Star Wars: Empire at War (Demo)

[Flabio]

Had a blast through it during my lunch break, and much as it scares me to admit it, I think they might've finally done a good Star Wars RTS.

Nice mix of ground based battles (very Command and Conquer like), space ones (not quite up to Homeworld, but it does let you target hardpoints on the capital ships, plenty of tactics there I'm sure) and an overall campaign that involves capturing planets, spies, building up bases etc... (A little bit like the campaign in the earlier Total Wars in feel).

The two sides seem to vary in how they work in the campaign, they do research and get resources via different means. Not sure how different they'll feel in practice in the end though.

There's a nice cinematic camera button you can push to show cool stuff happening. Fun to go to it just as your Tie bombers are starting a run on the rebel scums shield generator...

Pity theres no multiplayer in the demo though.

In the campaign selection, it looks like theres a lot of scenarios, so I'm guessing you can play the full blown every planet thing, or shorter games based around events from the films.

Will give it a go on my home PC later (higher spec, so I can up the visuals a bit).

[RobDimmock]

Brilliant. I'll download this tonight. I was a bit wary as to would be PC run it, but I suppose i'll give it ago!

[EvilBoris]

You seen its a 750meg download?

insane!

[RobDimmock]

That shouldn't take to long on my 2MB connection!

[Angry the Clown]

There's a nice cinematic camera button you can push to show cool stuff happening. Fun to go to it just as your Tie bombers are starting a run on the rebel scums shield generator...

Did you not wish that the user could control this camera though? I did. It would be nice to be able to move the mouse around and see what you want to see, as the pre-determined camera movement is rather clunky and random.

I think there is strong potential with the game. It's certainly more immersive than Galactic Battlegrounds. Surface battles don't offer much in the way of anything new, but the space battle elements are intriguing, despite adding a fair bit of getting used to in terms of the interface. The Galactic map is as important for sending out spies, bounty hunters and setting up trade routes from planet to planet as it is moving your assets from one sector to another, so anyone can be forgiven for finding the game somewhat daunting. The tutorials are actually enjoyable in how they explain everything.

[Dazzyman]

It's made by the ex C&C staff what setup there own company (if I remember right its using a modified generals engine). The demo has a descent tutorial as well for the space building, looks promising for the Feb 17th Release in UK.