ZEPHON (2024)

From the developers of Warhammer 40,000: Gladius, ZEPHON is a post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game built on Proxy’s unique tactical combat system. Guide survivors through a turbulent future, navigating unexpected disasters, eldritch horror and cyberpunk monstrosities. What will you do to survive?

ZEPHON is a strategic survival game, where players lead the remnants of humanity in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by an alien invasion. The once familiar landscapes of Earth have been destroyed, swarmed by mutated creatures and ancient war machines, while despaired alien soldiers seek salvation. Morale amongst the remainder of humankind is dwindling, teetering on the brink of extinction. This introduces the game’s central conflict—players decide whom to side with, the monstrous Voice or the unfeeling artificial intelligence known as ZEPHON, steering the course of the game through diplomatic choices, combat decisions, and base management.

The heart of the narrative is delivered in engaging, branching quests, along with a comprehensive backstory that unfolds through your chosen leader’s unique quest chain. Each decision made shapes the fate of the world, deciding whether humans, machines, or anarchy will prevail.

ZEPHON employs turn-based tactical combat, where players command over 50 unique units, each featuring distinct visuals, voices, weapon systems, and skill sets. Battles occur directly on the main map, eliminating game mode switches and the need for auto-resolving drawn-out conflicts. Additionally, the game tests both the offensive and defensive strategic abilities of the players, who must judiciously manage and fortify their territories.

In terms of city management, players can develop their settlements from modest bases into sprawling metropolises. Each building utilizes physical space, requiring strategic placement and acquisition of the 11 tiers of resources. An immersive world-building element is evident in the diversity of architecture styles that reflect the chosen survival path of the player.

The game exemplifies depth in its exploration aspects. Players must discover the unknown terrains of the wrecked Earth, encountering unique phenomena spread across six climates. Exterminating packs of mutated creatures offers additional rewards and domain expansion.

ZEPHON blends magic and cyberpunk aesthetics, as evidenced in its elaborate tech progression system. Over 150 technologies spread across 10 tiers are ready to unlock, including units, buildings, operations, weapons, abilities, and passive bonuses.

Diplomacy is equally important as warfare and base management. AI-controlled foes react to your actions differently based on their distinct likings and dislikings. Various diplomatic routes allow you to establish peace, trade agreements, alliances or provoke discord among your adversaries.

Ultimately, no two gameplay experiences in ZEPHON are alike, thanks to its intricate branching narrative, deep strategy mechanics, and the looming prophecy driving alien forces to Earth. The survival of humanity hangs in the balance, and the choices players make will write their own unique chapter in this post-apocalyptic epic.