Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Power Dolls offers a robust turn-based strategy framework that places you in command of an all-female squadron of Power Loader mechas. Each mission challenges you to think tactically about movement, positioning, and firepower, making every decision count. The twelve-variable grid system encourages careful planning, whether you’re intercepting convoys or safeguarding key points on the map.

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Customization lies at the heart of Power Dolls. You can select from seven variants of mechanized battle armor and equip them with sixteen weapon types, ranging from rapid-fire autocannons to long-range missile launchers. Additionally, your strategic options expand as you choose one of four aircraft support units—transport carriers for rapid deployment, fighter-bombers for aerial strikes, or artillery pieces for area denial. This breadth of equipment creates a sandbox where each mission can be approached in dozens of ways.

Before each of the nine missions, you assign pilots from a roster of twenty-one unique characters, each with their own stats and skill growth. Balancing veteran pilots with rookies offers an extra layer of strategic depth: veterans bring reliability, while investing in rookies can yield powerful long-term returns. This pilot management system keeps you engaged as you tailor your team’s composition to your playstyle.

Finally, mission branching adds replay value. Many scenarios present multiple battle plans—sometimes a simple shift in deployment time, other times an entirely different battlefield objective. These alternate strategies not only extend the game’s lifespan but encourage experimentation, rewarding commanders who test varied approaches to see how differently the battle can unfold.

Graphics

The visual design of Power Dolls strikes a balance between functional clarity and sci-fi flair. The mecha models are rendered with crisp lines and bold color schemes, making it easy to distinguish armor types and weapon attachments on the battlefield. While the isometric grid view may feel retro to modern sensibilities, it provides a clean, unobstructed tactical overview.

Battlefield environments range from scorched desert plains to urban war zones, each adorned with atmospheric details such as flickering fires, crumbling buildings, and drifting smoke plumes. These backgrounds create a sense of immersion, reinforcing the stakes of the Omni-Terran conflict. Although the tile-based environments repeat assets at times, the overall aesthetic remains cohesive and evocative of a far-future war.

One of the game’s standout visual features is the bonus artwork awarded upon mission completion. Each unlockable illustration captures the personality of one of the DoLLS pilots, from their confident battle stances to the emotional relief after victory. These nine pieces of art not only serve as trophies but also add character depth in between the grid-based skirmishes.

Story

Set in the year 2535, Power Dolls unfolds against the backdrop of Omni’s bid for independence from Earth. The game opens with a brief cinematic recounting the harsh Terran reprisals, setting the stage for a struggle that’s as much political as it is military. This premise gives every mission weight, turning tactical victories into narrative milestones.

The core cast—the 177th Detachment of Limited Line Service, or DoLLS—features seven initial pilots, each guided by distinct motivations. As commander, you witness their camaraderie develop through mission briefings and debriefs, though the dialogue remains concise. While the writing doesn’t delve deeply into personal backstories, it provides enough context to care about each pilot’s success and survival.

Mission objectives vary from direct assaults on Terran convoys to precision rescues of captured comrades, reflecting the ebb and flow of guerilla warfare. This variety reinforces the sense that you’re making an impact on a living conflict, rather than simply clearing generic objectives. The branching battle plans further tie into the storyline, offering glimpses of alternative timelines where different strategies yield divergent outcomes.

Although Power Dolls doesn’t feature fully voiced dialogue or extensive cutscenes, it conveys its narrative through mission design and pilot visuals. Completing all nine missions unlocks the final artwork sequence, offering a satisfying narrative closure that celebrates both the squad’s victories and its sacrifices.

Overall Experience

Power Dolls stands out as a polished turn-based strategy title that marries thoughtful mechanics with a compelling sci-fi premise. The depth of customization—mechs, weapons, aircraft, and pilots—ensures that each playthrough feels fresh. Even seasoned strategy fans will find themselves adjusting loadouts and rethinking tactics to optimize performance.

The game’s challenge curve is well paced, with early missions serving as tutorials for movement and combat basics, while later battles demand meticulous planning and resource management. The option to choose between different battle plans also means you can tailor difficulty on the fly, making the experience accessible to newcomers and veterans alike.

While the graphics reflect their era, the strong art direction and clear UI keep the focus on strategy rather than spectacle. The nine-piece bonus artwork gallery adds a collectible element that motivates you to fully explore each mission’s tactical branches. Audio cues and a modest soundtrack round out the presentation, providing just enough atmosphere without overshadowing the strategic gameplay.

In sum, Power Dolls offers a satisfying blend of strategy and story for anyone intrigued by mech warfare and squad-based tactics. Its manageable campaign length, meaningful customization options, and replayable mission structure make it a solid choice for fans of classic turn-based experiences. Whether you’re commanding your first PLD or a seasoned strategist, Power Dolls delivers an engaging military sci-fi adventure that’s easy to pick up but hard to master.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10