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 hardened 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 players 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 evoked 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, Tempest Rising unfolds in a world ravaged by nuclear war and overrun by strange, energy-rich vines.

Tempest Rising Screenshots

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The demo focused solely on multiplayer, leaving the story mode a mystery for now. However, I know 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 shrouded in secrecy.

The Tempest Dynasty immediately captivated me, largely due to the hilariously destructive Tempest Sphere – a rolling death machine that obliterates infantry. The Dynasty also utilizes "Plans," faction-wide bonuses activated through the Construction Yard. Switching between the Logistics Plan (faster building and resource harvesting), the Martial Plan (increased attack speed and explosive resistance), and the Security Plan (reduced unit and building costs, improved repair, and expanded radar) created a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop.

The Dynasty's mobile Tempest Rigs, which harvest resources independently, facilitated a highly effective "fast expand" strategy. Deploying these rigs to distant locations allowed for undisturbed resource gathering. The Salvage Van, capable of both repairing and destroying vehicles, added another layer of tactical depth, allowing for sneaky resource acquisition by eliminating enemy units. Finally, the ability to switch power plants to Distribution Mode, boosting nearby construction and attack speed at the cost of taking damage, provided a thrilling risk-reward mechanic.

While I favored the Dynasty, the GDF offers a compelling alternative, focusing on allied buffs, enemy debuffs, and battlefield control. The Marking mechanic, combined with Doctrine upgrades, created potent synergies, weakening marked enemies and enhancing allied units.

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Each faction boasts three tech trees, offering diverse strategic options. Beyond the tech trees, constructing advanced buildings unlocks powerful cooldown abilities, adding another layer of strategic depth. The Dynasty's Lockdown ability, preventing enemy takeovers but temporarily disabling the building, and the Field Infirmary, providing mobile healing, are particularly noteworthy.

The prospect of joining custom lobbies with friends and facing off against the challenging AI is incredibly exciting. Until then, I'll be content squishing bots with my army of death balls.