Tempest Rising: A Nostalgic RTS Experience That Delivers
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 essence of classic Command & Conquer, transporting me back to late-night gaming sessions fueled by caffeine and questionable snack choices. Slipgate Ironworks has masterfully recreated that nostalgic feeling, and I'm eager to see what they have planned for the full release. Whether battling AI in Skirmish or facing off against human opponents in Ranked Multiplayer, Tempest Rising felt incredibly familiar and comfortable.
This nostalgic experience is no accident. The developers aimed to create an RTS game that evokes the spirit of 90s and 2000s classics, while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements. Set in an alternate 1997, following a devastating World War 3 sparked by the Cuban Missile Crisis, Tempest Rising introduces a unique element: strange, energy-rich vines that have sprung up in the wake of nuclear fallout.
Tempest Rising Screenshots
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The demo focused solely on multiplayer, so I'll have to wait for the full release to experience the story mode, which will feature two 11-mission campaigns, one for each main faction. The Tempest Dynasty (TD), a coalition of Eastern European and Asian nations, and the Global Defense Forces (GDF), an alliance of the US, Canada, and Western Europe, are both playable. A third faction remains shrouded in mystery for now.
I gravitated towards the Tempest Dynasty, partly due to their amusing "Tempest Sphere," a rolling death machine that obliterates infantry. The Dynasty also utilizes "Plans," faction-wide bonuses activated through their Construction Yard. These Plans offer strategic flexibility: the Logistics Plan boosts resource gathering and construction speed; the Martial Plan enhances unit attack and defense; and the Security Plan reduces unit and building costs and improves repair capabilities. Switching between these Plans created a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop.
The Dynasty's mobile Tempest Rigs, which harvest resources independently, facilitated a highly effective "fast expand" strategy. Their ability to operate remotely provided a secure and efficient income stream. The Salvage Van, a versatile unit capable of both repair and destructive salvage, added another layer of strategic depth. Finally, power plants can switch to Distribution Mode, boosting nearby construction and attack speed, albeit at the cost of taking damage.
While I favored the Tempest Dynasty, the GDF offers a compelling alternative, focusing on allied buffs, enemy debuffs, and battlefield control. Their Marking mechanic, which debuffs targeted enemies, synergizes effectively with various Doctrine upgrades.
Tempest Rising3D Realms Wishlist
Both factions feature three 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 troop healing. The intelligent AI bots presented a challenging and rewarding opponent in Skirmish mode. I'm eagerly anticipating the full release, especially the prospect of cooperative play with friends. Until then, I'll continue my solo campaign, crushing my AI foes with overwhelming waves of Tempest Spheres.
