Tempest Rising, developed by Slipgate Ironworks and published by 3D Realms, and Knights Peak, is based around the RTS (Real Time Strategy) genre. The artistic depictions in game are inspired by industrial militarization with some elements of guerilla warfare in the designs of the two factions. As for how the narrative revolves around the two, the game focuses on a sort of nuclear aftermath scenario pitting these two factions against each other. This sets the basis for the rest of the game and how it will play out and the art style. As for the gameplay, it feels pretty box standard for the RTS genre, but the real magic is how it allows the player to utilize the various mechanics used in the game to tackle various problems presented in the game.
As for how the game feels, it is quite the experience, as it feels a lot more nuanced with some of the controls with a stronger focus on strategy and mixed units with placements being at the forefront. People who have played games like Halo Wars 2, Starship Trooper Terran Command, and Last Train Home will need to adjust a bit due to the overall speed of the game. The main reason as to why is due to the speed of the game is something to get used to for those who like turtling in games especially. Moreover, while there are missions that focus on turtling, the main emphasis in some missions is to make the game easier by thinking outside of the box, such as the use of engineers/technicians.
These units can capture enemy buildings and allow the player to use those buildings as if they owned them, allowing them access to enemy units. In some missions this mechanic rewards methodical and creative players by allowing them to have additional troops, credits, and energy in case the game starts the player off with very little at the start. Aside from that, games like this will always reward the player for using their creativity and adaptability. To showcase the player’s adaptability, there will be times when the player will need to be on the offensive and defensive at the same time to combat different objectives to complete a mission to its fullest. This is just a small portion of the game, as any game needs some visual elements and even a narrative to set the tone and setting of the game.
While there are various RTS games involved around war and some with a post-apocalyptic atmosphere, Tempest Rising feels unique in how it carries its narrative. This allows for some pretty nice environments for the player to interact with and see how the world has changed in a post-nuclear war. Moreover, a major thing is that strange red plants have popped up around the map that are used for credits and set the stage for the main conflict between the two factions the Global Defense Force and Tempest Dynasty. For players who are more heavily invested in the narrative, they should focus on not missing the cutscenes, especially the opening. As it provides a lot of the information the player needs for worldbuilding and showcases to the player how the world came to be.
This allows story-driven players the opportunity to learn more about the world and the factions they choose in single player. Moreover, another major reason to play single player is to understand new mechanics over time and get used to them, as the two factions have different ways on how to play. This will allow players to learn the ropes and enjoy a solid narrative while doing so.
Player freedom is usually something to take into account in RTS games, and in the missions for this game, it really showcases player agency as a strong part of the strategy of the game itself. While the narrative and art for the game can be disregarded, they hold important pieces of information, such as world-building and character design. Tempest Rising is a solid 9/10 game due to its sheer gameplay and focus on player decision-making as a key part of the game, with the narrative setting the tone and pace for learning new mechanics.
Tempest Rising is available for PC via Steam.
Related: Reviews by Kyle Manila
I would describe myself when interacting with games as a strategist with a pension for stealth and loud explosions.
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