8-bit Armies is a real-time strategy game released on PC. It combines the mechanics of such genre classics like Dune II and Command & Conquer series with colorful, voxel graphics that reference to the age of 8-bit computers. The game was developed by an experienced studio Petroglyph, the creators of such RTS games like Grey Goo. The latter was released in 2015.
Mechanics
8-Bit Armies uses mechanics typical for the genre. During the game, the player gathers resources, develops and expands his base, and trains an army that will provide protection and allow the to face enemy forces. The access to new structures and units is successively unlocked as one progress in the game, builds new buildings and develops new technologies. Petroglyph studio’s game also contains features that cannot be found in classic RTS games. Among them there are the lack of maximum number of units and a destructible environment which can be used for one’s advantage during skirmishes.
Despite the fact that the original version of the game contained only one “retro-military” faction, updates for the game introduced many additional sides of the conflict inspired by developers’ favorite factions from classic RTS games.
Game modes
8-bit Armies for PC offers a few typical game modes. The game contains 25 singleplayer maps for offline play, 10 for cooperation mode, another 10 for skirmish mode (against computer AI) or for classic PvP multiplayer for up to 8 people. Depending on the preferences, the objective of the multiplayer mode might be to destroy a hostile base, destroy production buildings or destroy all structures and units of the opponent. 8-bit Armies is a game friendly to the creators of mods, so one can easily create custom maps and missions for the game.
Technical aspects
As the title of the game suggests, a characteristic trait of 8-bit Armies is the graphics stylized on the 8-bit computers era. Despite the fact that the visuals are created by using voxels, they are very colorful and perspicuous. The game contains a large dose of humor and references to classic RTS games. The soundtrack of the game is also worth mentioning as it was composed by Frank Klepacki – the creator of music for the famous series Command & Conquer.
