The real-time strategy (RTS) games segment has long been dominated by big names such as "StarCraft," "Warcraft," "Command & Conquer"and their respective installments and franchise spin-offs. That may very well change as a new type of RTS game is making waves across the gaming community. "They Are Billions" takes all the elements of traditional RTS games,throws players in a steampunk setting, and kicks it up a notch by pitting players against overwhelmingly large hordes of zombies.
"They Are Billions" was released on Dec. 17 and is currently still in early access. Early access games are either hit-or-miss as many of these games are crude, lack content, or have several bugs. This is not the case for "They Are Billions," as the gameplay looks very polished and well-made with stunning 4K graphics. The game has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from RTS fans and new players alike.
Set in the distant post-apocalyptic future, players start with a single Command Center and a handful of survivors, as players scour the map for resources and food, and build their way to a thriving colony.
The game employs traditional features of RTS games such as food and resource supply, technology research, building upgrades, and unit upgrades, calling for extreme micro-management. Fear not, as the game comes with a pause button never seen in RTS type games. Utilizing the pause button is crucial as players can give units independent commands, making every move count and offering players more preparation time and strategical choices.
The developers boast of having different types of zombies all with their own specific AI scripts, with elements of sight, smell and hearing. The zombies, called "infected," react to every action as every move players make can give off sounds and smells, and alert them of the player's presence.
Currently, only one game mode is available, a Survival mode where players are placed in a randomly generated map as they try to survive for prolonged periods of time defending against hordes of the infected. A Campaign or story mode was announced to be in development and soon to follow.
