In the vast landscape of gaming, real-time strategy (RTS) has seen its share of successes and failures. The recent attempts to revive the RTS genre, such as the nostalgic Age of Mythology: Retold and the innovative Battle Aces, illustrate a determination to bring fresh perspectives to a classic format that has sometimes stagnated. Among these efforts, Project Citadel emerges as a promising contender, developed by Last Keep, a studio formed by industry veterans from both BonusXP and Ensemble Studios. Unlike mere remakes or homages, this game seeks to fuse traditional RTS elements with innovative mechanics, profile-driven design choices, and a compelling narrative thread.
Blending Mechanics with Narrative
Project Citadel presents a thrilling premise: battling against an alien empire while navigating procedural campaign structures. This ambitious project combines squad management reminiscent of titles like Halo Wars and a roguelike framework designed for shorter, more digestible gameplay sessions. In a gaming environment where player attention spans are fleeting, the developers’ ambition to support complex strategy elements like “booming” and “rushing” within a roguelike system is worth analyzing. Booming, which focuses on economic expansion early in the game, and rushing, characterized by aggressive, fast-paced assaults, form the bedrock of RTS strategizing. Yet the design philosophy behind Project Citadel flips traditional RTS tropes on their head, emphasizing relentless offensive strategies over defensive “turtling.”
Deconstructing the RTS Experience
Yohan Sengamalay, an executive at Last Keep, offers insight into the project’s creative vision. He emphasizes the team’s aim to deconstruct the RTS genre, moving away from lengthy campaigns toward shorter, more engaging missions. This approach not only injects excitement into the gameplay but also opens avenues for meaningful choices, experimentation, and quick rewards. Such innovations challenge the notion of what an RTS can accomplish in terms of pacing and narrative engagement. Sengamalay points out that while classic titles have reinforced a certain gameplay rhythm, Project Citadel is unafraid to reinvent the wheel by relying on procedural generation for creating mission encounters.
However, the question arises: will this innovative framework resonate with the traditional RTS audience? RTS fans have spent years mastering intricate strategies, and the shift to a roguelike structure, while promising, risks alienating players who thrive on the tactical nuances of longer matches. Yet, by assembling squads instead of managing individual units, Project Citadel may streamline the experience and encourage accessibility. The inclusion of skill-shot abilities and combat maneuverability emphasizes timing, providing a fresh tactical element that could capture both veterans and newcomers alike.
The Dangers of Roguelike Integration
Despite its ambitious framework, integrating roguelike mechanics into an RTS environment comes with inherent risks. While the combination offers potential for new experiences, the shallow gameplay can detract from the depth and complexity that long-time fans cherish. The industry has recently seen an overwhelming trend toward roguelike structures—from deck builders to action games; some combinations appear to succeed while others feel forced.
A cautious perspective on Project Citadel emerges when considering the studio’s history. A similar attempt—Servo, developed by some of the same team—was lauded for its innovation but ultimately failed to deliver a complete experience. This overlap introduces skepticism; will Project Citadel revive the excitement of RTS, or simply be another title lost in the arms of uninspired gameplay mechanics?
The Future of Last Keep
Project Citadel encapsulates the careful balancing act that developers like Last Keep must undertake. As an indie studio comprising a small team of just 2-10 members, their nimbleness might be both a strength and a limitation. Sengamalay’s statement about the lack of resources for merely recreating past successes suggests a commitment to innovation rather than obligation. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that the blend of elements comes together cohesively, offering a gratifying experience rather than disjointed mechanics.
Moreover, the gaming community is wrought with examples of promising projects and sophisticated concepts that have gone south due to misaligned development goals. The real triumph will hinge upon Last Keep’s ability to respect the strategic depth characteristic of classic RTS while embracing fresh horizons that appeal to modern gamers. Critics will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the evolving narrative surrounding Project Citadel and the insights it reveals about the future of strategy gaming as a whole.
With no release date announced, anticipation around Project Citadel continues to build, resonating with nostalgia and hope for the RTS genre’s revival. The combination of veteran developers, innovative mechanics, and a bold vision presents the opportunity for both a home run and cautionary tales in the ever-evolving landscape of gaming.