X-COM Creator Talks Changing Up RTS Games With Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids

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The upcoming game “Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids” is spearheaded by the mind behind X-COM. This unique blend, featuring third-person action aspects, may bring a significant change to the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre.

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll soon be diving into the world of “Chip ‘n Clawz,” published by Arc Games and developed by Snapshot Games. In this upcoming game, I’ll find myself leading a mechanized force to push back the invading alien Brainioids and safeguard Earth’s precious Brainium Crystals.

Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with key members of the game’s development team, including Julian Gollop (game director) and Nikola Petrov (game designer). They enlightened me on how “Chip ‘n Clawz” is set to revolutionize the RTS genre by seamlessly blending third-person action elements into its core gameplay. I can hardly wait to experience this innovative blend firsthand!

How Chip ‘n Clawz Will Be Revitalizing RTS Games

Chip ‘n Clawz’ Spin on the RTS Genre

In his discourse about what Chip ‘n Clawz will contribute to the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre, Petrov elaborated on their perspective towards the genre prior to developing the game. He pointed out that the RTS genre seems to have plateaued since games like Starcraft II, and emphasized how Chip ‘n Clawz could introduce fresh dynamics to the field.

Initially, it seems that the Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genre has experienced a plateau, with little innovation since StarCraft II was released. While other games have emerged and disappeared, the RTS genre as a whole has seemingly regressed, with many players gravitating towards Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBA) games. Our goal is to produce a contemporary take on RTS gameplay that eschews the high actions per minute (APM) and competitive eSports-style gameplay characteristic of traditional RTS titles. Instead, we aim to design a game that offers exciting action without being solely centered on the player hero, but rather requires strategic management of a small troop of minions. In essence, we envision a game that blends the two aspects seamlessly.

Petrov mentioned that he drew inspiration from game strategies found in franchises like Pikmin, as well as other games with a strategy-like flair such as Brutal Legend, Overlord, Tooth and Tail, and Orcs Must Die! He emphasized that these titles were fantastic examples of combining action and strategy elements. It’s only natural for Chip ‘n Clawz to seek inspiration from diverse genres, particularly those that blend gameplay styles. This unique mix of influences is expected to significantly contribute to the innovation and modernization of the upcoming RTS title.

Walking the Line Between Third-Person Action and RTS Tactics

Gollop, the creator of the renowned X-COM series, discussed challenges that arise when mixing different gaming genres. He highlighted steps the team took to bypass such issues and explained how merging genres actually enhances the game’s distinct elements.

In order to ensure smooth gameplay, we designed the control system to be straightforward yet restricted, steering clear of the intricate management often found in real-time strategy (RTS) games. Players are limited to placing four rally points on the map for each type of minion they wish to deploy. The Command View offers a panoramic perspective of the entire battlefield and can be accessed instantly whenever needed.

To maintain fairness, we carefully balanced the objectives and game mechanics so that players benefit from employing both strategic controls and participating in combat directly. Players have the freedom to choose their preferred playstyle – whether they prefer action-oriented gameplay or strategic planning – as both approaches are equally viable. Additionally, “HQ Mods” provide bonuses for character combat, minions, production, and economy, encouraging a diverse range of strategies and approaches.

In simpler terms, Chip ‘n Clawz should strike the right balance in their mixture of genres, and perhaps keeping things straightforward could be the key – not just for combining different game types, but also for making RTS (Real-Time Strategy) games more accessible to a broader audience. However, over-simplifying the gameplay was one of the issues with Minecraft Legends, a game that shares some similarities with Snapshot’s project. Ultimately, whether Chip ‘n Clawz succeeds in finding this balance remains to be seen.

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2025-08-22 13:18