French independent studio Tindalos Interactive, in collaboration with publisher Focus Home Interactive, are almost ready to put out their science fiction real time strategy game Etherium, and to build anticipation have released the first gameplay footage of the game in action.
With its incredibly well enunciated and speedy narration, Etherium‘s first gameplay trailer provides a comprehensive overview of what players can expect from this ambitious RTS game.
There are three factions to choose from: the humans, otherwise going by their sci-fi-ey name The Consortium, an nutty alien race called the Intar, who have the ability to predict the future, and the Vectides, a biomechanical race. All three factions are engaged in a galactic struggle over the titular Etherium, a valuable resource that sounds remarkably like the Tiberium crystals from Command & Conquer.
And speaking of Command & Conquer, Etherium‘s gameplay is highly reminiscent of classic RTS games from the late 90s, in which players construct a base, collect resources and build an army that will be used to crush the opposition. The abundance of robotic units and giant walking machines brings Supreme Commander to mind.
Of course, the game doesn’t just stop at good ol’ RTS action, as Etherium’s solo campaign takes place in the larger context of a non-linear grand campaign looking very much like Petroglyph’s Star Wars: Empire at War, in which players can travel their fleet from planet to planet and engage in space battles that can affect what happens on the ground. Players can also upgrade their technology tree with all kinds of advancements.
Multiplayer also exists for the game, although only up to four players can play at once.
Etherium isn’t exactly the prettiest looking game, but it has plenty of ambition and scope, so here’s hoping that it’ll make a fine entry to the classic RTS genre when it is released early next year.