Turnbound is an auto battler, where you manage a hero’s inventory to escape a haunted boardgame. Each run is different from the last, with unique upgrades, combos and synergies. Async PvP lets you battle the ghosts of other players at your own pace in this unique new inventory battler.
Developed by: 1TK Games
Played on: Steam
Length: 4 hours
A review key was provided by 1TK Games.
Have you ever looked at the Resident Evil 4 attaché case and thought: this could be a standalone game? By combining that satisfying spatial puzzle with the replayability of roguelike deckbuilders and the tactical charm of autobattlers, developer 1TK has created Turnbound: a bazaar backpack auto battler.
In this turn-based autobattler, you play as a wandering spirit — inspired by myth and legend — trapped inside a haunted board game. Forced to battle while a smug-looking cat watches from the sidelines, you must defeat ten other spirits to have your wishes granted.
Core Gameplay and Character Selection
At the start of each run, you select your wandering spirit, the central unit of your strategy. The current early access version features three iconic characters:
- Sun Wukong: High-mobility and aggressive playstyles.
- Robin Hood: Precision and ranged tactical advantages.
- Alice: Combo-heavy mechanics and enemy disruption.
Once your hero is chosen, the game enters a familiar loop for autobattler fans: buy units, combine duplicates to upgrade them, and position your team. Then, you simply pray to “RNGesus” that your preparation pays off.
The Grid: A Tactical Inventory Puzzle
The true novelty of Turnbound lies in its positioning system. Instead of a standard row, you manage a 7×6 grid where you must purchase slots to fit your units. Because units come in various shapes and sizes—reminiscent of Tetris or Resident Evil inventory management—space is your most precious resource.
The complexity deepens with units that provide directional buffs. Optimizing your board to maximize these synergies while maintaining a solid defence is the primary skill ceiling that separates victors from the defeated.
Asynchronous PvP Combat
After the planning phase, the combat phase begins. Turnbound utilizes an asynchronous PvP system, matching you against the recorded “ghosts” of previous players.
- The Coin Flip: A toss determines who moves first.
- The Order of Operations: Units trigger their actions sequentially, starting from the top right of the board.
- The Goal: Reduce the enemy’s main character’s health to zero.
Gothic Aesthetic and Lore-Driven Design
The game’s Gothic-fantasy art style breathes new life into classic folklore. Each character features “flavor-accurate” items; Sun Wukong utilizes his Golden Hooped Rod and Cloud-Walking Boots, while Alice gains power-ups from Wonderland-inspired food and companions. The attention to detail in merging gameplay mechanics with lore is a testament to the developers’ passion.
Final Verdict: Is Turnbound Worth Playing?
Turnbound is remarkably polished for an early access title. While the limited character roster can make long sessions feel repetitive, the core loop is incredibly addictive and full of potential. With more characters and experimental items on the horizon, this inventory-management battler is well on its way to becoming a genre standout.
Key Takeaway: If you enjoy the “spatial tetris” of inventory management and the strategic depth of autobattlers, Turnbound offers a unique, atmospheric experience that is worth your time.
This article was contributed by Damian.
