Info about Tempest Rising:

Official game description:
Accolades
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Edition Breakdown
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Editions
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The Tempest Rising **Deluxe Edition** Contains:
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**Tempest Rising Digital Artbook**
*   Page after page of curated artwork, concepts, and stories hand-chosen by the team behind the game! 
**Tempest Rising Original Soundtrack**
*   The full digital game soundtrack features 41 tracks from a swath of artists. Led by the legendary Command & Conquer composer **Frank Klepacki** plus community favorites like **Michael Markie**, **Hexenkraft, Music Imaginary: Cielecki/Skorupa/Wierzynkiewic** and **Sigurd Jøhnk-Jensen.**
About the Game
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Classic RTS action meets modern production and performance in Tempest Rising. Inspired by RTS greats of the 90s and 2000s, Tempest Rising is a classic, base-building real time strategy game set in a modern day alternative history war scenario. It features 3 unique factions, each with its own approach to combat and economy and offering a variety of strategies for players of all stripes, deep and rewarding gameplay that keeps a focus on strategy while rewarding skill, and built-in customization options that allow players to approach the game their way in both single player and multiplayer game modes.
Take on the role of Commander in the highly mobile and advanced peacekeeping corps of the Global Defense Forces or the hard-hitting and desperate Tempest Dynasty in 2 11-mission campaigns that allow the player to customize their army for each mission, as both armies seek to understand and control the mysterious but beneficial Tempest vines that grow unchecked across the war-torn planet Earth. Other dangers wait in the shadows, as the origin of the Tempest is revealed...
Features
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*   Relive classic RTS base building with fast, fluid, and hard-hitting combat
*   Command 2 unique rosters of units as either the GDF (Global Defense Force) or the Tempest Dynasty (with the third playable faction, the Veti, coming in the future.)
*   Experience 2 epic single player campaigns with voiced mission briefings
*   Wage war alone or with friends in 3 game modes: versus AI opponents in Custom Game lobbies, in 1v1 and 2v2 Multiplayer Matchmaking, or solo in skirmish mode with up to 500 units per team and two unique superweapons to compliment each faction’s playstyle.
*   Dominate the competition and climb the leaderboards in Ranked matchmaking, utilizing the Glicko-2 rating system

Release date: Apr 24, 2025

Categories: Real-time Strategy, Base Building, Resource Management, Multiplayer, Single-player Campaigns, Competitive Multiplayer, Faction Management

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 5; verdict: Fair / Pure (No Microtransactions); summary: User reviews consistently praise the game for being a fair, one-time purchase without any microtransactions, battle passes, or pay-to-win mechanics. The only monetization mentioned is speculation about future traditional DLC expansions, which players welcome. There is no evidence of predatory monetization.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: The Student; summary: The predominant feedback indicates that players need external guides, walkthroughs, or better in-game tutorials to understand mechanics, campaign progression, and difficulty spikes. No evidence of farming/grinding (TIER 1), inventory/crafting (TIER 2), or navigation/bugs (TIER 4) as primary complaints. The need for instructional data is the core barrier.
- Proton/Linux: score 5; verdict: Works Well; summary: All reviewed feedback indicates that the native Linux build of this game runs flawlessly with no tweaks, performance issues, or compatibility blockers. No anti-cheat, DRM, or launcher problems are reported in the context of Linux. The experience is described as smooth and effortless.
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken (Unstable & UI Issues); summary: The game shows a stark division: many users experience a seamless Linux/Deck experience, while an equally vocal group suffers from frequent crashes and an unreadable UI. The crashed reports (55+ in 21 hours) and UI complaints meet the 'Broken' threshold in the scoring criteria.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Most users on high VRAM (12-16GB) report smooth performance and high frame rates, with occasional drops in late campaign or multiplayer issues. Lower VRAM (<8GB) also runs smoothly on older hardware. Mid-range (8-11GB) reports are split between excellent performance and criticism at 1080p.
  - Sample size: 130 (3% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM (positive, 43 reports): Most users report smooth performance and high frame rates, though some note frame drops in late campaign or multiplayer connectivity issues.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (positive, 37 reports): Runs smoothly on older hardware according to most users, with one report needing to cap at 60 FPS.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (mixed, 23 reports): One user reports excellent performance even at high unit counts, while another criticizes the game's performance at 1080p.
  - Caveats: 130 of 4373 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $8.00 - $22.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews indicate that the current full price (around $40–55) is too high for many players, who instead recommend purchasing during sales. Specific sale prices mentioned include €20 ($22) and 60–70 RMB ($8–10), suggesting a fair price range between these values. A review mentioning €32 ($35) as borderline further supports a lower range. While a few reviewers find the game worth full price, the overall community sentiment favors a significantly lower base price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 26.0h
  - Story completion: 22.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews consistently report campaign completion times around 20–26 hours for the full story (both factions combined). One Polish review explicitly states 26 hours for 'completing the game', which includes both the GDF and Dynasty campaigns. Another English review cites '25ish hours' for the campaign. A French review mentions solo play through both campaigns taking 'about twenty hours'. These map directly to story/campaign completion and overall game completion (since the game's primary content is the campaign). Session length and endgame hours are not explicitly quantified in the available evidence, so those fields are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Tempest Rising hooks C&C fans immediately with familiar nostalgia, but the feeling often fades after a few minutes due to repetitiveness, missing features, and a small player base; post-update improvements and solo pause-play can extend enjoyment.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Initial c&c nostalgia hit
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: small player base / dead multiplayer; missing features (replays, map editor, third faction, mod support); repetitive campaign and skirmish maps; balance issues and unit spam; steep learning curve without proper tutorial for non-C&C veterans; AI pathfinding and reliability issues
  - Unlock drivers: developer updates that add easier AI levels, co-op, and requested features; coordination with friends for multiplayer or co-op vs AI; single-player pause mechanic reduces micro pressure
  - Conditions: playing solo with pause enabled for tactical depth; playing co-op vs AI with friends; accepting the game as a nostalgia-driven experience with limited innovation; using updated AI difficulty settings to match skill level
- Player Archetypes:
  - Classic C&C Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Nostalgia and a modern take on classic C&C single-player campaigns
    - Playstyle: Methodical base-building, campaign-focused, exploring story and units at a relaxed pace; avoids competitive stress.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: C&C veteran; old school RTS fan; Command & Conquer fan
    - Reference games: Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun; Red Alert 2; C&C 3: Tiberium Wars; Red Alert 3
  - Co-op Skirmisher (sale)
    - Motivation: Social cooperative battles against AI with friends, relaxed large-scale RTS gameplay
    - Playstyle: Defensive, economic-focused, builds up armies for drawn-out skirmishes; often modifies starting resources or uses handicaps.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: co-op player; PvE fan; skirmish player
    - Reference games: Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (co-op missions); Supreme Commander; StarCraft II Co-op
  - Multiplayer Sweat (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Competitive ladder ranking and challenge of micro-intensive 1v1 or 2v2
    - Playstyle: Fast-paced, rush-oriented, learns build orders, prioritizes unit micro and map control.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: competitive player; ranked grinder; Starcraft player
    - Reference games: StarCraft II; Age of Empires II; C&C Generals


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Good graphics and visuals (weight 0.42): Multiple players highlight the game's attractive graphics, impressive visual effects, and smooth performance, often noting them as a huge upgrade for the genre.
- Excellent soundtrack by Frank Klepacki (weight 0.29): The soundtrack is a standout feature, with many praising Frank Klepacki's contributions as phenomenal, motivating, and essential to the game's atmosphere.
- Scratches RTS itch (weight 0.28): Players note that the game satisfies the craving for classic RTS gameplay, providing a welcome addition to the genre.
- Fun and enjoyable gameplay (weight 0.24): General sentiment indicates that players find the game fun, enjoyable, and engaging to play, with positive feedback on its overall gameplay loop.
- Strikes nostalgic Red Alert chords (weight 0.24): Players often mention the game evokes memories of Red Alert, with familiar vibes and nostalgic feelings that appeal to fans of that sub-series.
- Campaign is fun and worth playing (weight 0.23): The campaign receives praise for being enjoyable, long, and challenging, with many players considering it a strong reason to purchase the game.
- Distinct factions with unique playstyles (weight 0.21): Players appreciate that the two factions play completely differently, offering distinct identities, diverse arsenals, and unique playstyles that encourage experimentation.
- Modern improvements with classic roots (weight 0.15): The game successfully blends classic RTS mechanics with modern enhancements, offering authentic flavor while introducing new techniques and units.
- One of the best RTS in recent years (weight 0.1): A few players consider this among the best RTS games released in the last decade, offering a top-tier experience for the genre.
- Well-made maps and map design (weight 0.08): Players note that maps are well-designed, feel alive, and contribute positively to the overall gameplay experience.

Common complaints:
- Missing third faction (weight 0.32): A major recurring complaint is that only two of the promised three factions are playable, with the third faction (Veti) still absent over a year after release and no estimated arrival date. This severely limits strategic variety and breaks initial promises.
- Weak story and characters (weight 0.26): The narrative is widely panned as nonexistent, boring, or nonsensical, with forgettable characters and poorly executed cutscenes. Voice acting feels phoned in, and there are no memorable cinematics to drive engagement.
- Overly difficult AI (weight 0.22): AI is perceived as unfair or unbalanced—too strong even on normal or easy settings, with suspected cheating. Conversely, skirmish AI is sometimes described as braindead, spamming the same few units.
- Pathfinding issues (weight 0.15): Pathfinding is plagued by problems such as units getting stuck, ignoring orders, or moving clumsily. This disrupts gameplay flow and lowers tactical control, frustrating players in both skirmish and multiplayer.
- Missing features and maps (weight 0.13): Players note the lack of a map editor, Steam Workshop support, and only 3 maps for 6-player matches. This limits replayability and community content creation.
- No replay feature (weight 0.1): The game lacks a basic replay function, which is standard in the RTS genre and essential for analyzing matches and improving in multiplayer. This oversight has been requested for over a year without implementation.
- Poor unit design (weight 0.1): Unit designs are described as bland, generic, and lacking character—nearly identical to old C&C units but less inspired. This makes the game feel uninspired and reduces visual variety.
- Dead multiplayer (weight 0.08): Multiplayer servers are empty with few to no active players, making online matches difficult or impossible to find. This defeats one of the core features of an RTS.
- Faction imbalance (weight 0.08): Factions are heavily imbalanced, with GDF considered too strong while Dynasty is seen as weaker. This undermines competitive play and strategic depth.
- Poor value for money (weight 0.08): A significant number of players feel the game is a waste of money given its shortcomings, missing factions, and lack of features. This suggests poor return on investment.
- Localization gaps (weight 0.07): Despite expectations, the game lacks German and French voice acting, which is a common standard for RTS titles. This disappoints non-English players and reduces immersion.
- Clumsy interface and feel (weight 0.07): The interface and overall feel are less comfortable than older C&C games, even without mods. This makes the game feel outdated and less polished than its inspirations.

Gameplay feedback:
- C&C/StarCraft hybrid nostalgia. (weight 0.97): Players frequently compare the game to a blend of Command & Conquer and StarCraft, highlighting classic RTS mechanics, old-school vibes, and modern enhancements. Clusters 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 13, 18, and 20 all reference this strong similarity, suggesting the game successfully channels nostalgic while updating the formula.
- Spiritual successor to Command & Conquer. (weight 0.54): Players consistently call this a spiritual successor or modern clone of C&C, especially Tiberium Wars and Red Alert. This is a common thread across clusters 3, 6, 7, and 18, indicating successful homage.
- Old-school RTS design refreshed. (weight 0.39): The game is praised for returning to classic 90s/2000s RTS style (like C&C Generals or Red Alert 2) while adding modern clarity and QoL features. Clusters 7, 8, and 10 report this satisfies nostalgia without feeling outdated.
- Classic base-building and resources. (weight 0.32): Many players note the game features traditional base construction, resource management (money, power), and unit production, typical of classic RTS titles. This is seen in clusters 8, 9, and 19, confirming the core loop is familiar and well-executed.
- Two distinct factions: GDF and Dynasty. (weight 0.32): The main factions are the GDF (Global Defense Forces) and the Tempest Dynasty (or similar spiritual successors to GDI and Nod). Clusters 4, 15, and 20 emphasize their distinct visual themes, mechanics, and playstyles, often with a third faction (Veti) in development.
- Skirmish mode with AI variability. (weight 0.26): The skirmish mode against AI is well-received, offering multiple difficulty levels (Easy, Normal, Hard, Insane) and options like doctrines. Some players note the AI can be challenging even on lower settings, as described in clusters 5 and 21.
- Multiple game modes available. (weight 0.18): Players can enjoy campaign, skirmish against AI, and online multiplayer modes. Clusters 12 and 13 confirm that these core modes are present and functional.
- Campaign with varied missions. (weight 0.16): The campaign features diverse mission types, mixing RTS base-building with real-time tactics (RTT) missions, and includes mid-mission objective shifts. This is highlighted in clusters 19 and 14, with a third campaign for the new faction in development.
- Faction diversity with unique mechanics. (weight 0.16): Beyond different aesthetics, each faction has unique building mechanics, unit loadouts, and subtle strengths, offering varied strategies. This is emphasized in clusters 15 and 20.
- Units with special abilities. (weight 0.16): All or many units have unique special abilities unlocked by default, adding tactical depth. Clusters 16 and 17 praise the unit diversity and nuanced micro-management options.
- Two campaigns available. (weight 0.09): The base game includes two full campaigns, one for each of the main factions (GDF and Dynasty/Nod). This is highlighted in cluster 14, giving good single-player value.
- Tiberium Wars visual and gameplay style. (weight 0.09): Multiple reviews specifically mention visual similarity to C&C 3: Tiberium Wars/Kane's Wrath, with a modern sheen. This is present in cluster 18, appealing to fans of that era.
- Accessible difficulty levels. (weight 0.09): Players appreciate the range of difficulty settings, from 

Performance notes:
- Generally well-optimized (weight 0.48): Many players report smooth performance, high frame rates, and good overall optimization across various hardware configurations. This positive feedback is consistently noted in multiple clusters.
- Performance varies by hardware (weight 0.23): Performance feedback is mixed, with some users reporting excellent frame rates on mid-to-high-end GPUs (e.g., RTX 3070, older hardware) while others note optimization issues on high-end setups or with large unit counts. This indicates that optimization may not be consistent across all configurations.
- Occasional crashes and instability (weight 0.18): A notable subset of players experience crashes, especially during loading screens or in the campaign, along with general instability issues. These problems detract from the experience for some users.
- Some performance dips and lag (weight 0.12): A few users encounter lag spikes, stuttering on first launch, or performance dips, particularly with large unit counts or default settings. While not widespread, these issues affect the experience for some.
- Linux compatibility is strong (weight 0.07): Players on Linux (including CachyOS and Arch Linux) report that the game runs smoothly without additional tweaking, highlighting excellent cross-platform support.
- Optimization improved over time (weight 0.05): Multiple reviews mention that the game's optimization has been continuously improved over the past year, with some noting that crashes were fixed in updates. This suggests a positive trend in patches.

Recommendations:
- Spiritual C&C successor (weight 0.92): The vast majority of positive reviews position this game as a direct spiritual successor to the Command & Conquer series, particularly for fans of classic C&C and Red Alert games. It is highly recommended for those seeking a modern iteration of the old-school RTS formula.
- Appeals to classic RTS fans (weight 0.52): Beyond just C&C, the game is strongly recommended for fans of traditional real-time strategy games like StarCraft, Age of Empires, and Tiberian Sun. It is seen as a worthy title for any enthusiast of the genre.
- Overwhelmingly positive general sentiment (weight 0.44): Several reviews offer a simple, enthusiastic recommendation without specific reasons, expressing high satisfaction with the game overall. This broad endorsement supports the positive reception.
- Strong single-player campaign (weight 0.23): Some feedback explicitly recommends the game for its single-player campaign and story, while cautioning against the multiplayer experience. This suggests the campaign is a standout feature.
- Worth the purchase price (weight 0.17): Many reviewers explicitly state the game is worth its cost, with some even recommending it at full price. The value for money is a recurring positive point.
- Mixed overall recommendation (weight 0.13): A small but vocal group of reviewers explicitly does not recommend the game, citing it as a poor use of time or inferior to older RTS titles. This indicates a split in reception.
- Not for casual or first-time players (weight 0.12): The game is not recommended for casual players or those new to RTS, as it may be too challenging or unappealing for non-enthusiasts. This contrasts with the newcomer-friendly praise from others.
- Advice to wait for a sale (weight 0.08): Some reviewers suggest waiting for a discount or sale before purchasing, especially for those on a budget. This tempers the strong value-for-money praise.

Other player notes:
- Desire for more campaign content (weight 0.07): Reviewers express a strong desire for DLCs and updates that add more campaign missions and factions. The current campaign offering is seen as insufficient, and players hope for expansions.
- Request for Steam Workshop support (weight 0.05): Players request the addition of Steam Workshop integration to enable user-generated content like maps and mods. This would greatly enhance replayability and community engagement.
- Missing promised third faction (weight 0.03): Players are disappointed that the Veti faction, which was promised, is still missing as of the latest update. This unfulfilled promise impacts trust and content expectations.
- Focus on coop multiplayer (weight 0.03): One review mentions playing with friends rather than the campaign, suggesting a strong preference for cooperative multiplayer over single-player story mode.
- Request for Ukrainian language support (weight 0.02): A player requests adding Ukrainian language support, highlighting the need for localization to expand the game's accessibility to a broader audience.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players are frustrated due to various gameplay issues such as poor unit balance, lack of diversity, overpowered units, weak unit AI, and pathfinding problems. Technical issues like crashes, poor optimization, and missing features like replays and third faction further contribute. The game's focus on competitive PvP and slow updates alienates those who prefer single-player or casual experiences.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Players feel disappointed because the game fails to live up to classic C&C standards and lacks depth, innovation, and content. Issues such as weak story, bland unit design, short campaigns, missing features like naval combat or super weapons, and a lack of third faction reduce replayability. The multiplayer community is small, and the developers' focus on PvP over PvE content leads to unmet expectations.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Players are satisfied with the game's solid RTS experience, particularly the engaging campaigns, unit diversity, good graphics, and soundtrack by Frank Klepacki. The modern polish and responsiveness, along with regular updates from the developers, meet expectations of a spiritual successor to C&C. The game scratches the nostalgia itch for classic RTS gameplay.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.1): Players experience nostalgia because the game evokes memories of classic C&C titles like Red Alert and Tiberian Sun, as well as other 90s RTS games. The familiar gameplay, Frank Klepacki soundtrack, and cinematic sequences remind them of their childhood or teenage years spent playing these games. Features like base building and unit abilities trigger fond recollections.
- Excitement (weight 0.09): Players are excited about the game's potential as a genuine spiritual successor to classic RTS series, with high-quality graphics, responsive gameplay, and a hopeful eye toward future content like the third faction and co-op campaigns. The modern polish and faithful tribute to Westwood's legacy generate eagerness for more updates and expansions.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players enjoy the game for its fun and engaging campaigns, smooth mechanics, and nostalgic feel. The solid RTS gameplay, manageable learning curve, and quality briefings provide a rewarding experience. The LAN play and variety of missions add to the overall satisfaction despite some minor flaws.
- Hope (weight 0.04): Players express hope for the game's future, expecting more content like additional factions, campaigns, and quality-of-life improvements. They believe the game has potential for a sequel or expansion and are optimistic that ongoing patches will address bugs and balance issues. The developers' updates foster confidence in continued support.
- Positive (weight 0.02): Players give an overall positive assessment, citing solid gameplay, good graphics, and a nostalgic experience reminiscent of C&C. The game is seen as a worthy spiritual successor and a fun RTS that is easy to learn, with committed developers and casual-friendly options.
- Desire (weight 0.02): Players desire more content such as additional factions, units, maps, mod support, co-op modes, and expansions. They wish for features like gamepad support, flexible skirmish options, localized versions, and more campaign missions to extend the experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the polished presentation, modern improvements, and the developers' responsiveness to feedback. The inclusion of features like pause/slow mode for older gamers and the contributions of Frank Klepacki are noted. The game is seen as a well-crafted spiritual successor that respects player intelligence and classic RTS design.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players are angry about perceived scams, poor communication, and forced behavior like EULA acceptance. Issues such as lazy copying from C&C, poor unit AI, technical problems like shooting through textures, and lack of PvE focus contribute to frustration. The game feels unfinished or half-assed to some.
- Anticipation (weight 0.02): Players eagerly anticipate future content like the third faction (Veti), DLC, and expansions. They look forward to more single-player content and hope for updates that improve multiplayer balance. The potential for hundreds of hours of gameplay keeps them engaged.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admire the game as a well-polished and innovative spiritual successor that honors classic RTS legacies. The soundtrack, visuals, acting, and story presentation are praised. The developers are seen as delivering a masterpiece that respects player intelligence and sets high standards for the genre.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players experience joy from the fun gameplay, great visuals, and nostalgic feelings. Engaging in silly challenges, enjoying campaign and multiplayer, and the satisfying return to form for RTS games bring a sense of delight.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Players feel relief because the game is much better than previous poor RTS experiences, runs smoothly, and offers assists like pause/command features that reduce pressure. Adjustments to mechanics or buying at a discount make the game more accessible and enjoyable.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players are confused by unclear mechanics like recovering vehicles, unit design choices (melee soldiers in futuristic setting), and lack of explanation for combat systems. The absence of an expected third faction despite indications also causes bewilderment.
- Approval (weight 0.01): Players approve of the overall game quality, positive differences from other RTS games, and well-executed design. The unit AI and pathfinding improvements are praised, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players love the game for its classic C&C style, great graphics, story, gameplay, and nostalgic value. The campaigns are engaging with narrative purpose, and some express being 'shockingly in love' with the experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by issues such as skirmish AI difficulty, frequent cutscene interruptions, pathfinding problems, timed events, and balance gaps that force repetitive strategies. These elements detract from the overall enjoyment.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players feel bored due to repetitive missions that require the same tactics without variation, a boring story with cringy briefings, and minimal gameplay compared to classic C&C. AI unfairness also reduces motivation to continue the campaign.}