E3 2006 First Look Preview
In the 37th
century, the galaxy is torn between three rival factions. The goal is simple –
put an end to the 1,000-year Infinite War by wiping out the competition once and
for all.
The game is
Supreme Commander, Gas Powered Games and THQ’s RTS with a futuristic twist.
Developed by Chris Taylor (Total Annihilation), Supreme Commander was shown in a
theater setting at a pre-E3 event THQ held in Los Angeles recently.
The game
keys on planetary warfare, but enables players to zoom in tight on individual
units or zoom all the way out to see the total world. It is a seamless world,
featuring naval, ground and air attacks, and uses a full-on physics system in a
dynamic three-dimensional world.
A
command-and-control system allows players to set waypoints for units to engage
enemies, and the game’s engine will realize the time it takes for the attacks.
In other words, you can set a series of waypoints to circumnavigate a targeted
enemy unit (or units) and then allow the game to work your force toward that
while you take care of other business. Don’t like the attack approach? You can
change it on the fly.
The game, as
mentioned, has three factions that are unique in look and would appeal to
different player’s personalities. There are three story-driven campaigns,
configuring background history into the gameplay elements.
Multiplayer
will feature up to eight players online, plus a co-op mode.
THQ will
support the game with a map and mission editor, downloadable content and instant
battle replay features.
The look of
the game is impressive, with the chaos of war realized as units battle on
multiple fronts. If it gets too badly out of hand, trigger a nuclear strike and
watch the screen glow with the detonation animation. It is rather formidable
visually.
In a year
were several RTS titles will be vying for attention, the grand scale and
futuristic feel of Supreme Commander should garner a lot of attention. Look for
it to release on the PC platform in early 2007.
