Uncapped Games Aims to Revolutionize the RTS Genre with Battle Aces

by Arthur Herring
in News, PC, Release
on 9 June 2024

Battle Aces, the debut release from Uncapped Games, is set to shake up the world of real-time strategy (RTS) games. Made up of veterans from renowned RTS titles like StarCraft and Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, the team at Uncapped Games is determined to create a more approachable and enjoyable experience for players.

Unlike traditional RTS games, Battle Aces will not feature a campaign or story mode upon its launch. However, Uncapped Games has plans to expand its offerings in the future. According to art director Ted Park, the team is currently focusing on one vs one and two vs two modes, concentrating on perfecting the core gameplay loop before considering additional content.

Drawing inspiration from their experience working on iconic titles like StarCraft, the team at Uncapped Games aims to bring the lessons they’ve learned to Battle Aces. The game takes cues from StarCraft’s unit readability and design philosophy, while also incorporating elements from other influential RTS games.

Uncapped Games emphasizes approachability as the driving force behind Battle Aces. The team recognizes that many RTS games can be overwhelming and challenging for new players, and they aim to change that with their design choices. The simplified mechanics make it easier to understand the basics of unit control, while still maintaining the depth and strategy that veteran players enjoy.

One of the notable features of Battle Aces is its “ten-minute game mode.” Unlike traditional RTS matches that can last for hours, this mode allows players to complete a match in just ten minutes, enabling them to have more matches and a higher chance of positive experiences. The team believes that reducing tedium and focusing on combat will enhance the overall fun factor of the game.

Battle Aces introduces the Unit Deck, a unique feature that adds an element of customization and strategy to the game. Before each match, players choose eight units from a wide array of manufacturing companies, each with its own tech tier and unique abilities. This deck-building aspect enhances replayability and encourages players to experiment with different combinations to gain an edge in their matches.

While Battle Aces prioritizes accessibility at launch, Uncapped Games plans to gradually introduce more complexity to cater to seasoned players. The closed beta for the game will begin later in June, offering players a chance to experience the innovative RTS gameplay that Battle Aces has to offer.

Whether you’re a newcomer to RTS games or a veteran looking for a fresh take on the genre, Battle Aces promises to deliver an exciting and engaging experience. Stay tuned for further updates and be prepared to immerse yourself in this groundbreaking RTS game.

Additional facts:

– Battle Aces is being developed for PC, with the potential for console releases in the future.
– Uncapped Games aims to create a balanced multiplayer experience with a fair matchmaking system and regular updates based on player feedback.
– The game will include a ranking system to encourage competitive play and provide a sense of progression for players.
– Battle Aces features a variety of maps with different terrains and strategic elements, adding depth to the gameplay.
– The game will have a tutorial mode to help new players understand the mechanics and strategies of the game.

Most important questions and answers:

1. What is the gameplay style of Battle Aces?
Battle Aces is a real-time strategy (RTS) game focused on one vs one and two vs two multiplayer matches. It emphasizes approachability and simplified mechanics while still providing depth for veteran players.

2. Will Battle Aces have a single-player campaign or story mode?
No, Battle Aces will not have a campaign or story mode at launch. However, Uncapped Games plans to expand the game’s offerings in the future.

Key challenges or controversies:

– One potential challenge for Battle Aces is attracting and retaining a player base in a highly competitive RTS market, where established titles like StarCraft have a strong following.
– Balancing the gameplay to ensure that matches are fair and enjoyable for both new and experienced players can be another challenge.
– Uncapped Games may face controversy if players feel that the game lacks content or depth upon release, considering the absence of a single-player campaign.

Advantages:

– Battle Aces aims to provide a more approachable and enjoyable experience for both new and veteran RTS players.
– The “ten-minute game mode” offers quick and intense matches, increasing the potential for positive experiences and replayability.
– The Unit Deck feature adds customization and strategy to the game, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations.

Disadvantages:

– The absence of a single-player campaign or story mode may deter players who prefer a more narrative-driven experience.
– Battle Aces may face difficulty in standing out and attracting players in a competitive market dominated by established RTS titles.
– The simplified mechanics may disappoint players looking for complex and deeply strategic gameplay.