Real-time strategy (RTS) games have faced a difficult landscape in recent years, with numerous projects striving to bring the genre back into the spotlight. Amidst an influx of remakes like “Age of Mythology: Retold” and experimental titles such as “Battle Aces,” the industry remains thirsty for innovation. One compelling effort making waves is “Project Citadel,” produced by Last Keep—a studio comprising veteran developers from both BonusXP and Ensemble Studio, known for classics like “Stranger Things” and “Age of Empires.” Project Citadel invites players into a vibrant universe where they combat an alien empire, injecting new life into the beloved RTS format with its unique amalgamation of squad mechanics, roguelike gameplay, and strategic depth.
New Mechanics: Roguelike Meets RTS
What differentiates Project Citadel from its predecessors is its integration of roguelike elements, designed for shorter play sessions while still catering to strategic gamers who relish lengthy, calculated encounters. According to Yohan Sengamalay, a key figure behind the project, this “deconstruction” of the RTS genre means moving away from traditional campaign structures. Instead, the game delivers a series of bite-sized missions intricately linked through an expansive procedurally generated galactic map, ensuring that players can enjoy the satisfying asynchronous gameplay of intense strategy without the draining time commitment typical of the genre.
While project creators still emphasize classic tactics—such as “booming,” where players invest heavily in building their economy, and “rushing,” characterized by aggressive early-game strategies—Project Citadel opts to do away with the slow-paced “turtling” style often embraced by players wanting to fortify defenses. In this narrative, players are perpetually on the offensive against the formidable Voltari empire, fostering a sense of urgency and engagement throughout their campaigns.
Control and Combat: A New Era of Engagement
One of the standout features of Project Citadel lies in its innovative approach to unit control. Players command squadrons rather than individual units, allowing for a more tactical immersion that echoes the mechanics seen in Halo Wars. This decision encourages strategic thinking and fluidity in combat, as well as enabling smooth gameplay across various platforms, whether on a controller or keyboard and mouse setup. The array of ships—ranging from nimble warships to colossal titans—each possess “skill-shots,” infusing a layer of tactical nuance that rewards precise timing and quick decision-making in battles.
In this context, the design of units and ships marks a uniquely dynamic take on traditional RTS mechanics. Visuals come alive with the carnage of missile-laden assaults, robust defensive maneuvers, and strategic formations that mimic the chaos of intergalactic warfare. Players now have opportunities to engage in strategic improvisation, allowing their adaptability to shine through amidst the chaos.
Indie Spirit: Pioneering Change in the RTS Landscape
Despite the overwhelming nostalgia that previous RTS titles evoke, Project Citadel thrives on its identity as an indie project. This small studio, Last Keep, composed of just 2-10 members, embraces the challenge of innovation without the constraints of major industry expectations. Sengamalay and his colleagues have taken a decisive stance against mere remakes, focusing instead on crafting a product that represents both homage and evolution within the genre. Echoing sentiments from the game’s developers, the independent spirit inherently fuels creativity—providing a fresh canvas for redefined gameplay.
However, skepticism remains, as the gaming community grapples with an overwhelming trend of roguelike hybrids. There is a fine line between innovation and repetition; as history shows, not every attempt at blending genres results in success. The pitfalls of over-saturation can lead to disengagement from the audience. Yet, there’s something uniquely promising about Project Citadel that suggests it may rise above similar efforts.
Hope for the Future of RTS Gaming
As an ardent fan of both Age of Mythology and Halo Wars, I find myself optimistic about Project Citadel’s potential to invigorate the RTS genre while offering players an exhilarating, fast-paced experience with contemporary flair. The developers seem genuinely invested in reinventing the mechanics that we have grown to love. It is precisely this spirit of innovation that keeps the genre alive, creating an endless cycle of possibilities for players and developers alike. It is clear that the hope for RTS is rekindling, and while only time will tell whether Project Citadel can stand strong amidst the gaming renaissance, the ambition behind it certainly set the stage for something remarkable.
For more on this much-anticipated project, fans will have to keep an eye out as they await further news leading up to its eventual release, which is not yet announced. Given the landscape of modern gaming, could Project Citadel be the title that paves the way for a new era in RTS?
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