Its a slow news day today, as expected for mid-March. But still, here’s what’s happening in the world of strategy gaming. The big news this week is a Kickstarter; and for once that’s not a reason to be suspicious.
D.O.R.F. Hits Kickstarter
A post-apocalyptic RTS and base-builder called D.O.R.F. has launched a Kickstarter campaign this week, and it’s one worth paying attention to. The game has been in development since 2021 by a small team building on OpenRA, the open-source recreation of classic Command & Conquer, and the ambition on display is considerable. Three factions fight across a ravaged far-future Earth — the authoritarian Union of Imperial States, the high-tech and mysterious Collective, and the mutant wasteland fighters of the Warbands — with a focus on resource logistics, factory construction, and fully destructible environments. Units include multi-turreted landship tanks, zeppelin bombers, and one faction that straps explosives to small deformed humanoids and lobs them at enemy armour. The team is releasing the engine source code at launch and targeting Steam and GOG, DRM-free. The core systems are described as largely complete, with the Kickstarter intended to take development full-time. Well worth a look if you miss the days of C&C and want something that builds on that foundation rather than just imitating it. Back D.O.R.F. on Kickstarter.
Elemental: Reforged Launches Today
Stardock’s Elemental: Reforged exits Early Access today with a launch discount on Steam. The game brings together all three entries in the Elemental series — War of Magic, Fallen Enchantress, and Sorcerer King — into a single rebuilt package running on a 64-bit engine, finally realising the original design vision that the 2010 release couldn’t deliver due to hardware limitations. It’s a turn-based 4X set in a fantasy world where every unit is a unique individual, with dynasty systems, deep crafting, and three full story campaigns. If you’ve been watching it through Early Access, the 1.0 is the time to jump in.
Fortified Space Early Access: 27 March
Fortified Space, a space sim and tower defence hybrid from Nightsail Game Studios, launches into Early Access on 27 March at $3.99. The concept is straightforward: engage in ship-to-ship orbital combat, then land on planets to build defensive fortifications and hold off enemy waves. The player’s corvette also has a fully explorable interior, and between missions you can mine asteroids, grow crops hydroponically, or apparently kick a football around on the deck. It came out of Steam Next Fest with strong momentum and the price point removes most of the barrier to entry. Steam Page.
Hearts of Iron IV: Warships of the Pacific
Paradox has released a new cosmetic pack for Hearts of Iron IV, adding 30 naval unit models from the Pacific theatre of World War II. The pack covers five nations — Japan, the United States, the Commonwealth, Republican China, and the Soviet Union — with highlights including the Japanese carrier Shinano, the unique I-400 submarine carrier, and seven American models. It’s available now at £4.29 and is included in Expansion Pass 2 for existing season pass holders. Steam Page.
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