There are simulators for a lot of games, many of which I don’t have much interest in, but with “Empire of the Ants,” I was immediately struck by its commitment to immersing players in the microscopic world of an ant colony. Developed by Tower Five, not quite a simulator (but close enough) this real-time strategy game delivers a fresh, photorealistic perspective, it invited me to explore a vast forest from the eyes of a tiny warrior ant. Unlike most RTS (real-time strategy) titles, this one doesn’t focus on vast armies or space-faring empires; it hones in on the epic scale of nature at the ground level, where you, as ant warrior, must rally legions, defend your colony, and conquer enemy nests to secure survival in a constantly perilous world right below our feet.
The main character you play as, the 103,683rd, is a warrior ant with a curious nature, charged with a critical role in the Federation’s conquest of new territories. Playing as this small but resilient hero, you’ll experience the RTS genre from an angle that feels both refreshing and unique. You’re not just commanding units; you’re inhabiting the life of an ant, where each battle and every conquered inch of territory feels monumental. Every encounter, whether facing rival ant colonies or defending against unpredictable forest creatures, reminds you of the delicate balance within the ecosystem, and the game rewards strategic thinking, exploration, and adaptability in spades. “Empire of the Ants” is truly gorgeous. Every blade of grass, every dewdrop glistening in the early morning light, and each fragment of the forest floor is rendered with an impressive level of detail. The visuals are some of the most stunning I’ve encountered, transforming the microscopic into something grand and visually striking. Watching your colony from the top of an abandoned bottle or leading your ants over a mossy rock captures that natural beauty, making the game as much an immersive experience as it is a strategic one. It’s rare to see a game stay this true to its theme, and this game pulls it off beautifully, offering something special that is just as enjoyable to look at as it is to play.
The gameplay, itself, is designed to be accessible without sacrificing depth. This is an RTS game at heart, but it’s far from the usual complicated fare of resource management or overwhelming tech trees. Here, combat adopts a rock-paper-scissors mechanic, where each unit type—starting, support, and super-predator—has unique strengths and weaknesses. This intuitive combat system really helped me understand what to expect from each unit, making battles strategic yet easy to follow, even for newcomers to the genre. Once you’ve crafted an upgrade in your nest, you’ll have access to various pheromones that grant buffs to your units. This aspect requires a hands-on approach, as you need to move into the action to activate these buffs and ensure your colony’s success in battle. If there’s one area where “Empire of the Ants” falls short, it’s in the narrative. Despite the game’s setting and remarkable visuals, the story lacks the memorable impact that the genre’s best games are known for. Granted, with how realistic it’s trying to be, it may be weird if these ants started talking or something, I was just hoping for a little something more. The journey is enjoyable, but it feels more like a series of objectives to complete than a gripping saga. The sense of immersion and the charm of the game world are there, but the narrative doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Still, the simplicity and accessibility of the gameplay make this an easy game to pick up and get lost in. “Empire of the Ants” is a celebration of nature wrapped in the form of a strategy game, bringing us closer to the beauty and brutality of the insect world. Watching the life of an ant unfold, strategizing and allying with other wildlife, feels both educational and thrilling. At its heart, it offers something rare in the genre: a sincere charm, an imaginative setting, and a focus on the delicate dance of nature at a scale we rarely consider. It’s a treat for fans of strategy who want to try something off the beaten path and a visual feast for anyone curious about the insect world. While it might not deliver on all fronts narratively, it certainly succeeds in creating a beautiful and enthralling gameplay experience.
8/10
Empire of the Ants is available for PC via Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store and PlayStation Store.
Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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