Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a real-time strategy game that is exciting, challenging, and full of bugs – seriously, a lot of bugs. The game is set in the original Starship Troopers universe, which started in 1997 as a military action sci-fi flick.
The developer, The Aristocrat, is launching the game this June 16, 2022, and if you are a long-time RTS fan, you are in for a treat. If you are interested to know why here is our Starship Troopers Terran Command Review.
Visuals and Audio
Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a trip back to the memory lane in both its visuals and audio.
Let’s talk about the visuals first. Launching the game from the beginning is already reminiscent of the classic PC games. The whole launch screen layout looks dated with its boxy buttons and quirky layout.
Moving on to the game itself, the load screen looks like something pulled out of an early 2000s game. Once loaded, the game is visually appealing. Old RTS games inspired Terran Command yet it feels modern at the same time.
The game designers did well in making the buildings and the troops look great It seems like they are pulled from the classic movie. But more than that, the bugs are terrifying.
If you have seen the movie, the arachnids or bugs, are horrifying. This applies to the game too not just because the game is challenging but because the bug designs are on point. The developers did great with mirroring what bugs are in the movie and bringing them to the game.
Moreover, the audio is what makes the game great. Remove the audio and the game would not feel the same. It would feel like a generic RTS game.
The background military sound, voiceovers, and audio effects make the game immersive. It would make you feel like you are in the movie. The background music, in particular, sounds like it could be from the original Star Wars trilogy.
The narrator also did an admirable job detailing what is happening before and after every mission.
All in all, the visuals and audio combined make for a great gaming experience. It is not the best, as some of the visuals look clunky when zoomed in but it is way better than other games of the same genre.
Starship Troopers: Terran Command Gameplay
The Starship Troopers: Terran Command gameplay is pretty straightforward if you are familiar with RTS games. I played a little bit of StarCraft back then so I pretty much understood the game immediately.
The game starts off with you joining the Mobile Infantry and you will take part in thwarting the Arachnid threat. The premise sounds simple but it is challenging. You may adjust the difficulty though if you want to.
Another good thing though is the game has guides or markers on what you should do next. There are visual waypoint markers and the minimap is easy to understand.
Like other RTS games, you will have to think of ways to position your troops for a more efficient attack or defense. At some points, it felt more like a tower defense game and I liked it.
There are multiple units or troops that you can use too. Rifle Troopers, Combat Engineers, Snipers, and Radio Operators are just a few of them.
You may also use each unit’s unique skill to defeat the bugs. For example, the Rifle Troopers have MX-90 grenades while Rocket Troopers have High-Explosive Warheads.
The number of deployable units and buildings also grows as you move forward. The possibilities are limitless depending on what type of strategy you go with.
Lastly, there is a bit of a learning curve for this game and I think new RTS players are up for a challenge.
For instance, in other RTS games, your troops will automatically find a way to attack an enemy once given the command. But for Starship Troopers, the units will not attack as long as there is no line of sight of the bugs.
Micro skills matter here as you will have to control multiple units and give them individual commands. I am not an expert with RTS games but it took me a while before I got the hang of it.
I remember back when I played Battle Realms that I would just march into an enemy’s base and destroy everything. That is not the case here. Supplies are limited so you will have to plan your units ahead. There is no “stay in the base then build a huge army strategy”. You will have to move your troops around to secure supplies.
In hindsight, it is an interesting mechanic as the challenge makes the game more amusing. Otherwise, the campaign will be dull and less entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Starship Troopers: Terran Command is an engaging RTS game with a sprinkle of nostalgia. It mimics the Starship universe perfectly while capturing the vibes of early 2000s games.
The game has striking visuals that are distinct compared to its competitors. Admittedly, the best part of it is its audio. It is immersive, it’s good and it encapsulates the moment perfectly.
It is a little bit challenging for those who are unfamiliar with the RTS genre though. Microing is an essential skill but it is easy to get used to after an hour or two of playing.
In the end, Starship Troopers: Terran Command is a great game that gets the point across perfectly in a straightforward manner. It packs a lot of fun, explosions, heroes, and a swarm of bugs.
The game comes out today, June 16, 2022. Should you get it? Definitely! There’s no reason not to unless you would like to see the Arachnids take over planet Kwalasha.
Starship Troopers: Terran Command is available on Steam and Epic Games.
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This review is based on the PC version of Starship Troopers: Terran Command. The key was provided by Heaven Media
