Perimeter Preview

RTS games are still cropping up like crazy, yet we rarely see any ground-breaking changes in the genre. This is, of course, understandable. Why would publishers alter a successful game recipe and promote video games that run the risk of discouraging average gaming Joes from buying the product. Fortunately, some games are gradually evolving one step beyond the traditions of the genre. Moscow based development team KD Lab is very close to completing their latest project, entitled Perimeter, which attempts to claim new grounds in the field of real-time strategies. Although Perimeter won't be introducing any revolutionary landmarks in strategy gaming, the project does appear to be a pretty gutsy move by the development team. The ambitious group of Russian programmers and designers is actually trying to unfurl a rather interesting concept, using gameplay elements such as real-time terraforming. This should be a pleasant variation to the somewhat worn-out RTS pattern, where 90% of the gameplay revolves around resource gathering, base construction, and the like.

Shields activated! Things are looking up!

We’re going for a subtle Grand Canyon look.

The storyline in Perimeter takes us to a futuristic setting when mankind is finally forced to leave their deteriorating homeworld. Seeking sanctuary throughout various parts of the universe, humans depart from the planet via huge floating cities appropriately named Frames (each metropolis is surrounded by a huge impenetrable shield - hence the title 'Perimeter'). Colonizing suitable systems and planets is mankind's only hope. With the aid of nanotechnology you'll be able to settle throughout distant regions of the galaxy. As one would assume, humans are divided into three factions (those squabbling bastards!), each of which strives to solve the growing crises in its own way. Some firmly believe that peaceful and diplomatic migration is the only way of prevailing, others think that occupying systems by force is the right solution, while certain factions are eager to return to the homeplanet. To make things a bit more challenging, there will be a range of races also competing to take their fair share of galactic real-estate. In any case, you won't be alone out there... By the way, it's a very dangerous and inhospitable universe, so you'll encounter various indigenous alien species mostly hostile towards unwelcome guests. (How dare they not welcome us? ALIEN SCUM!! - 2Lions)

Playing Perimeter won't be just another classic RTS endeavor. Throughout the gameplay players are going to face many different challenges, relying on terraforming, nanotechnology, and perimeter shields (which were designed to protect your territory from inbound enemy squads... duh!). Terraforming is a simple enough process through which the surface of the land can be flattened to make it more inhabitable. Flattened soil is often abundant in energy resources, which means you're gonna have to place energy extraction cores wherever and whenever you get the chance. Using terraforming players can adjust the regional landscape, consequentially positioning their units and structures to gain tactical advantage. Evening out the terrain makes it easier for you to expand your base, but you may also construct stuff like trenches, making it more difficult for foes to cross over into your territory. Just so you know, energy is the only resource needed during the game; you simply won't be able to activate the perimeter shields without sufficient energy. So, as far as resource gathering goes, energy stock will be your primary concern.

In regards to the shield itself, gamers will be required to use it carefully, since it does have a number of drawbacks. For starters, you won't be able to hold the shield up for very long since it drains quite a lot of energy. The good thing about the shield is that it cannot be penetrated from the outside by enemy units. The hindrance, however, is that your own units also won't be able to pass through it while on the inside. The cool thing is that specific units in the game have the ability to tunnel their way around this obstacle, making it ideal for you to take enemies by surprise. Still, certain enemy units possess the same skills, so players can expect challenging opponents and heavy resistance during combat.

Let ‘em have it!

Ha, none can penetrate our mighty shield!

Players start the game with only three basic units: the soldier, the officer, and the technician. All units should provide you with ampler opportunity for various combat tactics. There's an impressive variety of units to use, all with a unique set of characteristics. Like we've said before, the miracles of nanotechnology are by your side all the way. In order to use each and every one of your units to their full capacity, you'll have to spend a lot of time in researching specific technologies. Several units, for instance, are supplemented with cloaking devices, which is likely to come in handy for reconnaissance missions. One particular unit we're keen to witness in action is the so-called "leech." This baby can be sent off into hostile territory to exhaust enemy energy supplies - a perfect way to mess things up for your opponent before the actual battle ensues. That's not all though. The interesting twist is that you can gather a choice of different units and morph them into a single and extremely powerful unit. After that, a rather impressive morphing scene will take place, as your units merge into a great ball of liquid metal, eventually changing into a large, battle-ready, and fully armored unit. (Now this sounds like fun! - 2Lions) Of course, there's no way you can initiate the morphing process unless you've researched the proper weapon technologies. Combining highly advanced military technologies with the individual powers of numerous units seems quite enough for a rewarding strategy experience.

To make the gameplay a bit more exciting, the designers decided to add several massive disasters that could increase the challenge along the way. Hanging as a constant threat over your base and your citizens, disasters can come up when they're least expected. These calamities can emerge in the form of earthquakes, giant worms attacking your outposts, etc. But, there are many more dangers to face. It's a truly perilous universe out there, and most planets are inhabited by bizarre creatures and entities unknown to the human race. So, caution is required at all times, especially when you're exploring new and uncharted territories. Luckily, some worlds are occupied by indigenous species or settlers that aren't so aggressive. With the right effort, they can be used to your advantage.