Reviving the RTS Genre: Project Citadel’s Bold Leap into the Unknown

The realm of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years, compelling developers to explore new narratives and mechanics while attempting to commemorate the essence of what made games in this genre so engaging. The nostalgic allure of classics like Age of Empires and the innovative mechanics of titles like Halo Wars serve as a lush bed of inspiration for modern ventures. However, the question remains: can we infuse fresh life into a style that often seems stuck in yesterday’s gameplay loops? Enter Project Citadel, a new title from Last Keep—an indie studio born from the legacy of seasoned developers affiliated with successful franchises like Stranger Things and Age of Empires.

A Fresh Narrative on an Established Frame

At its core, Project Citadel positions itself as a space-faring RTS where players face off against the mysterious Voltari empire. Unlike traditional RTS games that may employ familiar tactics such as booming, rushing, or turtling, this game hinges upon a blend of innovative approaches and familiar strategies, merging them into a unique playing experience. The absence of turtling in favor of relentless assault reflects a dynamic approach that prioritizes aggression—a risky but potentially rewarding mechanic that encourages players to stay engaged in fast-paced gameplay.

The game’s procedural generation is an inventive nod to the roguelike genre, allowing for a variety of short missions packed with actionable choices while also cultivating depth in strategy. While this may lead to concerns regarding the repetitiveness that is often associated with roguelikes, the developers aim to strike a balance that keeps players invested. A branching galactic overmap creates pathways for players to navigate through various encounters, hinting at a reconfiguring of mission structure that both captures the spontaneity loved within the roguelike community and the essential elements of classic RTS storytelling.

Mechanics that Define the Battlefield

Unit control in Project Citadel is innovative, steering away from the management of individual units, a hallmark of traditional RTS games, and venturing into the realm of squadron command. This evolution aligns with tendencies seen in modern gaming, especially with the rise of hybrid gameplay mechanics that accommodate various input systems, including both controllers and mouse/keyboard setups. The developers’ aim to enhance combat through skill-shot abilities adds a layer of complexity that elevates the experience from simple point-and-click interactions into a vibrant tapestry of strategic decisions based on timing and synergistic attacks.

Moreover, the diverse range of ships—spanning from agile missile launchers to fortified leviathans—provides players with a degree of customization and strategy that traditional titles often lacked. The introduction of “skill-shots,” where players can engage the enemy by charging through their ranks, invites tactical creativity. Each decision has immediate consequences, compelling players to think on their feet, effectively merging strategic planning with action-oriented gameplay.

The Challenge of Sustainability in Innovation

However, this push for innovation invites skepticism. The RTS landscape has suffered a jarring cycle of excitement followed by disappointing product releases. With Project Citadel positioned alongside past ambitious endeavors, a cautious approach is warranted. The criticisms levied against other games that have attempted to introduce roguelike elements to established formats often center on the issue of parasitism—where roguelike structures fail to enhance gameplay and instead drown out existing identity and narrative. The frequency of such attempts raises the question: will Project Citadel stand out or succumb to the same pitfalls?

Yohan Sengamalay, among the brains behind Project Citadel, acknowledges the pressures and limitations of their indie studio status and expresses a conscious departure from merely replicating past glories. This mindset, while more grounded than those who rushed into ambitious projects without adequate resources, now becomes a double-edged sword. The industry’s present disdain for projects that echo previous successes must also account for the necessity of nostalgia; capturing and reinventing cultural touchstones remains vital for success.

Hope on the Horizon

Despite lingering doubts, there remains a flicker of hope. As both an advocate for the RTS genre and a long-time fan of games like Age of Mythology, I welcome any innovation that proposes to deconstruct and then reconstruct old frameworks into new experiences. Project Citadel exhibits potential not only as an exciting gameplay mechanic but also as a means of connecting with an audience that craves both the old and the new. As we await more updates from Last Keep and seek clarity on the game’s release timeline, gamers will be watching closely to see if Project Citadel can rise above the legacy of its predecessors or if it will fade into oblivion, much like other ambitious but unfulfilled projects in the RTS domain.