Earth 2160 is a classic old RTS. I remember playing it a decade ago with a mate, who introduced me to the game. When I saw it for £3.99 on steam I couldn't really say no - although I am mega stingy when it comes to buying games normally.
The most striking thing about the game is how it doesn't feel too dated. Obviously, the graphics are, but when you get into the game it doesn't feel frustratingly old fashioned or clunky. The interfaces are perfectly function and the gameplay is solid, and the graphics work. After 10 minutes of my first game I'd forgotten about the pixelated edges and poor textures. The designers have clearly made the game within their limits and made it work.
The most compelling part of the game, it's ISP, if you like, is the unit customisation. It's genius! I was daunted when going back into the quite large tech tree and when I first opened the unit customisation window, but it's wonderfully visual and functional and gives you all the information you need. This is the best bit of the game! Customising your vehicles to your preference, to take advantage of an opponents weakness or just to throw some variety into an armoured column, is engaging, kind of necessary and slickly done.
Other great aspects of the game are the 3 completely different, but reasonably well balanced factions and the pace of gameplay. If you want to take it easy and play a casual game, Earth 2160 has all the tools to let you build a great looking base in slow time, research and customise your units, before giving your opponents the coup-de-grace. But equally, you can play fast and blitz them early, like you should be able to do in any good RTS.
Playing it again, so many years later, has made me think; what is it that makes a game feel dated? Because this one just doesn't.
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