Sumerian Six delivers a tactical stealth experience with a creative twist, placing you in the shoes of six uniquely skilled scientists tasked with stopping a Nazi plot involving a dangerous occult substance. Developed by Artificer, the creators of Showgunners, this game blends historical fiction with supernatural elements and challenging stealth gameplay.
While it builds on familiar genre conventions established by games like Desperados III and Shadow Tactics, Sumerian Six introduces its own flavour through inventive character abilities and strategic level design.
In this review, we’ll look at how Sumerian Six stacks up as a real-time tactics game. From its gameplay mechanics to its story and presentation, we’ll break down its strengths and shortcomings. Can Artificer successfully carry the torch for the stealth tactics genre, or does this mission fall short? Let’s dive in.
A Familiar Battlefield with a Twist
Sumerian Six takes place during World War II, telling a story of occult powers, rogue scientists, and high-stakes espionage. The story centres on a group of six misfit commandos, formerly allies of antagonist Hans Kammler. Now, they must stop him from using a mystical resource, Geiststoff, to create superweapons for the Nazi regime. The story mixes history with fiction, bringing to mind classic adventures like Indiana Jones with a focus on strategy and stealth.
The plot feels straightforward, with early missions highlighting abilities over character development. Sid and Isabella’s sibling rivalry adds some tension, but their father’s strict, mission-first approach stands out more. Despite the serious tone, the team’s humour helps lighten the otherwise serious tone of the story.
One moment from the story that stuck with me involved the mission to rescue Isabella. Coordinating my team’s actions and combining Sid’s mind control with an explosive trap to outsmart a tough patrol felt satisfying. These moments made me feel part of the story, influencing the outcome through smart decisions.
Moments like these stood out, even when the cutscenes and comic-style narration fell short. The still-frame visuals lacked impact, but the level design carried much of the story’s weight. From a snowy castle to a sprawling Nazi mansion, each setting tied seamlessly into the story.
Strategy Meets Creativity
Sumerian Six builds on the stealth-tactics formula with unique abilities that let you try different approaches to every challenge. Sid can control enemies, Isabella can swap places with them, and Rosa uses concoctions to disrupt or eliminate foes. Coordinating these abilities is key to solving challenging puzzles and clearing objectives.
Precision is key in Sumerian Six. Guards patrol with vision cones, alarms can be sabotaged, and quick saves are essential for recovery. In one mission, I faced a heavily guarded airbase. I used Isabella’s teleport and Rosa’s acid to lure guards into a trap, while Wojtek, as a werebear, cleared the way for Sid to sneak through. Pulling off this plan felt rewarding and showcased how well the mechanics work together.
The level design keeps gameplay fresh, from narrow plazas to expansive fortresses. Each map feels like a puzzle with different solutions. Abilities improve through pickups scattered in levels, encouraging exploration. Finding upgrades not only made my skills stronger but also helped me learn the layout of each area.
The freedom to approach objectives in different ways is Sumerian Six’s biggest strength. Whether sneaking past patrols or staging an all-out assault, the tools provided make every solution feel earned. The pause-and-plan system helps manage chaotic moments, allowing synchronized attacks that showcase your team’s potential.
A World of Shadows and Secrets
Sumerian Six combines detailed visuals and thoughtful level designs to support its stealth-focused gameplay. From snow-covered castles to Nazi mansions, the settings feel thoughtfully crafted to fit the story. The lighting and shadow work are particularly impressive, creating suspense as guards patrol through dark areas. Small details, like crumbling walls or scattered debris, make each location feel alive.
One early mission stood out for its design. In a foggy Sumerian temple at night, I used shadows to stay hidden. Light coming through broken pillars and reflecting on wet ground wasn’t just for show—it shaped how I approached the mission. The character models are detailed enough to reflect their personalities, though they don’t stand out. The environments, however, are the highlight. Whether sneaking across rooftops or exploring jungles, each map feels unique. The top-down view provides a clear perspective without losing important details.
The soundtrack fits the stealth atmosphere, with music building during close calls and softening during quieter moments. Voice acting is solid, with most characters delivering believable performances. Unfortunately, the still-frame cutscenes feel less polished. While functional, they lack the energy needed to match the game’s intensity.
Sumerian Six is a Tactical Triumph with Room to Grow
Sumerian Six successfully carries the torch for the stealth-tactics genre with its creative gameplay and detailed level design. The game’s unique abilities and freedom to approach missions make each scenario feel rewarding. Coordinating your team’s skills, exploring well-crafted environments, and solving tactical puzzles deliver the best moments in the game.
While the gameplay shines, the story and presentation have their shortcomings. The narrative is functional but predictable, and the still-frame cutscenes lack the polish needed to elevate key moments. However, the level design compensates, tying settings to the story and encouraging strategic exploration.
Despite its flaws, Sumerian Six provides a solid stealth-tactics experience. For fans of the genre, it offers enough depth and creativity to scratch that tactical itch. Artificer’s transition from turn-based to real-time tactics is impressive, showing potential for even greater projects in the future.
If you’ve been searching for a worthy successor to classics like Shadow Tactics or Desperados III, this game delivers a satisfying mix of strategy and action.
Sumerian Six
Summary
Sumerian Six blends stealth-tactics gameplay with creative abilities and detailed level design. Its story and cutscenes may fall short, but the challenging missions and unique character abilities make it a rewarding experience. Fans of Shadow Tactics and Desperados III will find this a strong addition to the genre.
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