Stormgate Is A New RTS Game With Potential But Stumbles In Execution

Stormgate is a new RTS game developed by ex-Blizzard devs. If you’re familiar with the genre and their previous games, you’ll have an easier time. Players trying to get into RTS will likely struggle more. There is a campaign that has some potential. Since this game is still in early access, only the human Vanguard faction is anywhere near fleshed out. 

There are three modes; 1v1, ranked 1v1, and a three player against AI match. This lets you learn characters moves, but doesn’t really teach the base mechanics. There’s no real tutorial. Players get an option to let the computer handle some busy work. While convenient, it’s only available outside of ranked which puts newer players at a disadvantage. The computer can also use resources without permission. So your “Buddy” may ultimately work against you. 

There isn’t a real in-game tutorial that explains the complex decisions players will need to make. Or why. It will be mostly trial and error. This would be fine if most of what’s currently available wasn’t PVP. The campaign gives a peek at an interesting world, even if the story doesn’t appear to have any surprising twists. The villages have little hints or letters from NPCs that give the world a little more life. However, everything is focused on the plot so it never seems like anything existed before it became directly relevant to the player.

If you like watching a game evolve, this is the best time to come in. Stormgate is a game that is definitely in an alpha state. It has a skill curve that is difficult, but not impossible if you’re patient enough. At the same time if you’re familiar with the RTS genre, there just isn’t enough new here yet. It would probably be better to wait for a few updates and a content map to decide whether you want to invest time or not.