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 its delightfully cheesy dialogue and memorable characters, 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 countless late-night gaming sessions fueled by caffeine and snacks. Slipgate Ironworks has masterfully recreated that nostalgic feeling, and I'm eager to see what they have in store for the full release. Whether battling AI in Skirmish or facing off against human opponents in Ranked Multiplayer, Tempest Rising felt incredibly familiar and intuitive.
This nostalgic experience is no accident. The developers explicitly aimed to create an RTS game that channeled the spirit of 90s and 2000s classics, while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements. Set in an alternate 1997, where the Cuban Missile Crisis escalated into World War 3, the game unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world teeming with energy-rich, strange vines.
Tempest Rising Screenshots
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The demo focused solely on multiplayer, leaving the story mode a mystery for now. However, the developers have confirmed 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 secrecy, promising further intrigue in the full game.
The Tempest Dynasty immediately captivated me, largely due to the hilariously destructive Tempest Sphere, a rolling death machine that obliterates enemy infantry. The Dynasty also utilizes "Plans," faction-wide bonuses activated through the Construction Yard. These Plans, which include Logistics (faster building and resource harvesting), Martial (increased unit attack speed and explosive resistance), and Security (reduced unit and building costs, improved repair, and expanded radar), offer strategic flexibility. I found a satisfying rhythm cycling through these Plans to optimize resource gathering, construction, and offensive capabilities.
Unlike the GDF's stationary refineries, the TD utilizes Tempest Rigs, mobile harvesters that move freely across the map, making expansion incredibly efficient. Deploying these Rigs to remote locations provided a secure and reliable income stream.
The Salvage Van, a dual-purpose unit capable of both repairing and destroying vehicles, added a unique layer of tactical depth. Ambushing unsuspecting opponents and reclaiming their resources proved incredibly satisfying.
Power plants can switch to Distribution Mode, boosting nearby building construction and attack speed at the cost of taking damage – a risk-reward mechanic that added another layer of strategic decision-making.
While the TD was my personal favorite, the GDF offered its own unique strengths, focusing on buffing allies, debuffing enemies, and controlling the battlefield. The Marking mechanic, combined with Doctrine upgrades, proved particularly effective.
Tempest Rising3D Realms Wishlist
Both factions feature three distinct tech trees, offering diverse strategic options. Advanced buildings unlock powerful cooldown abilities, further enhancing gameplay.
The TD's Lockdown ability, preventing enemy takeovers, adds another layer of strategic depth. The Field Infirmary, a mobile healing zone, proved invaluable in supporting the Dynasty's unique units.
The full game's Custom Lobbies promise even more exciting possibilities, especially the prospect of teaming up with friends against the challenging AI. Until then, I'll happily continue crushing bots with my unstoppable army of death balls.
