Into the Breach 9+

Ever since it’s release on PC and Switch, Into the Breach has been one of my favorite games of all time. There’s an incredible amount of depth, strategy, and narrative packed into an 8x8 grid. Having played the PC/Switch versions for hundreds of hours, I was thrilled to see that this game was coming to mobile AND getting new content.

I love this game, but I have a few notes for future updates.

1. For whatever reason, I can’t listen to outside music or podcasts while playing the game. Whatever I’m listening to stops as soon as I open the app. The music and sound design of the game are great, but sometimes I just want to listen to a podcast while slaying Vek, you know? Please, please address this in a future update.

2. There is some bug that reverses the choice I make for new content. Sometimes, I check the boxes for the new content, but I’m stuck with the classic missions and enemies. When the new content boxes are unchecked, new enemies, missions, and weapons appear. This specific issue seems very fixable in a patch.

3. I’ve noticed a bug where the grid-defense percentage fluctuates mid-match. I’ve mostly noticed this happening in “unfair mode” when the grid-defense starts at 0%. Again, something that seems fixable in a patch.

Overall, I’m thrilled that this game is free for Netflix subscribers and finally available on mobile. If you address these issues, I will happily change my review to a solid five stars!

This is a GREAT game! It’s not simple, it’s not fast paced,it doesn’t have tons of characters and mind blowing graphics. What it does have is an actual mental challenge, somewhat similar to what chess provides. If you like actually thinking, seeing the big picture, and earning hard fought victories…you’ll love it! You will lose more than you win, especially at first. As you learn the game it will become easier, but you can simply change one of many customizable settings for continued difficulty. Even at the easiest setting it is difficult. If you’re looking for some mindless way to keep your hands busy, it’s not this. If you like finding something that will make you think several turns ahead and feel a genuine sense of accomplishment after a win, this is a Very rare mobile game that can give you that.

I first played and fell in love with this game originally on my Switch. When I saw it was available on my iPad with a Netflix subscription I downloaded it immediately. I was weary about whether or not the controls would translate well and if it was an accurate port. Well to my surprise not only is it nearly identical to the console version but the game actually controls better with touch only controls! So much so that I now prefer to play it here rather than on my console. If you like turn based strategy games like Fire Emblem you will absolutely not be disappointed! The game is jam packed full of unlockable content via an achievements system and it’s incredibly addictive trying to get every single one. If you’re considering it enough to read the reviews then you owe it to yourself to try it out.