RTS is one of the most well-known and long-standing genres in gaming, with titles such as Total War, Age of Empires and Rise of Nations all being household names.
However, there is a sci-fi RTS game slated to release in 2022 that not many will have heard of.
That game is Falling Frontier, a single developer project started in 2019 which looks like it could become a classic.
Gameplay mechanics
Falling Frontier is a space strategy game that puts you in control of a fleet of ships as you strive to survive and expand your territory in a solar system with planets, moons and asteroid belts.
The game’s focus is primarily on grounded resource management and smaller, more impactful battles that lend Falling Frontier a unique pace and feel.
Most 4X strategy games make use of a few standard principles and mechanics.
You gather resources, establish bases, and use resources to expand and maintain your military – which is crucial to conquering your enemies.
Falling Frontier is no exception but makes a few fundamental changes that create a very different experience for players.
Falling Frontier allows players to customise their ship’s weaponry allowing for your preferred strategy.
Unlike other RTS games, you do not have a unified pool of resources. Instead, resources are moved from area to area through supply lines.
This can create an interesting situation where you may have a lot of resources stockpiled, but if you can’t ship it to the front lines, it’ll be next to useless.
Likewise, the number of resources you have access to is pretty limited and this will not allow you to produce and maintain warships constantly.
This creates an experience that places a greater emphasis on each ship and its importance as an investment of precious resources, which puts a new slant on conflict.
Losing ships in battles or having your supply lines cut is far more significant than in other RTS games, where losses can be quickly replaced.
In many ways, this adds a layer of consequence and tension to your experience that is sure to be unique within the RTS genre.
Design
Falling Frontier is a beautiful game with an excellent overall design.
Its ship and station designs are memorable but not over-the-top, which further lends itself to it being a more ‘real’ setting than other space RTS games.
The sound design is also fantastic, with each shot of your warship’s weaponry having a visceral impact to it.
This is all enhanced by a truly excellent soundtrack that ensures every moment of the game will be enjoyable – even if you’re only attending to your supply lines.
You can choose your lineage before starting a game that will provide bonuses to your faction.
Game modes
The game will feature a sandbox style of play, and will not offer multiplayer or a campaign in its initial release.
However, the developer has stated that depending on how the release goes, there are plans to introduce these mechanics and features and more as time goes by.
This isn’t surprising, given only one person is developing the entire game.
The design of ships in Falling Frontier is varied, and each is as impressive as the last.
Release
Fallen Frontier is expected to release into Early Access in Q2 2022; however, it may be delayed since its development rests solely on the efforts of a singular individual.
But even if it is delayed, this is a title you can’t afford to miss if you enjoy RTS games.
This also means that if this game looks like something you’d enjoy, you would be contributing to its success by wishlisting it on Steam.
Below you can find the trailer for Fallen Frontier.
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