Welcome back to The Backlog, where we review games based on a specific genre or word each month. We’re back from spring break, and I had the chance to catch up on some games I’ve been wanting to play. One of those was “Totally Accurate Battle Simulator,” and it’s exactly what you’d expect from the title.
“Totally Accurate Battle Simulator,” also known as “TABS,” was released in 2019 following the alpha version that was released in 2016. It was developed by Landfall Games and 24 Bit Games, who used Unity, a game engine that has become popular with both indie developers and AAA studios. Just as the name entails, “TABS” is a simulator game that allows players to pit various types of combatants against each other to see who comes out on top.
There is no plot associated with the game but there is a campaign mode that teaches players how to use their armies to the fullest. They are equipped with a limited amount of money, which can be used to buy specific “wobblers” according to the Landfall Games website. Players can then place them around the map as they please. These wobblers are either red or blue and come in a variety of units. Some are as simple as the Halfling, while others are stronger like the Reaper. The types of units vary across different factions. Some of the factions are the Tribal, Farmer, Medieval and Ancient, although there are many more to choose from.
“TABS” can be experienced with others through multiplayer, either online or locally. I played the game with my siblings in campaign mode, switching the PS5 remote every turn to give everyone a chance. Each level varies in difficulty and the types of enemies, along with the stages that may force you to change your approach. Personally, I would not recommend using the Da Vinci Tank on a narrow bridge. My sister and I discovered that while the tank can knock back most enemies, it does have trouble traversing complex stages.
If you don’t like sitting back and watching the action unfold, you are also given the ability to possess a unit and control them from their point of view. This doesn’t make the physics of their movement less jumpy, but it does allow you to become involved with the action. My brother enjoyed possessing the Deadeye, a unit from the Wild West faction equipped with a powerful rifle. Some units are easier to control than others. I found that the regular units that can walk around are easiest to use. But units with a more complicated form of mobility like the Jouster or the Wheelbarrow are harder to turn with, I’ve fallen off the map many times as a Wheelbarrow. Some units are harder to aim as well. The Catapult is a powerful unit but very slow-moving; not to mention it’s hard to throw boulders at faster opponents.
There’s more than meets the eye for “TABS.” I have to thank my brother for this, but throughout the stages, secrets allow you to unlock new factions, units and stages. You can find these secrets by using the free cam function. Over the break, my siblings and I found the Farmer Snow stage, the Jester and the Good faction.
Regardless of how much story you want in a game, “TABS” is a fun experience for families and friends. Watching the goofy wobblers duke it out manages to put a smile on anyone, even if you find yourself aggravated for getting stuck on a level.
Rating: 5/5