Learning from Indie Game Case Studies: Urtuk

Case studies are invaluable for learning from others' successes and failures. Indie games, in particular, often offer many lessons due to their unique challenges and opportunities. In my ongoing series, I review various indie games, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects to provide insights that might be useful for your projects. This month, we dive into the gory, low-fantasy world of Urtuk: The Desolation.

It is a tactical RPG reminiscent of "Battle Brothers." With an estimated 66k to 113k downloads on Steam, the game has achieved moderate success without publisher support. But despite rumors of a potential multiplayer mode, the game didn't reach the sales numbers needed to make it happen. Let's break down what went right and where things could have been improved.

The Good

Solid Tactical Combat

If you love turn-based RPGs with a focus on combat, Urtuk will not disappoint. It builds on the combat core of "Battle Brothers" and adds layers of depth. You can use high and low ground, push enemies into deadly spike pits, and battle on dynamic maps with hazards like volcanic eruptions. The strategic possibilities are vast and engaging.

In addition to solid generated combat maps where you battle ubiquitous gangs, you will storm fortresses, defeat bosses, and encounter rare events like fighting dangerous Beastmen on a cursed graveyard.

Great Party Customization

Urtuk shines in its party customization options. Compared to "Battle Brothers," it offers a broader variety of distinctive classes. Players can enhance their characters with mutagens—body parts extracted from fallen enemies that provide temporary boosts. Over time, characters can absorb these mutagens, freeing up slots for more enhancements. This system adds a unique twist to character development.

For example, you can recruit a stinky, beefy Swamper shield wielder who heals the other teammates by simply taking damage. You may try to turn your troops into bloodsuckers by giving them appropriate mutagens or rely on a priest or a shaman to help your party in another round. And these are only a few of many more healing and survival skills!

Replayability

The combination of different classes, races, and mutagens fuels a high level of replayability. Each playthrough can feel unique as you experiment with new team compositions and strategies. This aspect of Urtuk keeps players coming back for more, eager to explore new possibilities.

For example, once you unlock Beastmen, you must engage in numerous fights to keep them fed constantly. Or suppose you have a vampire in your team and don't give him enough blood, sooner or later. In that case, he will attack the other teammates and possibly spread the vampiric disease, altogether turning them into different combat units.

The Bad

Wasted Potential in Storytelling

One of Urtuk's most significant drawbacks is its storytelling. While the game is centered around endless battles, it lacks a compelling narrative to fully immerse players. The backstory is minimal, with only brief mentions of destroyed giants and scavenging for mutagens. The protagonist, Urtuk, is a former laboratory rat seeking a cure, but the game does little to expand on this premise. The result is a disjointed experience that fails to connect the dots between the beginning and the end. Even level bosses fail to contribute to the story and simply call you a 'stunted rat' at the start of the combat.

Poor Game Progression

A well-designed game typically guides players through increasingly challenging encounters, culminating in tough boss fights. In Urtuk, players can encounter area bosses within a few turns on the global map without clear indication. This lack of progression guidance means you might face overwhelmingly difficult battles prematurely. New players often need help to gauge when their squad is strong enough to advance, leading to a frustrating experience.

Missed Monetization Opportunities

Urtuk features nine factions, each with a unique playstyle, but unlocking them takes significant time. Allowing players to pay to unlock new units could have been a smart monetization strategy, providing instant access to diverse gameplay experiences. I wish I could spend a few bucks to save the necessity of grinding.

The Ugly

The joy of discovery is a vital part of any game when it is done right. But Urtuk provides minimal guidance, leaving players to figure out crucial mechanics on their own. For example, the deadly spikes on the battlefield become apparent only when a character is killed by them. Similarly, a priest might suddenly turn into a vampire due to an infection from a previous fight, with no explanation. You must also carefully examine UI to know how to cure a shapeshifting disease. This lack of information can lead to confusion and frustration, detracting from the overall experience.

The developers could have introduced an old retired warrior or another mentor who would explain how mutagens work or how to prepare to storm a city. After all, only some players have the patience to learn things the hard way.

Conclusion

Despite its flaws, I found Urtuk: The Desolation immensely enjoyable, especially as a hardcore RPG enthusiast. However, its lack of guidance and storytelling depth may have alienated less dedicated players. Urtuk could have reached a broader audience and succeeded with more polish in these areas.

If you are working on your first game, don't walk alone—ask your industry peers and the community for feedback!