Tempest Rising: The Ultimate RTS Throwback You Need to Play

For over a decade, the classic RTS genre has felt like a ghost town, abandoned by the big developers after the disaster of Command & Conquer 4. But Slipgate Ironworks™ has decided to fill that void, not by reinventing the wheel, but by polishing the old one until it gleams. Tempest Rising is a shameless, loving, and incredibly well-executed homage to the golden age of RTS gaming, specifically Command & Conquer and Red Alert.

Set in a post-nuclear alternate history where a mysterious new resource called “Tempest” (read: Tiberium) grows across the planet, three factions vie for control. It’s classic, base-building real-time strategy with FMV cutscenes, a rocking soundtrack, and fast-paced combat. It doesn’t just feel like C&C; as one player put it, “This IS C&C. It isn’t like C&C, it IS C&C.”

“Slipgate Ironworks delivers a love letter to classic RTS games like Red Alert, and does it brilliantly… This game is a fresh drink of water in an otherwise dried up sea!”

If you have muscle memory from 1998, it will kick in the moment you boot this up.

Welcome Back, Commander

The campaign is the star here. Split between the GDF (Global Defense Force) and the Tempest Dynasty, it offers two distinct 11-mission campaigns that feel ripped straight from the 90s but with modern production values. The mission design is excellent, encouraging replayability and offering multiple tactical approaches. The cutscenes are voiced and briefed just like the classics, giving you that perfect hit of nostalgia before you drop your MCV.

The soundtrack is a major highlight, featuring tracks from the legendary Frank Klepacki (Red Alert). It’s 90s metal-synth perfection that drives the action and makes every skirmish feel epic. The visuals are crisp and modern, with unit designs that clearly communicate their faction’s identity—GDF is sleek and high-tech, while the Dynasty feels desperate and hard-hitting.

The Cracks in the Armor

While the nostalgia is potent, Tempest Rising isn’t without its flaws. The pathfinding, particularly for harvesters, can be suicidal. As soon as a resource field depletes, your harvesters will happily drive straight through enemy lines to find the next one, requiring constant babysitting.

Balance is also a point of contention. Some units feel overpowered while others are “paperweights,” and the time-to-kill is very fast. Units and structures fold quickly, meaning massive armies can evaporate in seconds if you aren’t careful. For casual players just wanting to stomp AI, it’s a blast. But for those looking for a deep, balanced PvP experience, the cracks show.

A Modern Classic in the Making?

Despite these issues, the developers are actively supporting the game. The recent “Superior Firepower” update added superweapons and global production queues, addressing community feedback. With a third faction (the Veti) teased for the future, the game has plenty of room to grow.

It’s a game that understands exactly what it is and who it is for. It’s for the people who miss Generals, who miss Red Alert 2, and who just want to build a base, harvest resources, and crush their enemies with a swarm of tanks.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
✅ Pure Nostalgia: Perfectly captures the feel of classic Command & Conquer.	❌ Suicidal Harvester AI: Resource gatherers need constant babysitting.
✅ Incredible Soundtrack: Frank Klepacki returns with a killer metal-synth score.	❌ Balance Issues: Some units are useless, and armies die very quickly.
✅ Great Campaign: Two full, distinct campaigns with excellent mission design.	❌ No Camera Rotation: A minor annoyance for a modern 3D RTS.
✅ Visual Polish: Units and structures look fantastic and readable.	❌ Multiplayer Cracks: High-level PvP reveals balance and pacing issues.
✅ Active Dev Support: Frequent updates adding new features like superweapons.	❌ Only 2 Factions (For Now): The third faction is coming later.