus UG clearly has a solid vision for the game they are crafting and the fact that they picked up an Epic grand means that others see what it has to offer. But to capture the attention of players when it launched its 1.0 version, Rough Justice: ‘84 needs more than a mix of nostalgia and potential.
Preview code provided by the publisher.
