Odd Squad Review

Odd Squad is a multiplayer turn-based strategy game that definitely stays true to its name. In the game, players put together "squads" of peculiar creatures, characters, structures, and items in an effort to score more points than their opponent. With each new game presenting a different player, a different board, and different luck-of-the-draw mechanics, Odd Squad presents itself as a surprisingly deep value proposition, given that it is a "free" game.

Perhaps the most striking thing about Odd Squad is its appearance. Visually, the game presents itself as a chess-like game with a dull color scheme and relatively rough character designs. It seems like these design choices were all made to communicate the game's oddness, but as a consequence it also can turn players off from the game completely. For players that stick with Odd Squad though, will find a rewarding and challenging game that sort of feels like being in charge of an entire team from a class-based shooter like Team Fortress, only turn-based.

To play Odd Squad, players are given an assortment of five characters and objects out of a pool that can be modified before entering a match. From there, players will have to balance spending "moolah" (an in game currency), strategically placing units to earn points, and thwarting any opponent's attempts to score. The game is over at the end of ten turns, and the player that scores the most points wins. To score points, players must either occupy bonus squares or defeat enemies played by their opponent. Between the limited space of the board, randomization of special tiles, and the balance of resource gathering vs. point scoring, gamers will have a lot to consider in each turn of each match.

After each match, players will earn a certain amount of coins: 300 for winning and 100 for losing. These coins can be spent to buy chests that contain random new characters, items, or objects for use in future matches.

All in all Odd Squad is a pretty compelling package, and free to boot! As long as players can get past the visual style, it is definitely worth playing.