Supreme Commander

E3 2006 First Look Preview

In the 37^th century, the galaxy is torn between three rival factions. The goal is simple – put an end to the 1,000-year Infinite War by wiping out the competition once and for all.

The game is Supreme Commander, Gas Powered Games and THQ’s RTS with a futuristic twist. Developed by Chris Taylor (Total Annihilation), Supreme Commander was shown in a theater setting at a pre-E3 event THQ held in Los Angeles recently.

The game keys on planetary warfare, but enables players to zoom in tight on individual units or zoom all the way out to see the total world. It is a seamless world, featuring naval, ground and air attacks, and uses a full-on physics system in a dynamic three-dimensional world.

A command-and-control system allows players to set waypoints for units to engage enemies, and the game’s engine will realize the time it takes for the attacks. In other words, you can set a series of waypoints to circumnavigate a targeted enemy unit (or units) and then allow the game to work your force toward that while you take care of other business. Don’t like the attack approach? You can change it on the fly.

The game, as mentioned, has three factions that are unique in look and would appeal to different player’s personalities. There are three story-driven campaigns, configuring background history into the gameplay elements.

Multiplayer will feature up to eight players online, plus a co-op mode.

THQ will support the game with a map and mission editor, downloadable content and instant battle replay features.

The look of the game is impressive, with the chaos of war realized as units battle on multiple fronts. If it gets too badly out of hand, trigger a nuclear strike and watch the screen glow with the detonation animation. It is rather formidable visually.

In a year were several RTS titles will be vying for attention, the grand scale and futuristic feel of Supreme Commander should garner a lot of attention. Look for it to release on the PC platform in early 2007.

For All E3 2006 Previews