Propa.

Midplayz
Feb 19
3 min read

Updated: Apr 1

Covid Core

Ever wanted to be a mastermind virus, evolving and spreading while fighting off an immune system determined to wipe you out? Propa. is an RTS game that lets you do just that. Instead of commanding armies or civilizations, you’re controlling a virus, replicating within host cells, and mutating to outmaneuver an aggressive immune response. It’s a mix of biological warfare, strategy, and a surprising amount of scientific accuracy. But does this unique concept hold up in execution?

About This Game

Storyline

There isn’t a traditional storyline, but the premise itself is gripping: you’re a virus, and your goal is survival and domination. The immune system is your enemy, throwing everything from apoptosis inducers to budding inhibitors at you. You must evolve, mutate, and outthink the body’s defenses. While it’s not a narrative-driven experience, the biological mechanisms at play make it feel like an intense struggle for survival—like a microscopic version of Total War, but with spike proteins instead of swords.

Gameplay Mechanics

Alright, here’s where things get really interesting. The game gives you control over a virus, letting you invade host cells, replicate, and mutate using genetic fragments. Each virus unit can have up to four genetic fragments, which grant different abilities—some improve replication speed, others block immune detection, and a few even wreak havoc on the host’s blood vessels.

On paper, it sounds like a tactical dream. You need to balance viral spread, avoid immune detection, and strategize around the body’s responses. However, I found that while the mechanics are deep, the lack of an in-game guide makes it a struggle to figure out what’s going on. You basically have to experiment, record things yourself, and pray you don’t make a fatal mutation. It’s like playing chess without knowing how the pieces move.

Oh, and the game’s interface? it’s a bit of a mess. No proper settings menu, no easy way to turn off the music, and a UI that doesn’t exactly hold your hand. If you’re a fan of trial by fire, this might be your thing.

Visuals & Audio

The game world takes place inside a biological environment, and it does a decent job of simulating a fluid, microscopic battlefield. Cells, viruses, and immune responses all have distinct visual elements, making it feel somewhat like an interactive biology textbook—just one where you’re the villain.

The sound design, however, seems to be a sticking point. The music is repetitive and there’s no easy way to turn it off (which is a rookie mistake in game design). Audio cues for actions and responses could also be better, helping players understand what’s happening in the heat of battle.

Pros

A fresh, unique concept: Who knew virology could make for an interesting RTS?
Incorporates real biological mechanics: It’s an educational experience and a game.
Strategic depth: Surface antigens, genetic fragments, immune responses—lots of tactical choices.
Virus girl appreciation mode: Yep, the game includes unlockable artwork of anime-style virus characters.

Cons

Steep learning curve with little guidance: No proper tutorials, just vague videos.
Clunky UI: No proper menu, no easy way to adjust settings.
Tedious micromanagement: You have to control individual units without any way to manage them in bulk.
Randomness is a bit too strong: Your virus can be wiped out just because of some unlucky mutations.
Slow pacing: The game sometimes drags, making it feel like a battle of attrition rather than a strategic conquest.

Conclusion

Propa is an ambitious game that takes a novel concept and runs with it- sometimes too far, sometimes not far enough. The core mechanics are fascinating, the biological realism is impressive, and the strategic depth is definitely there. However, the lack of proper tutorials, a clunky interface, and tedious unit management hold it back from being truly great.

Right now, it feels like a game with huge potential, but it still needs polish. If you’re the type who enjoys figuring out complex systems on your own and doesn’t mind rough edges, this could be a hidden gem. If you prefer a smoother, more guided experience, you might find yourself frustrated.

That said, if the developers refine the UI, add a proper tutorial, and tweak the pacing, Propa could evolve into something incredible. For now, it’s an intriguing but slightly rough experiment in biological warfare strategy.

Rating: 6/10

First time playing a virus-based RTS fr.