A tactical role-playing game featuring mech battles animated in the style of 2000s anime and created in Italy? That's Nitro Genesis Omega from Destinybit, which really stands out thanks to its combat system.
Nitro Gen Omega is a tactical role-playing game. It combines turn-based mech combat with crew management, capturing the energy of classic shōnen and mecha anime from the 2000s, such as Gurren Lagann and Evangelion. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the game sees an artificial intelligence that has largely defeated humanity. The wastelands teem with rogue AI and scavenging war machines. In this world, players take on the role of a commander who leads a motley crew of mercenaries or 'Fools', who fight to survive by taking on contracts from the last remaining cities.
Nitro Gen Omega © Destinybit
And, of course, there are turn-based battles. These are the highlight of the game. They are divided into two phases. First comes the planning phase, in which the player determines the actions of the entire crew on a timeline. The player controls a large combat mech that is operated by four pilots simultaneously. Each crew member takes charge of a separate subsystem. Every action, such as moving, shooting or melee combat, takes time and must be planned on the timeline. Many orders increase heat, while others, such as using coolant, reduce it. Weapons consume ammo and may require reloading.
The mech can automatically detect enemy intentions, providing insight into what they might do next. This is necessary; otherwise, there would be a lot of guesswork during the fights. However, not everything is revealed. Orders such as 'Scan' can reveal some segments of the timeline, enabling planning around enemy actions.
Battles are tactically demanding, requiring planning, positioning and resource management. Thus, Mechs, upgrades and pilot management bring a lot of depth and strategic challenge. Individual components of the mech can be swapped out, affecting not only armour, heat and ammunition stats, but also unlocking new command options on the timeline.
During the Resolution Phase, the previously planned moves play out as fully animated anime sequences, including animated actions of the crew. Planned actions and those of opponents are executed simultaneously with dynamic camera angles, sound effects and anime cutscenes. When a plan works, it feels really satisfying. However, the learning curve is quite steep, the overall difficulty is rather high, and the stylish interface can seem a bit cluttered at first.
Nitro Gen Omega © Destinybit
The combat system is closely linked to management activities outside of battles. Pilots can build friendships or rivalries through leisure activities on their airship. Strong bonds can unlock special abilities in combat or enable pilots to swap turns. While Mechs can be repaired after a battle, a pilot's death is permanent. Fatigue, panic, injuries or low morale can have a negative impact on accuracy and performance in combat. New recruits can be hired in the outposts' bars, which is also necessary to give other pilots a break from missions. However, the game squanders a lot of potential here, because the plot is generic and the characters are flat and interchangeable as they lack personality and backstory. Interaction alone isn't enough, especially since some relationship events actually feel like a hindrance. The pilots' exhaustion leads to a grind loop, especially since finding powerful mech parts also depends on chance. Here, the game drags on for too long. While exploring the world, players can collect resources, visit merchants and complete side quests, which is important for paying and upgrading the crew, as well as for unlocking new mechs. There are three mechs in total, but only one can fight at a time.
Nitro Gen Omega © Destinybit
Nitro Gen Omega was developed by Destinybit with consulting support from Milestone. Destinybit is a 13-person game development studio based in Ravenna, Italy. It is known for Empires Apart and Dice Legacy. Founded in 2016, Destinybit was acquired by Amplifier Game Invest in 2020 and is now part of the Embracer Group.
Nitro Gen Omega exited Early Access on 12 May 2026 after just under eleven months. It costs €29.99 and is available for PC.
Nitro Gen Omega shines thanks to its amazing tactical battles and unique, anime-style visuals. However, away from the battlefield, there is a little too much grinding, and the characters and game world feel somewhat bland.
