The strategy genre has long been a favorite for players who enjoy deep tactical gameplay, expansive world-building, and epic battles. Songs of Silence, developed by Chimera Entertainment, takes a fresh approach by combining turn-based strategy with real-time automated battles in a beautifully crafted fantasy setting. With Art Nouveau-inspired visuals, a unique card-based command system, and a compelling mix of storytelling and tactical gameplay, this game offers something different in the strategy space. But does it fully deliver on its potential? Let’s dive in.
A Beautiful but War-Torn World
The world of Songs of Silence is divided into two realms—one of Light and one of Dark—each teetering on the brink of destruction due to a cosmic war waged by ancient gods. Players take command of powerful heroes leading armies in an effort to reclaim lands, forge alliances, and fend off an ominous force known as the Silence. The game blends high fantasy elements with an innovative visual style that leans heavily on Art Nouveau influences, making it one of the most visually striking strategy games in recent memory.
Beyond the main campaign, the game also features randomized skirmish maps and handcrafted scenarios, ensuring high replayability. Whether playing alone or in multiplayer skirmishes with up to six players, Songs of Silence presents an engaging world filled with strategic challenges.
Strategy Meets Automation – A Unique Gameplay Approach
At its core, Songs of Silence is a turn-based strategy game where players expand their kingdom, manage resources, and engage in battles. However, battles unfold in real-time but are automated, meaning that players set their formations and watch as the fights play out with limited direct control. This auto-battler approach makes for a more accessible experience but has drawn mixed reactions from strategy enthusiasts.
On one hand, the automated battles allow players to focus more on grand strategy rather than micro-managing troops. On the other, the lack of real tactical control can make the fights feel chaotic and unsatisfying. Melee units, in particular, tend to clump together awkwardly, leading to messy engagements rather than the clean, tactical formations seen in more traditional RTS games.
Adding to the complexity is a card-based ability system. Instead of traditional unit commands, players use cards representing actions, spells, and hero abilities. While this system is a refreshing take on battle mechanics, it suffers from balance issues—some cards feel overwhelmingly powerful, while others seem nearly useless.
A Perfect Fit for Steam Deck Players
For those looking for a solid strategy experience on the go, Songs of Silence excels on the Steam Deck. Many players have praised it as one of the best strategy games available for the device, filling a gap in a genre that doesn’t always translate well to handheld gaming. The game runs smoothly, and its simplified combat system works well for quick sessions without the need for excessive micromanagement.
While the game doesn’t offer the same level of complexity as deep 4X titles, its fast-paced and visually rich gameplay makes it an excellent option for players who want a mix of strategy and accessibility.
A Strong Campaign with Room for More
The single-player campaign spans over 15 hours and features eight campaign maps. Players follow Queen Lorelai as she leads her people away from a devastating crusade, attempting to bridge the gap between warring civilizations. While the story setup is solid, the actual narrative feels fairly predictable. That being said, the game’s world is more inventive than most, and the love for its lore is apparent throughout.
One downside is that the game only includes one campaign at launch. While skirmish mode helps extend the experience, many players have expressed a desire for more story-driven content. Fortunately, the developers have hinted that future DLCs will include additional campaigns.
Impressive Presentation, but Not Without Issues
The standout feature of Songs of Silence is undoubtedly its art direction. The game takes inspiration from Alphonse Mucha and the Art Nouveau movement, making it visually distinct from most strategy games. The bright color palette and hand-drawn aesthetic bring a level of artistry rarely seen in the genre.
Complementing the stunning visuals is a fantastic soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, best known for his work on Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy 12. The music adds a sense of grandeur and emotional weight to the game’s battles and world-building.
However, the game isn’t without its flaws. While the UI is generally well-designed, some elements—such as prestige and structure readability—can be difficult to interpret. The game includes an encyclopedia for reference, but some players have noted that key mechanics aren’t always explained clearly.
What Works – Strengths of the Game
✔ Stunning Art Style – The Art Nouveau-inspired visuals make Songs of Silence one of the most beautiful strategy games in recent memory.
✔ Engaging Tactical Gameplay – While not as deep as some 4X titles, the combination of turn-based strategy and real-time automated battles offers a unique experience.
✔ Excellent Soundtrack – The music, composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, adds emotional depth and intensity to the game.
✔ Great for Steam Deck – Runs smoothly and fills a niche for strategy players looking for a portable experience.
✔ Strong Replayability – Randomized skirmish maps, multiplayer modes, and scenarios add longevity to the game.
✔ Passion-Driven Development – The developers are actively engaging with the community and working on improvements and new content.
What Falls Short – Weaknesses of the Game
❌ Automated Battles Can Be Frustrating – Melee units often clump together chaotically, making battles feel less strategic than they should.
❌ Card System Feels Unbalanced – Some cards feel vastly overpowered, while others seem ineffective.
❌ Limited Story Content – Only one campaign at launch, though more is planned for the future.
❌ Difficult UI Readability – Certain elements like prestige and town structures aren’t always clear, making it harder to plan effectively.
❌ No Deep Tactical Customization – The game prioritizes speed and accessibility over the intricate mechanics of more complex 4X or RTS games.
Songs of Silence: Songs of Silence is a beautifully crafted strategy game with a lot of passion behind it. The Art Nouveau-inspired visuals, engaging gameplay loop, and unique mix of turn-based strategy with real-time auto-battles set it apart in the genre. While the game isn't as deep as hardcore strategy fans might hope, it offers a fun and accessible experience that works particularly well on the Steam Deck. That being said, the automated battle system and unbalanced card mechanics hold it back from being truly great. The lack of multiple campaigns at launch is also a downside, though the potential for future expansions is promising. For players looking for a fresh take on strategy games with a striking art style and fast-paced gameplay, Songs of Silence is a solid recommendation. If you’re expecting deep tactical customization, you might find it lacking, but as a visually stunning, lore-rich strategy experience, it certainly makes an impression. – Obsidian
