Cinematic storytelling is usually the last thing one expects when launching an RTS game. Most RTS titles prioritize meta gameplay over narrative, and when story-driven elements have been attempted, the results have been mixed at best. Consider games like Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne or the Dawn of War series; while many gamers regard them as some of the best stories told through the medium, both relied on an established fanbase and existing lore. The RTS genre has seen few original IPs with truly compelling stories, which is why the upcoming game Zero Space by Starlance Studios and Ironward stands out. Described as an epic cinematic RTS with a sci-fi setting, it boldly positions itself as such in the very first line of its Steam page.
Discussing Zero Space is challenging because the game has undergone significant changes since it was first shown to players. And its current form is still not the final version that will be available at launch. This is mostly due to the massive efforts of the developers as they have tirelessly worked on the game. All the while also making sure to keep the players and backers up to date. Most of the said development has gone into the cinematic cutscenes the game will feature. As players will take control of one of four main factions through a 13-mission-long campaign. A campaign that will also have an additional 14 loyalty missions and 40 side story arcs.
The real-time aspect of the game has also seen massive updates in recent months. The developers are heavily pushing unit redesigns and mercenary reworks. To not only better the game visually but also mechanically. Most of these reworks have also targeted the 10 unique units of each faction. And the 14 available Heroes which the players can choose to play in the campaign. Pathfinding and combat AI are also expected to be redone as the game nears launch.
The developers in their recent update have also given players the date for not only the Alpha test of the game, but also for the first Beta test and the free Demo. Alpha test is set to take place in November from the 1st to the 8th and will be a closed test. While the Beta will take place from the 15th to the 21st of November. With the Demo going live for three days from November 22nd till the 24th. So if you wish to experience the game in all of its glory then mark the dates.
Zero Space and its rapid development is truly a testament to what a dedicated developer and passionate fanbase can accomplish. A fanbase that has also created a personal website for the game, featuring a breakdown of its mechanics and updates. All but ensuring the longevity of the game, as a passionate player base is what makes or breaks the game in the current era. But regardless if you wish to experience a cinematic first RTS game, then do give this a try.
