Stormgate: Ready for Takeoff, But Missing Some Fuel
While Stormgate’s early access promises innovation and fun, it feels more like a clunky rehash of old favorites than a fresh revolution in the RTS genre.
Early Access Review
last updated Aug 27, 2024
In the current state, Stormgate feels like a tantalizing glimpse of what could be an engaging RTS revival but stops short of greatness.
Gameplay: A Familiar Dance of Mechs and Strategy
Stormgate seeks to capture the essence of classic real-time strategy games while attempting to carve its own path through an increasingly crowded genre. Unfortunately, what it offers feels like more of a soft echo than a bold new statement. The mechanics, while serviceable, are reminiscent of Starcraft II, which can make players feel like they're revisiting a well-worn territory rather than experiencing something new. The 1v1 competitive scene shows promise and can be addictive, yet many players cite issues with balancing and pacing, particularly in mid to late game phases which can frequently devolve into frustrating lag. To add to this chaotic mix, combat often revolves around snowball mechanics, leaving newcomers at a disadvantage and fostering a frustrating experience that might lead them to unceremoniously uninstall the game.
Audio: A Mixed Bag of Sounds
The audio design in Stormgate has garnered mixed feedback, showcasing both the potential and shortcomings of an opus still in the making. While some tracks are pulsating and resonate well with the spirit of battle, others fall short, contributing to the immersive experience that many players crave. There are moments where the sound effects accentuate the intensity of gameplay, particularly in 1v1 encounters, yet this is frequently undermined by a lack of refined audio polish overall. If there's a lesson to be learned, it’s this: even the most thrilling gameplay can feel stale without a well-executed soundtrack. Just remember that lasting echoes are what make battles memorable, and right now Stormgate’s music is more akin to a fad than a timeless score.
Graphics: A Visual Battlefield in Need of Refinement
Visually, Stormgate presents a canvas that feels scattered and inconsistent, divided between ideas that struggle for form and clarity. Character models and environment designs often come across as uninspired and basic, leaving a lingering question of whether the art direction took a meaningful leap, or just stumbled into a few familiar pitfalls. The performance on high-end systems can still be shaky, leading to choppy gameplay during intense skirmishes, which is a considerable obstacle for a genre that thrives on fluid motion. Moreover, the game's art style invites comparison to more refined classics rather than standing confidently on its own merits. It’s like being served a half-baked dish; you can tell the ingredients are there, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
The Nuances of Potential
It's essential to note that Stormgate is still in early access, which means it holds a unique position in the gaming world as both a work-in-progress and a canvas of possibility. Developers have often shown commitment to fine-tuning core elements of gameplay, offering patches and updates in response to community feedback. While the foundation has potential, it’s clear that a lot of essential features and improvements are still needed, particularly concerning balance and unit diversity. Players have expressed a strong desire for skirmish modes and broader strategic elements to truly embrace the RTS experience, but for now, the game feels more like a prototype desperately seeking the polish to elevate it from its early access status.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer & Publisher
Frost Giant Studios
Early Accesss Release Date
July 30, 2024
Verdict: A Work in Progress with Flickers of Brilliance
In the current state, Stormgate feels like a tantalizing glimpse of what could be an engaging RTS revival but stops short of greatness. The foundation is built on familiar ground, leaving some players longing for deeper innovation and a more refined experience. If you’re a fan of the genre and enjoy supporting indie projects, it might be worth diving into early access, just know you’re strapping in for a rocky ride rather than a smooth journey.