100 Bodies in the Grass is an action indie early access title for PC that places players in the role of defenders during the Third Mongol Invasion of Vietnam in 1287. The game draws from historical events where Đại Việt forces resisted the Yuan Dynasty's advance, tasking players with exacting a heavy toll on invading armies before reinforcements arrive.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on wave-based defense across key locations in medieval Vietnam. Players select from four unique heroes, each equipped with customizable weapon loadouts and skill trees that support varied approaches to combat. ARPG-style fighting mixes with tower and hero defense elements, allowing direct engagement alongside constructed fortifications.
Defensive setups include bamboo palisades, towers, spike pits, and additional emplacements designed to channel enemies into kill zones. Village and militia systems add layers of strategy, requiring choices on priorities once breaches occur. Training and arming local fighters turns civilians into a coordinated force that supports the main heroes.
Over a dozen enemy types and bosses represent the Yuan forces, bringing diverse threats to the rice fields and defensive positions. Procedural generation of villages and waves ensures each run presents fresh layouts and enemy compositions, blending roguelike progression with repeatable defense scenarios.
Game Modes
The primary experience unfolds through a series of defensive stands at sites such as a northern village, a mountain monastery, and the Battle of Bach Dang. These positions tie into the broader campaign of holding the line during the invasion.
An Endless Wave mode provides an alternative for extended play, where performance can be compared against others. Procedural elements in both standard waves and endless sessions create ongoing variety without fixed repetition.
Solo play or sessions with up to three additional players support the full range of hero choices and defensive builds. The structure emphasizes preparation, positioning, and adaptation as waves intensify.
Setting and Historical Context
The narrative frames the action around the Mongol incursion into Đại Việt, with players acting on orders to delay the advance until Trần Hưng Đạo can organize broader resistance. Key quotes and events from 1284 and 1287 anchor the atmosphere in this period of conflict.
Defensive positions reflect real strategic points from the invasion, while mechanics like militia training and structure building mirror the resource and manpower challenges of the era. The combination keeps focus on tactical decisions amid escalating threats.
Is It Worth Playing?
Early access currently unlocks Act I, delivering the foundational wave defense, hero customization, and procedural systems. The title suits players who enjoy co-op defense games with roguelike replayability and ARPG combat depth, particularly those interested in historical settings or cooperative strategy against large enemy forces.
Four-player support and endless mode options extend playtime for groups or solo challengers seeking high-score runs. The emphasis on build decisions, militia management, and position holding creates meaningful choices that reward planning and adaptation across multiple sessions.
Those drawn to indie action titles with defense mechanics and historical themes will find a focused experience here. The current state supports testing core loops while more content develops in future updates.