Tempest Rising harks back to the golden age of the RTS | Hands-on preview

by

I cherish the nostalgia of playing Command & Conquer on the first PlayStation, yet Red Alert was the one that deeply captivated me, leaving lasting impressions on my mind. It was user-friendly initially, but demanded skill as you progressed, which led me to devote countless hours building an army and waging battles for justice. The creators claim that Tempest Rising is influenced by the iconic real-time strategy games of the ’90s and 2000s, a statement I wholeheartedly agree with. It transported me back to my youth, where I was engaged in combat against the Soviets and gathering resources.

Although Tempest Rising bears resemblance to Command & Conquer, it stands uniquely on its own. I was fortunate enough to test out its Skirmish mode, offering a pick between two groups: the Tempest Dynasty and Global Defense Force. This gripping tale unfolds in an alternate reality where the Cuban Missile Crisis triggered World War 3. Despite the devastation wrought by the war, a mystifying resource mysteriously surfaced, igniting global competition to harness its power. The stage is set for an engaging narrative, but my experience was solely focused on the gameplay.

After diving into my first game, I was struck by how seamless and uncomplicated the experience felt. Unlike many other RTS games that bombard you with complexities right from the get-go, this one takes a more thoughtful approach, allowing players to gradually learn and adapt without feeling overwhelmed. Each faction offers unique playstyles, adding an exciting layer of variety to each match as we juggle resource gathering, factory construction, and military support building. Starting off with limited construction options, the game quickly expands those possibilities, offering a dynamic and engaging experience.

In my role as commander of the Global Defense Force, I swiftly established a Construction Hub which served as the central point of my base, from where all other developments sprang forth. Subsequently, I erected a Refinery to tap into the Tempest resource, providing a steady flow of funds for my military operations. Since everything required energy, I set up numerous Power Stations to maintain the operation, followed by a Silo to safeguard the valuable resources being gathered. Finally, the Barracks offered me the opportunity to recruit troops such as the Field Scout and Engineer.

In the Vehicle Bay, I produced Hunter Tanks to safeguard my base and counter enemy attacks, as well as Sentinel Scout Cars to monitor neighboring territories and collect intelligence. Additionally, there are various other facilities like the Satellite Uplink and Repair Bay that enhance production and offer diverse support such as scanning nearby threats and repairing damaged vehicles and structures. As you construct everything necessary for a successful mission, remember to also erect walls to secure your base.

In this strategy game, you hold immense power over various aspects such as resource gathering, reconnaissance, combat strategies, and ultimately controlling the battlefield. However, there are instances when enemy forces may catch you off guard. Yet, you can choose to execute stealthy strikes or launch all-out assaults. It’s straightforward yet challenging to excel at, requiring multiple attempts before grasping the fundamentals for maximum enjoyment.

The Tempest Dynasty and GDF both share similar structures and weaponry, but each side possesses unique specialties unavailable to the other. Playing as both factions adds an exciting twist to the gameplay experience.

Although I didn’t have a chance to test the campaign or multiplayer mode, I found Skirmish to be an engaging way to familiarize myself with the distinct factions and its captivating, uncomplicated gameplay. It’s delightful to play a real-time strategy (RTS) game that strikes a balance between providing necessary information without overwhelming you, yet not being overly simplistic either. The visuals of Tempest Rising are stunning, and the music adds to its appeal. I eagerly anticipate the full release as it offers a nostalgic RTS experience with a modern twist. Slipgate Ironworks has skillfully created an enjoyable RTS game that evokes memories of the genre’s golden age while introducing novel elements.

Tempest Rising is coming to PC on April 24th.

Read More

2025-01-20 21:16