Developer: Slipgate Ironworks
Platform: Steam

You know that feeling when you stumble upon something that instantly takes you back to your gaming roots? Tempest Rising from Slipgate Ironworks hits that sweet spot perfectly.

It’s the kind of real-time strategy game that makes you want to dust off your old Command & Conquer box, slap on some aviator sunglasses, and dive headfirst into the frenzied battlefield. But while it wears its inspirations on its sleeve, the real question is: does it simply copy the classics, or bring something fresh to the table?

A Familiar Battlefield

If you’re like me, you can’t resist a good story with a pulp twist. Tempest Rising sets its stage in an alternate history where the Cuban Missile Crisis spirals into full nuclear war, pitting two superpowers—the NATO-like Global Defense Force (GDF) and the Soviet-Asian Tempest Dynasty—against each other over a mysterious resource codename Tempest.

The campaign throws you into a bunch of missions filled with cinematic flair that feels just the right side of cheesy, delivering plenty of content for those starved for a Red Alert single-player experience.

Classic Yet Distinct

I have to say that right off the bat, the factions here don’t just feel like color swaps, which is a relief. The GDF, for example, leans heavily into high-tech units like the Trebuchet—a clever mashup of classic tank designs—that offers depth through rapid deployment and heavy offensive firepower.

Meanwhile, the Dynasty brings brute strength and versatility with units like the Scrap Truck, which repairs and transforms, and the fiery Ignitors, turning enemy infantry into literal toast.

This asymmetry spices up gameplay and rewards players who enjoy learning the ins and outs of different playstyles while enjoying the aesthetic look each faction brings.

Fast. Furious. And a Little Familiar

For players who thrive on small bursts of adrenaline, Tempest Rising delivers. The pace is fast, not quite Starcraft fast, but good enough to keep you on your toes. Resource gathering, base-building, and combat all move at a brisk speed, almost at Sonic-level quickness.

But beware, as this breakneck tempo sometimes causes units to clump together in blobs rather than executing slick maneuvers. On the bright side, the torrent of resources means you can unleash massive armies and overwhelm your opponent with sheer force—a tried-and-true RTS strategy that never really gets old.

Micromanagement and Modern Touches

I appreciate when a game respects my time and offers a smooth interface, and Tempest Rising mostly nails this. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, it runs cleanly with only occasional hiccups. On two of our testing PCs, one with a 3090 and one with a 690, on all the resolutions with all the graphics set to the highest settings.

The micromanagement system rewards attention to detail, especially when juggling deployable unit abilities or mixing upgrades mission-to-mission.

Though some upgrades are subtle, others can totally change your tactics—like unlocking enemy vehicles or enhancing infantry vision for deadly artillery. Of course, it’s not perfect; quirky UI bugs like control group glitches can trip you up at crucial moments.

Solid, If Not Revolutionary

If you’re the type that craves mission variety, the game delivers a respectable mix of base assaults, last stands, commando raids, and optional goals that encourage exploration. However, it sticks closely to classic RTS formulas without reinventing the wheel.

So if you were hoping for wild mission twists or genre-bending surprises like those in, say, StarCraft II, you might find this campaign a bit predictable—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing if you love straightforward strategy action.

Visually, this game is a looker. Crisp graphics and smooth performance hold steady even when explosions light up the battlefield and tanks go up in flames. After a battle, the field is littered with debris that really makes it look like a fierce battle took place.

The sound design evokes the bombastic spirit of classic RTS games, with music and effects that keep your heart pumping during every skirmish. For a genre often overlooked by big studios these days, Tempest Rising’s musical score is polished and genuinely impressive.

Welcome Back, Soldier

If you're a real-time strategy fan, it will come as no surprise that I recommend the game. Tempest Rising is a heartfelt tribute to classic titles like Command & Conquer but brings enough modern polish and asymmetric gameplay to stand on its own.

While it won’t blow your mind with radical innovations—and some pathfinding or interface quirks may frustrate veterans—it delivers exactly what it promises: fast-paced, explosive strategic warfare with an old-school vibe and just enough new tricks to keep things interesting.

So, if you’ve been itching for another base-building RTS mixed with tank rushes and over the top explosions, Tempest Rising is your ticket back to the front lines.