Real-time strategy (RTS) games, once a genre dominant in the gaming world, have been gradually sidelined as players lean towards faster-paced genres and the evolving landscape of gaming preferences. Nostalgic remakes like Age of Mythology: Retold and innovative new titles like Battle Aces have attempted to spark interest, but few have successfully captured the depth and strategy that fans of the genre crave. Enter Project Citadel, an ambitious endeavor from Last Keep, a studio that boasts a pedigree tied to the minds behind classics like Age of Empires. With the ever-present pressure to innovate, can Project Citadel redeem the RTS genre and offer a fresh take that resonates with both veteran players and newcomers?
A New Concept In Space
Project Citadel endeavors to intertwine the thrill of strategic combat with roguelike mechanics to create an experience that feels both familiar and new. Set against the backdrop of a galactic conflict with the nefarious Voltari empire, players are tasked with commandeering a mothership capable of crafting starbases and providing crucial battle support. The game introduces squad-based combat mechanics reminiscent of Halo Wars, giving players control over squadrons rather than individual units, an approach that enhances both accessibility and strategic depth. This shift seems promising, offering the potential of elevating tactics while framing the player’s sessions within a roguelike structure.
Interestingly, the roguelike format transforms traditional lengthy campaigns into bite-sized missions, ensuring that players can engage in strategy without the daunting commitment of hours-long gameplay. According to Yohan Sengamalay, one of the directives behind Last Keep, this deconstruction of the strategy genre fosters “meaningful choices and depth while introducing quicker rewards and greater experimentation.” This innovative take could indeed reinvigorate the RTS framework by making it more palatable for modern gamers disillusioned with the lengthy, laborious campaigns of yesteryear.
Strategic Mechanics: From Booming to Rushing
For those who may not be familiar with classic RTS terminology, concepts like “booming” (prioritizing economy development) and “rushing” (aggressively attacking early on with lower-cost units) are critical to understanding the strategies in Project Citadel. In this game, it appears that there is a deliberate focus away from exhaustive defensive strategies, or “turtling”, which has been a staple in many RTS games for years. Instead, Project Citadel encourages a more aggressive approach, which may keep players engaged and on their toes.
Balancing these strategies will be vital; if players are solely on the offense without the option to fortify their defenses, the game might lean more toward chaos than strategy. However, Sengamalay’s assertion that this focus on assault maintains the thrill of RTS will be put to the test. Players will eventually need to discover how much defensive strategy they can integrate into their gameplay within this new paradigm.
Unit Diversity and Tactical Depth
The visual and mechanical diversity among unit types also holds promise. Ranging from swift missile-firing ships to armored behemoths, the array of available vessels invites players to experiment with their configurations in ways that many recent RTS titles have fallen short of providing. The introduction of skill-shots—a mechanic allowing units to execute special moves akin to those found in action-centric games—adds further layers to strategic planning. This approach would likely attract players who have enjoyed fast-paced action games while simultaneously retaining traditional RTS enthusiasts.
Additionally, building environments responsive to player choices and strategies is paramount to ensuring long-lasting appeal. The procedural generation of missions may offer an unpredictable and evolving gameplay experience—if done correctly. However, the danger lies in repetitiveness, a pitfall that many indie developers have been unable to escape as roguelike mechanics permeate multiple genres.
The Road Ahead: Comparisons with Previous Attempts
It’s essential to examine the context in which Project Citadel is launching. With previous titles like Servo, which also emerged from the minds of seasoned developers, facing challenges such as stunted progress and lackluster reception, a sense of cautious optimism must accompany our excitement. While there is an undeniable appetite for innovation in the RTS landscape, execution is everything.
Moreover, believers in the potential of Project Citadel must remember that the gaming community can be skeptical. The shadow of many failed attempts looms large, and players will rightfully scrutinize Last Keep’s efforts against their past experiences. The ambition is palpable, but will it translate into engaging gameplay that holds its own in the modern marketplace?
As Project Citadel navigates its developmental path, it has the opportunity to carve out a niche in a genre straining for rejuvenation. Whether this venture will succeed remains an open question, but for those of us who cherish the strategic depth of old-school RTS games, it embodies a flicker of hope in an otherwise uncertain landscape.