Tempest Rising Preview: An RTS That Takes Me Back to the ‘90s
Tempest Rising: A Nostalgic RTS Masterpiece in the Making
From the moment I launched the Tempest Rising demo, I was hooked. The opening cinematic, complete with cheesy dialogue from heavily armored soldiers and a nervous scientist, instantly brought a smile to my face. The music, UI, and unit designs perfectly captured the spirit of my high school days, spent late nights playing Command & Conquer with friends fueled by sugary drinks and sleep deprivation. This game expertly recreates that feeling, and I'm thrilled to see what Slipgate Ironworks delivers at launch. Whether battling AI in Skirmish or facing off against human opponents in Ranked Multiplayer, Tempest Rising felt instantly familiar and comfortable.
This nostalgic experience is intentional. The developers aimed to create a real-time strategy (RTS) game that channels the classic titles of the 90s and 2000s, enhanced with the quality-of-life improvements we expect from modern games. Set in an alternate 1997, Tempest Rising depicts a world where the Cuban Missile Crisis escalated into World War 3, leaving behind strange, energy-rich vines that fuel a new era of power.
Tempest Rising Screenshots
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The preview build focused on multiplayer, so I'll need to wait for the full release to experience the story mode, which will include two 11-mission campaigns, one for each main faction: the Tempest Dynasty (TD) and the Global Defense Forces (GDF). A third faction remains shrouded in mystery for now.
The Tempest Dynasty immediately captivated me, not only because of the hilariously destructive Tempest Sphere (a rolling death machine that obliterates infantry), but also due to their unique "Plans" system. These plans activate faction-wide bonuses, selectable at the Construction Yard. The Logistics Plan boosts construction and resource gathering; the Martial Plan enhances unit attack speed and provides explosive resistance; and the Security Plan reduces unit and building costs, improves repair, and expands radar range. Switching between these plans created a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop.
The Dynasty's mobile Tempest Rigs provide a unique resource harvesting method, allowing for flexible base expansion regardless of distance. The Salvage Van, which can repair or destroy enemy vehicles for resource gain, adds another layer of strategic depth. Power plants can switch to Distribution Mode, accelerating construction and attack speed of nearby buildings at the cost of taking damage – a risky but potentially rewarding tactic.
While I favored the Dynasty, the GDF offers a compelling alternative, focusing on buffing allies, debuffing enemies, and battlefield control. The Marking mechanic, coupled with Doctrine upgrades, allows for significant tactical advantages.
Tempest Rising3D Realms Wishlist
Both factions boast three distinct tech trees and powerful cooldown abilities, adding strategic depth and unique playstyles. The Dynasty's Lockdown ability prevents enemy takeovers, while the Field Infirmary provides crucial battlefield healing.
The launch version will include Custom Lobbies, allowing for cooperative play against challenging AI. Until then, I'll be content crushing bots with my army of death balls.
