Sega have announced Stormrise, a new console RTS for PS3 and Xbox 36o, is in development from The Creative Assembly – and it definitely isn’t is a C&C clone.

The hot potato here is something called verticality. The days of lording over the battlefield like some sort of God are apparently behind us, with Stormrise offering something more immersive – a 3D battlefield and a third-person perspective to enjoy it in. At the very least, Sega’s press release promises that we’ll be able to command units in the air, underground and over rooftops as well as on the ground.

Accordingly, there’s going to be a “simple yet effective” new control system, with the key being that you can still run the whole battle while leading a frontline squad. Apparently it will be “tailored specifically for consoles, which allows easy unit selection, rapid navigation and precise deployment.” Wait don’t all RTS titles promise that?

Gary Knight, European Marketing Director, SEGA Europe, gave the obligatory PR comment: “Stormrise has been built from the ground up specifically for high def consoles to provide a more intense, frenetic style of game that, coupled with the all new control mechanic, will revolutionize the way RTS games are played.”

Well, I’m reassured, though more by this video than anything else. Notably, this is the first Creative Assembly RTS to leave history in the past and embrace a more futuristic setting. Stormrise is set in a post-apocalyptic society (something to do with the earth’s atmosphere disappearing) which sees the technologically superior Echelon square off against the tribal Sai faction.

Back to the vid, there is something that looks suspiciously like an Ion Cannon at the end. And the computer is almost definitely called EVA (possibly AVA). The Homage-o-meter will be off the charts.

Stormrise is slated for ’sometime’ in 2009.

Source: Sega. Here’s the press release and trailer

Tags: rts, SEGA, Stormrise

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1 Comment » madpuppy on July 10, 2008 7:41 pm Here you go LC, is this what you are looking for in a rts??? ……….and your still Gillian Anderson’s bitch RSS feed for comments on this post. Comment Now Note: Commenting on Ripten does not currently require registration, however to be eligible for contests on the site, you must be a registered user. Name (required) Mail (will not be published) (required) Website Commenting Rules: No hate speech allowed. If you must argue, please debate intelligently. Comments containing selected keywords or outbound links will be put into moderation to help prevent spam. Ripten reserves the right to delete comments and ban anyone who doesn't follow the rules. Thanks. Notify me of followup comments Tired of the Goomba? Upload your own custom comment avatar.