Petroglyph, the developer of this game, has carried over that functionality with Hero units that will be instantly familiar to Star Wars fans: Darth Vader, Han Solo and Chewie and so forth (even R2-D2 and C3PO make appearances). If you’ve played strategy games long enough you’re undoubtedly familiar with the concept of the Hero unit-he or she imbues your forces with special attack or defense capabilities. Star Destroyers take on Mon Calamari cruisers in this space battle. Still, the idea of going through a nebula field instead of over it or under it is distressing for anyone who recognizes that space is more than just a two-dimensional tabletop. But it also makes the game a bit more approachable. Although there’s a fair amount of difference graphically between land and space, the basic mechanics are pretty similar-Empire at War doesn’t dabble in the six degrees of motion that made interstellar combat so interesting in Homeworld II (also by Aspyr), and that’s a letdown. Mining materials from asteroids can also help you generate credits.Īs a general on the ground, you lead units into battle for domination of planetary surfaces. In addition to intricate real-time space battles, you’ll also control the flow of fleets from one system to another, and your control of individual planets will affect how many resources-galactic credits-you can throw at the problems you’re faced with.

You need to do this to achieve ground supremacy by building fortresses and deploying troops.

If you’re just in the mood for a quick melee, you’ll find the skirmish mode most rewarding.Īt its most very basic level, Empire at War is split between two principal gameplay modes: One involves your maneuvering of space fleets between stars and planets, taking on enemies in the vast reaches of interstellar space. In conquest mode, you can pick what side you want to play as, wending your way through series of missions or just go outright for galactic domination. The story mode is laden with twists and turns, taking you through a complete adventure. The game features a story mode, a galactic conquest mode, and a skirmish mode.

Star wars empire at war youtube