Real-time strategy (RTS) games have experienced a fluctuating landscape in recent years, with various attempts to revive the genre. From nostalgic remakes like Age of Mythology: Retold to unique experiments such as Battle Aces, the market seems inundated with revamps and reimagined classics. Amidst this tumult, Project Citadel emerges as a fresh contender aiming to reshape how we perceive and enjoy RTS games, while drawing inspiration from the genre’s golden age.
Project Citadel is a product of Last Keep, a studio founded by veterans of the game industry, including former developers from renowned titles like Stranger Things and Age of Empires. This new endeavor presents itself as a thrilling space strategy game where players face off against an alien empire. What sets it apart is its innovative blend of squad-based mechanics reminiscent of Halo Wars, coupled with dynamic roguelike elements. This hybrid approach not only aims to cater to busy gaming lifestyles with shorter play sessions but also seeks to retain classic RTS strategies such as “booming” and “rushing.”
Understanding the Core Mechanics
At the heart of Project Citadel lies its unique gameplay mechanics, fit for both seasoned RTS players and newcomers. The concepts of booming and rushing—often staples in traditional RTS battles—underline the game’s design philosophy. Booming involves building a strong economy at the outset, while rushing entails a swift offensive strategy with weaker units. However, contrasting classic RTS gameplay, Project Citadel introduces a twist where turtling—focusing on defense—takes a backseat. Players are thrust into action, constantly engaging in assaults against the formidable Voltari empire.
The game is structured within a procedurally generated, turn-based campaign that unfolds across a branching galactic map, offering varying RTS skirmishes. The mothership acts as a player’s base of operations, capable of assembling starbases and providing essential support during battles. This combination fosters a fast-paced environment where strategies must adapt, making for engaging and unpredictable gameplay.
The Philosophy Behind Roguelike Integration
One of the most ambitious aspects of Project Citadel is the incorporation of roguelike features into its strategic framework. Yohan Sengamalay, one of the project’s key developers, emphasizes that their goal is to “deconstruct” traditional strategy gaming frameworks. This involves breaking down long campaigns into shorter missions, promoting meaningful decision-making while ensuring players receive quicker feedback and opportunities to experiment with different strategies each time they play.
This philosophy is both courageous and risky; while it aims to revitalize gameplay by introducing fresh elements, the potential exists for the repetition and monotony that often accompany roguelike mechanics. While the combination of genres might initially seem sensible, the risk of one overshadowing the other is a valid concern. The right balance must be struck to ensure that the allure of roguelike aspects does not dilute the rich tactical depths typical of established RTS games.
Bringing Innovation to the Genre
As Project Citadel takes shape, the game’s design team is keenly aware of the need to differentiate their work from other recent attempts to spark a resurgence in RTS gaming. Sengamalay astutely notes that many existing projects in the genre often fall back on nostalgia, serving as remakes or spiritual successors. In contrast, Last Keep’s developers maintain a commitment to forging new paths devoid of simply reproducing past successes.
This approach blends well with the developers’ intent to innovate unit control. By allowing players to command squadrons rather than individual units, Project Citadel pays homage to its precursors, like Halo Wars, while making gameplay more accessible across different control styles, including game controllers and mouse/keyboard setups.
The Road Ahead for Project Citadel
Even though skepticism lingers regarding the synergy of roguelike elements with STR mechanics, it is essential to recognize the courage and creativity involved in undertaking such a project. The gaming industry thrives on risk-taking and experimentation, leading to radical breakthroughs. For players who carry fond memories of Age of Empires and Halo Wars, Project Citadel offers a glimmer of hope—a reminder that innovation might usher in the next great strategy game experience.
Despite the rollercoaster of emotions surrounding previous attempts like Servo, which also bore the fingerprints of esteemed developers but failed to materialize as intended, Project Citadel stands as an example of fresh ambition. The developers’ commitment to their collective vision opens the doorway to endless possibilities, leaving players yearning for what lies ahead in this bold reimagining of the RTS genre. While it remains to be seen whether Project Citadel will achieve commercial success or critical acclaim, its unique vision is undeniably a necessary addition to the ongoing conversation about the future of strategy gaming.