itch.io

Thanks — that makes sense. I’ve added a simpler first-deployment screen for both factions to the next build: a recommended team with pilots, weapons and ammunition already fitted, plus a button straight to the mission briefing. The Mechlab stays optional for anyone who wants to experiment, and existing custom loadouts are kept.

It has passed testing; I’m sorting out an upload issue before the update goes live. Thanks for highlighting where the first-time experience could be clearer.

Thanks for asking! There are currently no plans for a Linux version.

I’m looking for five people who have not played Ironmuster to help identify what should improve before I promote it more widely. This is an unpaid volunteer request; no ratings, follows or positive comments are expected.

Ironmuster is a free tactical mech browser game: https://onlatentstates.itch.io/ironmuster

The questions I most need to answer are whether a new player understands the Mechlab, can deploy a mech with a pilot, and wants another mission after trying combat.

Please allow up to 30 minutes total, on a desktop or laptop with a mouse and keyboard. No download, recording or call is needed.

1. Try Learn Command for up to 8 minutes. Note the first point at which you feel unsure.

2. Start a campaign on Regular, choose either faction, and try changing one mech’s weapon loadout and saving it. Spend up to 7 minutes on this.

3. Try deploying and playing a mission for up to 10 minutes. If you finish, see whether you can find repairs and the next mission.

4. Spend the remaining 5 minutes replying below. If you cannot find a step, stop and tell me where: that is useful feedback. You do not need to win, finish the tutorial, or complete every task. Please do not overwrite any existing save you want to keep.

Copy these prompts and answer briefly:

• Background: Have you played tactical/strategy games before? Which faction did you choose?

• Progress: How far did you get? Could you change a weapon, save it and deploy? Say “not reached” for anything you did not try.

• Confusion or bug: What happened, where, and what did you expect? Browser + device helps with bugs.

• Best moment: What, if anything, felt satisfying?

• Would you voluntarily play another mission: yes / maybe / no — and why?

• One change: What would most improve the game for you?

Replies here are public, so please leave out personal information. Screenshots are optional. The in-game Feedback tool can copy a report, but it does not send it automatically; paste only the useful text here.

I’ll use the recurring problems to prioritise the next build and return to this thread with what changed. Critical feedback is welcome. Development disclosure: generative AI was used for code, writing, some artwork and music development.

Hi everyone — Ironmuster is now available as a free browser demo.

It is a single-player tactical mech game about the choices before and during a fight: who pilots each machine, which weapons fit, what you can afford to repair, and what you bring home as salvage. Combat runs in real time, with pause available for giving orders.

Play here: https://onlatentstates.itch.io/ironmuster

• Build named variants in the Mechlab and use them in campaigns or skirmishes.

• Choose up to five mechs within each mission’s tonnage allowance.

• Play the resourceful Linewrought or the technologically advanced Aurelian Stock.

• Scout through fog of war, manage heat, and keep your pilots alive.

This is a personal project in active development. It is free, with optional donations. A desktop or laptop with a mouse and keyboard works best; start with Learn Command.

I would love written feedback: what was your favourite loadout, and where did the game leave you unsure what to do next? Reply here or leave a comment on the game page. For bugs, the page has a short template and instructions for copying an in-game report.

Development disclosure: generative AI was used for code, writing, some artwork and music development.