Stargate: Timekeepers - A Tactical Game of Galactic Proportions
Release Date: January 23, 2024
In the realm of PC gaming, a new contender is about to make a grand entrance. "Stargate: Timekeepers," developed by CreativeForge Games and published by Slitherine, is a real-time strategy (RTS) game poised to captivate fans of the iconic Stargate series and strategy enthusiasts alike. Set for release on January 23, 2024, this game marks the return of a Stargate licensed game to PC since "Stargate Resistance" in 2011.
A Deep Dive into the Universe of Stargate Timekeepers
The game's narrative begins from the conclusion of Season 7 of the Stargate SG-1 series, charting an original story arc. Players will assume the role of Commander Eva McCain, leading her team in support of SG-1 against Anubis's fleet. Post-battle, the team embarks on an adventure across diverse, original locations.
"Stargate: Timekeepers" is essentially a tactical RTS game that promises a story-driven campaign within the Stargate SG-1 universe. The game offers a unique blend of stealth tactics and real-time strategy, where players lead a team of specialists. Each character possesses distinctive abilities, varying from combat skills to stealth, and even the capability to operate remote machines.
Gameplay and Mechanics
The game's mechanics focus on utilizing the unique skills of the characters to craft strategies, unravel a time-loop mystery, and ultimately defeat the Goa'uld. It features 14 stages, released in two parts: Season 1 Part 1 and Season 1 Part 2. These stages, dubbed episodes, guide players through the game, gradually introducing the characters and their abilities.
The first four missions serve as an introduction to the characters' skills and how they synergize. The game opens up with more tactical options as new characters join the team. This approach ensures that players are well-acquainted with the characters and their capabilities before diving into more complex missions.
The Development Journey
Originally set for a 2022 release, the game was delayed to address story issues, as it's one of the most story and character-heavy projects undertaken by Slitherine. Moreover, a major game-breaking bug discovered during playtesting forced a delay from the initial release date of December 12, 2023, to January 23, 2024. This bug, affecting episodes 5 and 6, would have prevented players from progressing in the game.
Anticipation and Expectations
Anticipation for the game's release has been building, especially after a series of updates and glimpses into the gameplay. A recent hour-long livestream event by Slitherine Software showcased characters, environments, and gameplay, heightening expectations. The game aims to stay true to the essence of Stargate, with a variety of familiar weapons and devices from the series, like the staff weapon and the zat gun. The game's time-travel elements, highlighted in Episode 7, add an intriguing layer to the narrative.
The demo of "Stargate: Timekeepers" is currently available for free on Steam, featuring the game's first level. This offers a glimpse into the game's mechanics and story, allowing players to experience a slice of the adventure ahead of the full release.
In Conclusion
"Stargate: Timekeepers" is more than just a game; it's a narrative journey through a beloved universe. Its blend of strategic gameplay, unique character skills, and a rich story set in the Stargate universe positions it as a potential hit among both fans of the franchise and strategy gaming aficionados. The question remains: will it live up to the high expectations set by its renowned namesake? Only time will tell, but the prospects are as exciting as they are vast.