Guards II is a pocket turn-based tactic game with extremely simple rules but very deep mechanics. The player needs to swap two heroes to make a move. It may sound easy, but in reality, it requires a lot of thinking and planning ahead.
![](https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/2394780/extras/heroes1.png?t=1685622200\)
Features
- Original Turn-based Battle System.
- Eight heroes with unique abilities and battle techniques.
- Skills system with variety of options.
- Deep upgrade tree for each hero.
- Reworked item system with many additions.
- Five different worlds with a unique bestiary, divided into a total of 80 missions.
- Challenge mode with an additional 80 missions, higher difficulty, new enemies, and other additions.
- Special in-game achievements for each mission to test the player's skills.
![](https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/2394780/extras/gif1.gif?t=1685622200\)
Gameplay
The main feature of the game is a unique turn-based battle system. You command a team of 4 heroes, with 3 of them fighting on the front line, while the 4th recovers health behind the backs of their teammates. To make a move, you need to change the positions of any two heroes. If a hero moves from the back line to the front, they unleash a super attack. For example, the Monster Hunter fires an arrow storm that damages all enemies in the line and reduces their resistances, while the Alchemist heals an ally with a restoration potion.
![](https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/2394780/extras/gif4.gif?t=1685622200\)
New features in the sequel.
Guards II is a sequel that introduces some completely new features. Firstly, all heroes and enemies have one of four attack types: Physical, Fire, Magic, and Death. Each unit has resistances against certain attack types and vulnerabilities to others. Finding the best mix of attack type and enemy defenses is one of the main strategic elements of the game.
Another great addition to the game is the heroes' stances. Now, all heroes have two stances that can be changed following certain rules. Each stance has a different attack type, resistances, way of performing a regular attack, and effects of the ultimate ability. For example, the Mage in the first stance is just an ordinary mage, casting magic balls for regular attacks and stronger magic balls for the ultimate ability. However, when changed to the Fire Mage form, it can attack any enemy on the battlefield with a regular attack, while the ultimate ability sends three meteors to a single enemy in each line. All heroes have two stances, offering different gameplay styles.
![](https://cdn.akamai.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/2394780/extras/gif2.gif?t=1685622200\)
Skills & Upgrades
In the original game, each hero had only 9 upgrades. Now, each hero has a unique tech tree with over 30 upgrades, each with 2-3 levels. The player chooses which upgrades to learn first. Additionally, the item system has been completely reworked. All items are no longer for one-time usage. Instead, players gather a new resource that determines how many items they can bring into battle. The higher the value the player has, the stronger items they can take with them. Finally, the number of skills has been increased from 5 to 7. These additional skills bring a lot of new strategic elements to the game. You can discover them in the game! Players can even bring a 5th hero into battle!
Story and Challenge modes
On top of that, Guards II offers 160 missions divided into five completely different worlds, each featuring unique monsters with their own abilities, as well as challenging end-world bosses. The game also includes a challenging Challenge mode designed for true strategy fans, which is exceptionally tough to beat. Furthermore, all missions in the game come with special in-game achievements that test the tactical skills of hardcore players.
All of these features make Guards II one of the most captivating strategy games that all strategy fans should definitely give a try!