Grit and Valor – 1949 is a Strategy Gamer’s Delight

Take the positional tactics of Into the Breach, the weapon triangle system of Fire Emblem, and some roguelite elements for good measure, and you’ll find that the concoction brewed from this unlikely combination makes for an absolute banger — that game is Grit and Valor – 1949.

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon Grit and Valor – 1949 by happenstance during The Mix in LA, and as a lover of all things strategy and tactics, I am hooked.

The concept for Grit and Valor – 1949 is simple enough, but its complexity soon becomes apparent as you fight through alternate history Europe — in a world where World War II never ended. 

Fights take place on charming, diorama-like battlefields and your squad of mechs are dropped into position. One of these mechs is technically your base that must be protected as you fight waves of enemies, dropping every 30 seconds or so.

It’s up to you to stop these waves of enemy soldiers and mechs, and I soon got addicted to the strategic element of positioning my units to properly counter the attacks.

There’s a weapon triangle of sorts, akin to Fire Emblem. Your units have certain damage types — like one that spews fire — and that counters enemies using explosives. Explosive units counter ballistic-using mechs, so on and so forth. 

The layer of strategy deepens when you throw in pilot abilities. Pilots operate these mechs, and each operator comes with their own ability. You can mix and match the pilot and mech, so many combinations are possible and adds so much more depth.

Optional objectives in maps grant a permanent currency that can be used for upgrades that permeate throughout your runs, so failure does not mean total defeat. You can go back to base, upgrade your metal hulks and their abilities, and go at it again.

Outside of that, you’ll unlock temporary upgrades exclusive to your current run, so after each victory, you’re granted a reward that should aid in your liberation of Europe. 

You’ll fight across Europe in Grit and Valor – 1949, so there are individual zones with their own unique identity. Scandinavia, for instance, introduces elevation, so now players will have to fight for a height advantage on top of tackling waves of enemy units. 

Everything about Grit and Valor – 1949 is hitting the right notes. TechRaptor Editor-in-Chief Andrew Otton says this has potential to be big among strategy and tactics gamers, and as I fall into that demographic — I wholeheartedly agree. 

Grit and Valor – 1949 was previewed at the Guerrilla Collective Showcase as part of Summer Game Fest.