Capes - Review After 100%

Talking about my experiences with Capes, a super hero TRPG, after a thorough look at the title!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:35 Overview
02:14 Technical State
02:58 Difficulty
03:44 Story Set Up & Thoughts
07:19 Progression Systems
09:12 Gameplay, Heroes, & Combat
22:33 Steam Deck
23:14 Positives/Negatives
25:00 Conclusion
26:57 Wrap Up
Intro Music By Juan Andrés Matos, www.juanmatosmusic.com/
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#gaming #gamereviews #trpg #capes

[@Schlumpsha]

I see not nearly enough capes in Capes

[@AscendantStoic]

NO CAPES! -Edna

[@ErasMcras]

True, where’s cape cod? Cape leeuwin or horn? This is really a failure on delivering the geography I was expecting.

[@michaelockerby]

Not every hero wears them 😅 @schlumpsha

[@fightclub6284]

Well after playing the game, it's mentioned in a conversation that anyone with superpowers is called a cape, in story it's a leftover name from older heroes who used to always wear them and the name just stuck around

[@jamad-y7m]

Capeshit

[@RJsfuntime]

Thank you, for always adding the steam deck section.

[@jayhub24]

goat

[@PleasantSkulman]

Game looked interesting as I'm big on superheroes and TTRPGs. From everything you said, it's a wait for sale, which is a relief as the game backlog is pretty big.

[@harryballz4260]

Have you ever played City of Heroes? If you're into superheroes I highly recommend it. You can play through COH Homecoming. Though since you're a fan of heroes, I'm sure you're already aware.

[@armelior4610]

I like the "replay missions later with more tools for bonus objectives". Sounds better than straight new game + since you can replay at any point instead of having to finish the game once.

[@Kanyusi1234]

This game reminds me of a game called Freedom Force (I think, it's been a while). I played it back in the early 2000s and remember it being quite fun, with tactical real-time with pause combat, and had custom superheroes as well.

[@petrusjnaude7279]

This was actually the reason I was originally interested in this game since I really enjoyed Freedom Force.

[@CaravelClerihew]

This game has the same writer as Freedom Force, I believe.

[@-Monad-]

I remember FF CHUGGING on my mom's 2003 Dell Latitude 😂

[@Jairaye]

Freedom Force was the greatness

[@user-rr8si7lx7p]

I also liked the sequel though its short but still fun

[@LastChanceWasTaken]

I just wanna say, Mortem. You inspired me to get back into KZbin. I appreciate you as a creator and just know your ability to consistently provide content like this is something I aspire to do. Although some of these games maybe aren't the greatest, have flaws, etc. You always cover them and give an honest review to the best of your ability. Keep up the great work.

[@-Monad-]

Just subbed! Good luck man

[@ilovebiscuits7771]

This game reminds me of an old super hero tactical CRPG series called Freedom Force which I definitely recommend for you to review some time, Mortis if you've not yet. Thank you for the amazing detailed reviews!

[@squirrels_in_the_walls]

Ngl this game looks like what I wanted Midnight Suns to be, so I'm excited to see this game exists

[@Peavey311]

Midnight Suns was hands down my favorite game of last year, but I definitely think you were not alone in this feeling.

[@jamespaul6315]

Having played both, this is very good but Midnight Suns was better .

[@GeneralBananana]

Looking forward to this review 😊

[@coconutologist]

Thanks for the video. I was kind of hoping that there would be an Incredible reference in this one. Onward to 400k. All glory to the algorithm.

[@zero11010]

Been looking for a sequel to Freedom Force for about 20 years.

[@1966thejester]

Great review. I have been playing Capes for a week now, and I have actually really enjoyed the experience. I am a comic fan, so this may make me a little more forgiving of the game. I have been splitting my time between Chaos Gate and Capes, and find myself gravitating back to Capes more and more. All the best and thanks again.

[@philippos5547]

Thank you, I agree with your review. They make you think you should achieve all the objectives first try and all at once which in most missions, at least in the first half of the game, isn't actually possible with the level / heroes you are going to have at that point.

[@kapitankapital6580]

"not a superhero, just a very smart guy" Sad Ironman noises...

[@Dwesk]

This made me think. A Freedom Force remake/sequel that plays closer to this, would be amazing.

[@user-rr8si7lx7p]

there is fredom force vs the third reich snd its very good {but short} give it s try

[@Dwesk]

@@user-rr8si7lx7p oh yeah mate I know I just mean the series as a whole could use either a sequel a reboot or even a proper remaster. But also if they were to decide to reboot it in some sort of turn-based way then that would be sick too.

[@sgribbs86]

I get not having custom characters so they can sculpt the story they want to tell but it basically kills replayability.

[@Avajsb-rv7gw]

They would have to rework a LOT of shit for custom characters. It’s not Xcom. It’s far more like a puzzle game honestly

[@miniking3350]

Which the multiple characters and side objectives fix. I don’t really understand why so many people are criticizing this game for no custom character

[@williamamos8296]

Just a heads up Mort. "Interregnum: False Prophet" is due out June 18th. Might want to check it out.

[@henrychang2267]

This is the next game I am looking forward to. Unfortunately it's got the "Steam is learning about this game" tag which limits the Steam features and I would not buy games with this tag. Hopefully it would be removed later, and more importantly, Steam achievements be introduced upon release.

[@zero11010]

So, buy it as soon as it goes on sale. Gotcha! Looks like fun!

[@thatdude7102]

Which game do you recommend more capes or crown wars?

[@kths3169]

Hey, Mortem! I really enjoy your videos, this is similar to Showgunners (as in X-com-like), yes? Which game did you enjoy more?

[@MortismalGaming]

It is somewhat similar sure. Overall I'd say showgunners personally, just enjoyed the running man vibes more.

[@MrNorker77]

I was looking forward to this, but after the demo and your review I'm going to give it a pass. Not because it is a bad game, but because it isn't for me. While I do enjoy puzzle-combat games (Fights in Tight Spaces is an amazing one), I was looking forward to something less hand-crafted and with more emergent gameplay like XCOM or the like. Not having custom characters or custom powers and negligible customization is another mark against the game. Haven't seen or heard enough of the gameplay the dialog still is already jarring to me. No idead if people talk like that today, but it feels forced to me and I don't like the heavy use of profanity. I do wish the game success because that would lead to more superhero games, of which there is a serious dearth of. Thanks again for the review!

[@Avajsb-rv7gw]

I wouldn’t say it’s a mark against the game, because if they had custom characters, then they wouldn’t be able to implement the already there cast very well or easy. It’s kinda unrealistic to expect to get both

[@thorinhannahs4614]

The voice acting and dialogue are bad enough that when I do play this game it will be on mute while I listen to spotify.

[@kbar4462]

I heard that skill points aren't evenly distributed, but instead pooled? That is, you get 3 skill pts (for example) and can use them on any hero? If so, does that repetatively pad the game in that you have to grind constantly to bring up all heroes to a usable place?

[@aquadrizzt]

There are two progression systems: XP (given per successful encounter, including repeats) and SP (given only upon the first completion of specific objectives). XP goes exclusively towards increasing the character's level, which unlocks additional upgrade purchase options. SP is spent to purchase those upgrades. Grinding encounters over and over thus doesn't work too well because even if the characters are all level 5, you won't have the SP to actually upgrade them. I haven't feel the pressure to grind encounters yet, except in the pursuit of full clears.

[@MortismalGaming]

Yeah skill points are pooled

[@kbar4462]

Thank you both, appreciate the clarification and info on this 🙏

[@jamesrizza2640]

For a small team, they did pretty well. That being said, I agree with you in that they should make a DLC that allows you to make your own characters. Also I am concerned with replay ability. I would like to see procedural campaigns. Lastly, steam workshop and mods, these are the big three with me in any game. Graphics are really cool and I like the grittiness of the game.

[@darylho7345]

Wow this reminds me of Freedom Force

[@AkshayPrasadrocks]

Small thing, but it would be nice if you added a link to the steam page in your description

[@seanstringfellow1163]

FWIW, I picked up both this and Crown Wars: Black Prince. I am enjoying both to different degrees. This TRPG is more enjoyable, in my opinion, mainly because its performing better and the controls are less clunky (I'm on PS5). I'm hoping CW will be patched quickly as I'm sticking to Capes for now.

[@Gluurg]

i had this wishlisted , but i think ill wait a few patches or a special to get it

[@GeminiSunrise06]

I might pick it up. I like the super heroe setting for a xcom like game.

[@DSMTyralion]

I have around 20h in the game, I think it is really good. Gameplay: A (Every map is a small puzzle, some missions are sneaky, some have mass small enemys, some have some elite enemys) Heroes: A+ (Every hero feels very different. Some are stronger, some are a little bit weaker, but no one is useless. The Combo-Abilites between heroes are one of my favourite features) Tutorial: S (everything is explained in detail) Story: B (Cool story, sometimes pretty dark concernin the company, but some decisions the characters make doesn't make sense at all. E.g. killing all the goons in fights, throwing them of buildings etc, but not killing one of the supervillains because - killing is bad.....) Presentation: B (Textures are a little bit basic, animations are good, idle animations are poor, voice acting of main chars is really good, voice acting of side chars can be very bad) Overall: A

[@hoihoi13]

How do u compare this to midnight suns and troubleshooter?

[@pronoydutta614]

Reminds me of Freedom Force by Irrational. The design work on this does look sharp though.

[@Faint191]

I was really excited for this one. When I saw the $40 price tag plus the reviews calling it more of a puzzle game really threw me off. I hope they are able to iron things out and I may buy it for $30 or so.

[@avekrso285]

Honestly I don't care about half the games you review and it's not like I agree with everything you say, but you are the best and most thorough review channel on KZbin. Great job and keep it up

[@bladebk5537]

Oh its’s out? Played the demo seemed fun

[@bhargavapothakamuri4218]

I was waiting by or this review.

[@williamruiz4571]

"Not make your own". That's all I needed to hear. Thanks!

[@javiernovoa8756]

Have really been looking forward to this one and it has not disappointed. $40 is a bit steep but totally worth it.

[@jonsible]

I'd usually wait for a sale, but this seems like a small team getting their start. I'll throw this a supportive buy since you said steam deck is OK. Thanks morty.

[@SageofStars]

I'll admit, this was a bit too...rushed in its story for me. The pacing is all over the place, with a nice slow beginning, but about mission...4 or 5 including the tutorials, it feels like the plot wants to start trying to lap itself, every mission having suddenly a revelation or a character twist, never really giving the thing time to settle since they don't have the length to accommodate it all, and so they just shove it in as thick as possible, and hope the player absorbs it since they are obviously proud of the story they're telling, and it is more than okay, up to pretty good in fact. I also wish there were some more options in terms of difficulty, as the 3 options on offer are VERY broad in what they do, and I could have used some modularity to them, giving me some control. My gold standards are OwlCat and Arkane, but even in TRPGs, Wintermoor Tactics gives you full control of the damage multipliers for you AND the enemy, and that goes a long way to making your own game modes, like rocket tag gameplay where every hit is an instant kill, which is a load of fun in that game if you ever play it.

[@4everhumbl36]

Loved this game personally

[@R3GARnator]

Hey, at least they don't have dating sim segments with Wattpad level writing.

[@purgedome2386]

Hehe.. getting the game when it's on sale. I'm back to playing old MMO's now.. probably due to familiarity and old age. :p This game does scratch the super hero/villain itch.. probably be my first TRPG with the comic hero theme I think. Also I'm a 'prefer early game to end game' type of player.. and a masochist.. lol

[@kewa_design]

Are you going to review Skald ?

[@MortismalGaming]

Yeah

[@ThijsSchrijnemakers]

thanks

[@Jeff-ne1lh]

If this was set in the Marvel or DC universes it would be even better

[@Mikeprocurator]

Roughly how long to 100%? And how difficult?

[@erikskoog8415]

Good show sir

[@tennooperator8182]

Was hoping we would be able to create our super heroes and not get stucked with premade ones. Seems like we will never get a City of Heroes single player game

[@rjb8820]

the comic book aesthetics are a fun look.

[@jrpgaddict7726]

Where do you find the time to play so many games to 100% 🤯

[@jessemccaughey4231]

At 10 hours in I can say Super hero xcom is what I wanted, it’s not there but it’s damn close. once I figured out your supposed to comeback to mission to clear all the side objectives (and not beat my head against a wall trying to get them all the first time) it was a lot less stressful. Good first effort and hope this is successful enough they can refine it in a sequel. Also only $35 on ps or was at launch if anyone looking to save $5

[@loveydove5477]

Im gonna go for it I went for it, I'm having fun

[@karlklein2263]

This is giving me some serious chimera squad vibes

[@Buzzerker_1775]

That's terrible

[@karlklein2263]

@@Buzzerker_1775 chimera squad was one of my favorite games. So not really

[@Buzzerker_1775]

@@karlklein2263 whoops

[@ElBandito]

How does this game compare to TROUBLESHOOTER?

[@jamespaul6315]

Really enjoyed the game.

[@JoshuaDesean1992]

I just wish it wasn’t so linear Can u replay missions and level grind?!

[@MortismalGaming]

Yeah, though you'd be after the skill points from optional objectives, the levels don't do anything besides allow you to get the next tier of upgrades with skill points.

[@JoshuaDesean1992]

@@MortismalGaming omg that was my fear!

[@onatgz]

free comment.

[@ShadowoftheMask]

I feel like when games look like xcom superficially, people suddenly start complaining about lack of customization, but when games look like fire emblem they are like "oh I get it" (like I feel ilke when it comes to multiple superheroes, you kinda need unique heroes because otherwise you'd be working on generic class/power system rather than unique per character)

[@Zeromegas]

The game needs more costumization

[@joshuaknox2724]

hey dude i loved your video on midnight suns because of you i bought it and loved it.

[@rafaelrodriguez9371]

Is it just combat? No side stuff

[@MortismalGaming]

Yeah trpgs are pretty much all combat

[@Alex.Holland]

I highly recommend the web serial/novel Worm by John C McCrae If you like the premise in this game and want to read a 10/10 superhero story

[@TheGronkus]

Gronk!

[@subaru246]

I always love your professional and honest reviews, thank you so much. Hugs

[@SilortheBlade]

No capes!

[@blackfistxu7953]

👍🏾👍🏾💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💪🏾💪🏾

[@JoshuaDesean1992]

I just wish it wasn’t so linear

[@stryf3360]

Bought game going for 100%

[@Lyesmyth777]

HEY I HAVE one challange left for 100%. how did you do killing 10 ppl in one round on a speedster? do you remember :D?

[@bookoriath]

This game or troubleshooter?

[@MortismalGaming]

Depends on what you want. Troubleshooter is much bigger with more systems but is a bit more janky. This is more polished but shorter and more intentional.

[@user-rr8si7lx7p]

If i may ask what got you into gaming ?

[@MortismalGaming]

Just the thing I always wanted to do most since I was like 6

[@Hainbane]

Looks fun but costs way to much.

[@CharlesTersteeg]

steam deck !!!

[@alexoelkers2292]

I kind of wanted this game to be like XCOM but where you recruit superheroes with various random abilities that can be killed during play.

[@jake4179]

I’d rather not. I find generics to pretty be dull.

[@alexoelkers2292]

@@jake4179 well bad cringe writing of named characters that cant be killed due to plot armor can be dull as well

[@jake4179]

@@alexoelkers2292 That's just bad writing that includes named characters. Generics are always boring.

[@alexoelkers2292]

@@jake4179 well to each their own but most people don't consider XCOM dull because of generic characters, especially if you name them as your real life friends and they start getting hurt or killed. You tend to get attached to them pretty quick. You would probably get attached pretty quick if you randomly got a super hero with powers you thought were awesome.

[@darwoodtechnology]

The inability to create heroes like we can with XCOM soldiers feels like a huge missed opportunity for the game's re-playability and overall longevity.

[@GreenKnight2001]

Not being able to make your own heroes? Pass from me.

[@user-rr8si7lx7p]

You very should review fredom force its a gem . good job as always like from me and subscribe { at last ]

[@timmyburch6501]

❤

[@grumpyoldwizard]

This looks pretty cool. It's expensive though and the voices/music are very bland. Needs work.

[@Cleanframe]

You don't count super intelligence as a superpower?

[@MortismalGaming]

Sure, but thats not what that guy has, even he says he doesn't have powers.

[@Cleanframe]

@MortismalGaming Yeah, I think it's a thing in comics where being super smart is not a superpower cause Tony Stark is super intelligent, but the Ironman suits he makes are the superpower... You know what I mean?

[@TheEschwank02]

It seems too much like Chimera Squad to me. Not sure ill buy it tbh.

[@gaius2451]

No character creation = no buy

[@SlickMajic]

You’re crazy 100% everything

[@kanatatsul8399]

HOW!?

[@ghostprojekt]

"You can't make your own character" All I needed to hear.

[@bloodrunsclear]

Everyone complained about this feeling like a puzzle rather than a combat RPG, but I didn’t see that being a bad thing.

[@JoshuaDesean1992]

Are they generous with the skill points?!

[@English004]

First, I love the reviews and have listened for a long time, but I am curious if you’ve talked to devs or researched in general about the price point of the price point of games, especially with the layoffs, etc in the industry. I mean, do you really think this company would be able to earn enough to make up for the time and resources they put in at $25? Not to mention then have enough success to continue to make more games I don’t know the answer to that and I’m genuinely asking.

[@MortismalGaming]

Thanks for the kind words! Depends entirely on the financial situation of any individual company which is going to vary too much for any one size fits all answer to your question. Price is everything with these indie games though, because sure maybe $25 a copy won't be enough to cover costs with projected sales but if you can't deliver a game at a price point in line (or less) with the genre and level of quality and content on offer then you probably shouldn't be making it because people just won't buy it.

[@English004]

@@MortismalGaming That's fair and they do need to price point it correctly regardless as you say, which is $35 right now and just a few dollars cheaper than Wasteland 3 (a much bigger game). I just love the genre and personally tend to be willing to overpay in support of it, but that's necessarily your job in your review. Again, thanks for the great effort you put into reviews as I can be pretty sure whether I will like a game based on them more than anywhere else.

[@geraldpottier]

Generic comment...

[@MortismalGaming]

generic response

[@geraldpottier]

@@MortismalGaming Love it!!!

[@belph3240]

If we could bring our own hero, customize, pick the powers and so on this would be a great game for me.. with how it is now its sadly a pass

[@kaidorade1317]

Too many superheroes in my capes videogame

[@yurriaanvanduyn]

I'd like to see this game in a Warhammer 40K skin.

[@d34rth]

So, wait for sale/gamepass.

[@AscendantStoic]

Huge wasted opportunity that the game doesn't allow us to create at the very least our main character and then join the others (if the devs really wanted those specific characters to be in the game and not all random custom characters like XCOM).

[@JacquesVideos7]

As soon as you said no character creation i immediately became uninterested

[@G1ingy]

Another one of these games without a create-your-own system where anyone can die? That's another pass from me unfortunately. A damn shame as this would have been a good game if it was "City of Heroes meets X-Com"

[@realstarfarts]

I hate it when games like this don't let you create your own character. Always such a huge missed opportunity.