Having looked at the pictures here you've probably already noticed that Strifeshadow isn't 3D. However, as in 3D strategy titles, terrain plays an important part in the game. Some terrain will slow down or speed up units, higher terrain confers range bonuses and line of sight is obscured by trees and swamps. While the graphics aren't 3D they're certainly amongst the nicest seen in a 2D RTS yet, thanks to the efforts of the Ethermoon artists and programmers. Everything is displayed in 16 bit colour and while you can display spell effects and transparent units using software only, they'll look nicer if you've got a 3D card.

Since the game is to be multiplayer only, Ethermoon are spending a lot of time making sure the game is loaded with useful multiplayer features. They're currently talking to a number of online server providers to ensure there are enough servers for people to play on once the game is released. There will also be fully automated league and tournament support straight out of the box (or rather straight off the net as Ethermoon initially intend to distribute this online with the possibility of retail distribution in the future) and players will even be able to record an entire game so they can relive their past glories or learn from their mistakes by watching the whole battle again.

If all this has piqued your interest you'll be glad to heard that this is only an introduction to Strifeshadow: Tournament Edition before we reveal a lengthy interview with Tom “Zileas” Cadwell of Ethermoon Entertainment in two parts on Friday and Saturday this week. Stay tuned.

See Part 1 of the interview

See Part 2 of the interview

Pete Closs
Games Editor