Four years ago, the real-time strategy (RTS) genre seemed to be teetering on the edge of extinction. Once a titan of the gaming world throughout the '90s and early 2000s, it appeared that only a handful of developers still recognized its existence. The release of StarCraft 2 in 2010 stood as its last significant triumph. At that time, I remarked, "The genre needs a spark," but it felt as though we were merely fanning the dying embers of a once-vibrant flame. Fast forward two years, and I found myself prematurely declaring that RTS was making a comeback. The excitement surrounding titles like Homeworld 3, Company of Heroes 3, Tempest Rising, Stormgate, Dune: Spice Wars, and The Great War: Western Front was palpable. Yet, as it turns out, my optimism was misplaced.
Company of Heroes 3 launched to mixed reviews, despite its remarkable missions and cinematic flair. The much-anticipated dynamic campaign fell flat, and over a year later, it still struggles with a Mixed rating on Steam. Relic continues to support the game, but its predecessor from 11 years ago still boasts a larger player base. The number three seems to carry a curse for Relic, echoing the fate of Dawn of War.
Homeworld 3, another highly awaited sequel, also failed to meet expectations. While the fully 3D space battles and stunning visuals provided some enjoyment, the game lacked the storytelling depth of its predecessors. Its roguelike Wargames mode disappointed many, and the multiplayer experience has already dwindled. Despite my appreciation for certain aspects, the broader player response has been overwhelmingly negative, reflected in its Mostly Negative rating on Steam.
Stormgate offers a glimmer of hope, yet its early access launch has been underwhelming. The decision to enter early access may not have been wise for an RTS focused on multiplayer, which requires a level of polish and balance that can only be achieved post-launch. Frost Giant appears to have overlooked a critical aspect of the genre: while StarCraft has become an esports phenomenon, the heart of real-time strategy has always resonated with single-player fans. A compelling campaign is essential, and a few mediocre missions simply won’t suffice.
Something old, something new
The recent influx of RTS titles has yielded a mixed bag of experiences, ranging from decent to good, yet we still lack a standout success to buoy the genre. The Great War: Western Front attempted to explore World War I but ultimately felt too conservative. Dune: Spice Wars garnered some positive feedback for its innovative blend of 4X and RTS elements, but it hasn’t left a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Warhammer: Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin struggled to make an impact, and Men of War 2 served as a serviceable, albeit uneven, alternative to Company of Heroes 3.
What remains evident is that none of these titles inspire a desire for repeated play. The hallmark of great RTS games lies in their ability to draw players back for additional missions, cooperative challenges, or competitive skirmishes with friends. Unfortunately, this current crop lacks that compelling allure.
Amidst this landscape, I still hold out hope for Tempest Rising, which I previously described as a "dream RTS for Command & Conquer veterans." After experiencing just two missions in the demo, I was captivated. However, the demo’s limited scope and the game’s subsequent delays have left its future uncertain.
On a brighter note, Sins of a Solar Empire 2 recently emerged, showcasing a blend of familiar mechanics and fresh innovations, such as dynamic maps influenced by celestial mechanics. While it has received positive reviews and fostered a solid multiplayer community, its absence of a campaign may hinder its potential to evolve into a genre-defining title.
The RTS genre’s golden era was characterized by fierce competition, with developers constantly pushing boundaries to create memorable experiences. As we navigate through this period of uncertainty and mixed results, one can only hope that the next wave of RTS games will reignite the passion and creativity that once defined this beloved genre.
