Bonds is an action-adventure game released on PC in October 2024. The recent coverage examining Zero Company's squad mechanics draws comparisons to Republic Commando, highlighting how relationship systems and combat synergies alone don't necessarily create meaningful player investment in individual squad members. The discussion suggests that mechanical utility and character attachment operate on different tracks - a squad can function well tactically while still feeling emotionally disposable to players. This points to an ongoing conversation in squad-based games about balancing mechanical depth with narrative or character elements that make players genuinely care about their team's survival and success.
via Turn Based Lovers
Star Wars Zero Company has relationship systems, combat synergies, and permanent death. But making a squad mechanically valuable is not the same as making players care about the people inside it. A squad can be perfectly constructed and still feel completely disposable. The snipe…