Tempest Rising: A Nostalgic RTS Masterpiece
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, brought a smile to my face. The music, user interface, and unit designs perfectly captured the essence of my high school days spent playing Command & Conquer with friends – fueled by energy drinks, snacks, and sleep deprivation. This game expertly recreates that feeling, and I'm eager to see what Slipgate Ironworks has planned for the full release. Whether battling AI in Skirmish mode or engaging in Ranked Multiplayer, Tempest Rising felt incredibly familiar and comfortable.
This nostalgic experience is no accident. The developers aimed to create a real-time strategy (RTS) game reminiscent of 90s and 2000s classics, enhanced with modern quality-of-life improvements. Set in an alternate 1997, where the Cuban Missile Crisis escalated into World War 3, Tempest Rising unfolds in a world transformed by strange, energy-rich vines that emerged after widespread nuclear devastation.
Tempest Rising Screenshots
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The demo focused solely on multiplayer, leaving the story mode a mystery for now. However, it will feature two replayable 11-mission campaigns, one for each main faction: the Tempest Dynasty (TD) and the Global Defense Forces (GDF). A third faction remains undisclosed.
The Tempest Dynasty immediately captivated me, primarily due to the hilariously named Tempest Sphere – a death ball that crushes enemy infantry. The Dynasty also utilizes "Plans," faction-wide bonuses activated through the Construction Yard. These plans, such as Logistics (faster building and resource gathering), Martial (increased unit attack speed and explosive resistance), and Security (reduced unit and building costs, improved repair), offer strategic flexibility. I discovered a satisfying rhythm by cycling through these plans to optimize resource gathering, construction, and offense.
The Dynasty's Tempest Rigs, mobile resource harvesters, allow for flexible base expansion, regardless of distance from the main base. This made rapid expansion incredibly effective. The Salvage Van, a unit capable of repairing or destroying enemy vehicles for resource gain, added another layer of strategic depth. Finally, power plants can switch to Distribution Mode, boosting nearby building construction and attack speed at the cost of taking damage.
While I favored the Tempest Dynasty, the GDF offers a compelling alternative, focusing on buffing allies, debuffing enemies, and battlefield control. The Marking mechanic, where units mark enemies for debuffs and intel gain, is particularly effective.
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, preventing enemy takeovers, and the Field Infirmary, a mobile healing zone, are particularly useful.
The launch version will include custom lobbies, allowing for cooperative play against challenging AI. Until then, I'll continue my solo campaign, happily crushing my bot opponents with overwhelming force.
