Stormgate

Let's be honest – the RTS genre has been on life support for years now. Sure, we've had our share of remasters and the occasional new release, but nothing that really captured that magic that made us fall in love with the genre in the first place. That's what makes Stormgate such a breath of fresh air.

Frost Giant Studios, a team built from former Blizzard veterans, has finally delivered what RTS fans have been craving: a game that actually gets it. What's "It," you might ask? Well, "It" is what made legends like Age of Empires II: Age of Kings shine, and what hooked almost all of Asia on Starcraft 2: Wings Of Liberty.

I've spent countless hours commanding armies, managing resources, and getting absolutely demolished in ranked matches (more times than I'd like to admit). What keeps me coming back isn't just nostalgia – it's the fact that Stormgate nails that delicate balance between old-school RTS depth and modern gaming commodities.

RTS For Zoomers

Remember how clunky old RTS games could feel? Stormgate doesn't. The gameplay here is butter-smooth, with controls that make StarCraft II feel its age. Base building and resource management are snappy and intuitive, but it's the little touches that really make the difference.

Simply put, you couldn't make a modern gamer enjoy Rise of Nations if your life depended on it. Stormgate understands that perfectly. Fortunately, small QoL features make the game accessible to every player.

The three-player co-op mode is a game-changer too. It's not just some throwaway feature; it's a fully realized game mode that's perfect for when you want to play with friends but don't feel like getting stomped in ranked matches.

Eye Candy (With a Purpose)

This game is gorgeous. Not just "pretty for an RTS" gorgeous - I'm talking "stop and stare" gorgeous. The post-apocalyptic setting could have been another bland brown and grey wasteland, but instead, we get this vibrant, detailed world that pops off the screen.

Immediately, the game reminded me of Halo Wars. The obvious nods to Starcraft were also a great addition for any RTS veteran. When the Infernal Host crashes through a Human Vanguard base, it's not just visually spectacular – it's actually readable. You can tell exactly what's happening even in the middle of chaos.

And can we talk about the unit designs? Each faction has its own distinct visual identity that extends beyond just color schemes. Age of Empires IV might have historical accuracy, but Stormgate has style.

Competitive Edge

Here's where things get serious. Stormgate's competitive scene is already shaping up to be something special. The matchmaking is scary good – I rarely feel completely outmatched or like I'm stomping newbies. It's the kind of system that makes you want to improve, not rage quit.

Unlike Call of Duty's dreaded skill-based matchmaking, every match in Stormgate feels like a challenge that players can actually overcome.

The spectator features are top-notch too. Whether you're watching pro matches or reviewing your own replays, everything is clear and easy to follow. It's obvious the dev team knows what makes RTS esports tick.

Pros

• Smooth gameplay that will appeal to both newcomers and veterans of the genre
• Co-op mode that's actually fun, not just tacked on
• Matchmaking that makes you want to git gud

Cons

• Prepare to lose. Repeatedly
• The UI could use some cleaning
• Lacks a proper campaign