Tempest Rising
Last updated: 2025-04-18
- Evokes classic Command & Conquer gameplay experience
- Solid, balanced, and polished gameplay overall
- Enjoyable and engaging single player campaign
- Stunning and detailed graphics enhance immersion
- Strong optimization provides smooth performance
- Missing features and customization options impact replayability
Verdict
Mostly positive
Summary
Positive 89% · Negative 11%. Score: 11 / 100
Positives:
- Tempest Rising heavily evokes Command & Conquer, successfully capturing the gameplay, aesthetic, and nostalgic feel of the classic RTS series. Many reviewers see it as a spiritual successor, praising its ability to fill the void left by the lack of new C&C titles. The game blends familiar elements with modern improvements, appealing to fans of the golden age of RTS games.
- The game features an excellent and immersive soundtrack, with many reviewers highlighting the contributions of Frank Klepacki, known for his iconic work on the Command & Conquer series. The music effectively complements the gameplay and atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. The sound design is also top-notch, contributing to the game's immersive quality.
- The game boasts solid and responsive mechanics, with well-balanced factions and strategic gameplay. Reviewers praise the game's accessibility, depth, and overall high-quality polish. The developers have clearly put passion and meticulousness into crafting the game, resulting in a satisfying and engaging experience.
- The game delivers a modernised package that meets expectations, offering both nostalgia and fresh experiences. Reviewers express a strong sense of enjoyment and appreciate the developers' passion for the RTS genre. The game is seen as a worthy addition to the genre, with the potential to revive a beautiful style of video games.
- The game offers enjoyable and engaging campaign missions with a compelling story. Reviewers appreciate the diverse mission design, tactical depth, and cinematic cutscenes. The campaign provides a fun and immersive experience, with a good balance of challenge and enjoyment.
Negatives:
- The game is criticized for lacking essential features and customization options. Specifically, the game needs more maps, better multiplayer lobby functionality (chat, inviting friends), and options for key remapping and map rotation. The absence of a replay system and spectator mode is also noted.
- Reviewers express disappointment with the limited content, including the number of maps, the length of the campaign, and the lack of a third faction. They hope for more content in future updates, including additional skirmish modes and AI difficulty levels.
- Several reviews mention poor unit pathfinding, with units getting stuck or taking illogical routes. Additionally, unit readability is lacking, especially in multiplayer, making it difficult to distinguish between units. Some reviews also point out that the game's translation is of poor quality, with machine-translated text causing confusion.
- Many reviewers feel that the units lack impact and are difficult to control. Specifically, tanks are seen as weak against infantry, and the game lacks unit stances and reverse movement. Micro-management is also clunky, with targeting issues.
- Many reviewers feel the game lacks the charm and character of classic RTS titles, particularly Command & Conquer. The absence of live-action cutscenes and a perceived lack of innovation contribute to this sentiment. Some reviewers feel the game is a cheaper imitation of older titles.
Gameplay:
- The game strongly resembles classic RTS titles like Command & Conquer and Red Alert, focusing on traditional mechanics such as base building, resource management, and army command. It uses familiar control schemes and aims to capture the essence of these older games.
- The gameplay is fast-paced and requires multitasking, balancing base construction with tactical unit abilities. Combat is described as having depth and nuance amidst the action.
- The game features two distinct factions at launch: the Global Defense Force (GDF) and the Tempest Dynasty, each with unique units, tactics, and resource collection methods. A third faction is planned for future updates.
- The game includes campaign, skirmish, and multiplayer modes. Multiplayer supports up to 4 players with multiple maps, and the campaign uses meta progression.
- The game's story and setting are heavily influenced by the Command & Conquer universe, blending elements from the Red Alert and Tiberium series. The narrative feels familiar and reminiscent of these classic RTS titles.
Performance:
- The game generally exhibits strong optimization, running smoothly on various systems, including older hardware and the Steam Deck (with adjusted settings). Players reported stable frame rates and minimal technical issues, indicating a polished PC release. Some players reported occasional freezes, but the overall sentiment is positive.
- Sound effects received mixed feedback. While some found them incredible, others felt that gun sounds, particularly the sniper rifle, lacked impact and sounded weak.
- Unit movement and character models are well-crafted and responsive, contributing to a smoother and more fluid gameplay experience compared to earlier versions.
- The game demonstrates good optimization for online play, with players reporting no disconnects during multiplayer matches. This addresses a previous concern from Command & Conquer 3, suggesting improvements in network stability.
- Some players have reported stuttering performance specifically in the character screens, which detracts from the overall experience.
Recommendations:
- Many reviewers express overall satisfaction with the game, recommending it and stating it's worth the price. They highlight its enjoyable gameplay and anticipate playing it for many hours. Some reviewers are excited about the game's potential and future updates.
- Some reviewers feel the game's price is too high for the current content and suggest a lower price point. They suggest purchasing the game on sale or waiting for more content updates to justify the cost. One reviewer provides a specific price range in rubles.
- Several reviewers point out the need for improvements, such as polishing the game, fixing bugs, and adding more content like maps and factions. Some specifically mention the AI, vehicle models, and the desire for larger battles. Some reviewers mention keybinding and UI issues.
- Some reviewers express concern about the game's long-term appeal, particularly regarding the multiplayer mode. They emphasize the importance of a robust ranked system, anti-cheat measures, and faction balance to ensure a positive and engaging experience for players.
- One reviewer suggests that EA should give the Command and Conquer IP to the developers of this game. Another reviewer suggests that adding a charismatic villain could help the series compete with other legendary strategy franchises.
Miscellaneous:
- Many reviewers see Tempest Rising as a spiritual successor to the Command & Conquer series, noting similarities in gameplay, interface, and overall feel. Some specifically mention the influence of C&C: Tiberium Wars and Red Alert 2. This connection resonates strongly with fans of classic RTS games.
- Some reviewers have followed the game's development closely, noting improvements since the beta. They express hope for the game's success and continued updates, viewing it as a gift to RTS veterans.
- Reviewers express a desire for more content, particularly additional maps for multiplayer and skirmish modes. Some hope for Steam Workshop support to enable community-created content, and are looking forward to future updates.
- The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where factions battle for control of a valuable energy resource called Tempest. The campaign features two factions, each with 11 chapters, following a story about resource conflict and a third-party threat.
- The absence of a third faction, which was featured in trailers and promised by developers, is a concern for some reviewers. They hope it will be added post-release or during development, ideally not as a full-priced DLC.
