Shardpunk Review: A Brutal Tactical RPG That Needs a Polish

If you have a soft spot for turn-based strategy, Shardpunk is an easy title to recommend. Developed by Retrovibe and Clockwork Pile, this mix of Victorian-era aesthetics and steampunk technology creates a grim, apocalyptic atmosphere that stands out on the Xbox Series X|S. While it is an extremely enjoyable experience, I have to lead with a warning: a persistent technical bug currently hampers what is otherwise a polished tactical gem.

A Grim World of Rats and Strategy

Shardpunk drops you into a world where humanity has already lost the war against man-sized, gun-toting rats. Your mission is simple but dangerous: escort your automaton to the Capital. The visual style is a pixel-art extravaganza, and while it isn't winning awards for originality, it nails the end-of-the-world vibe perfectly. You'll navigate large levels filled with dead bodies, randomized encounters, and plenty of loot to scavenge.

The combat loop is satisfying and demands careful planning. You manage a squad of four—three humans and one automaton. The heat management system is a highlight; weapons generate heat as you fire, and you must decide whether to spend precious action points to vent your guns or risk a malfunction. Your automaton plays a crucial role here, providing support fields that prevent heat accumulation, allowing for some truly devastating "killing fields" when you coordinate with Overwatch.

Management and Mortality

Between the tactical skirmishes, you’ll spend time in the bunker phase. This is where the resource management side of the game shines. You’ll use scavenged scrap, food, and medical supplies to upgrade weapons, repair the automaton, and treat the stress or wounds your squad picks up during missions. There is a high-stakes edge to the gameplay as well: death in Shardpunk is permanent. If a squad member falls, they are gone for good, which adds a genuine sense of accomplishment whenever you manage to clear a level with your team intact.

The Technical Caveat

As much as I enjoyed my time with the game, there is one major issue that needs to be addressed. Shardpunk does not seem to play nicely with the Xbox Series X|S Quick Resume feature or extended play sessions. On several occasions, I reached the end of a level only to find the bunker door would open but I was unable to exit, rendering the mission unfinishable. While a quick restart fixes the problem, it is incredibly frustrating to have your progress stalled at the finish line. If the developers can patch this, I would easily bump my score up by half a point.