**From the Dark Ages to the Cosmos: Delving into *Project Citadel*, the Fresh RTS by Former Ensemble Studios Alumni**
The real-time strategy (RTS) realm has been a significant pillar in gaming, granting players the excitement of directing armies, constructing civilizations, and outsmarting rivals. From the medieval warfare of *Age of Empires* to the legendary clashes of *Age of Mythology*, Ensemble Studios has made a lasting impression within the genre. Now, a collective of ex-Ensemble Studios team members, operating under their new studio *Last Keep*, is venturing into untested realms—the cosmos. Their forthcoming title, *Project Citadel*, vows to merge the strategic intricacies of classic RTS titles with new, roguelike features, seeking to transform the genre for a fresh audience.
### **What is *Project Citadel*?**
*Project Citadel* is an ambitious new project that fuses the strategic depth of classical RTS titles with novel mechanics influenced by roguelikes. Set in a futurist cosmos, the game places players at the helm of a fleet of spaceships, challenging them to endure and flourish against a dominant enemy while managing scarce resources. The game is crafted to assess your strategic skills, compelling you to make critical choices as you navigate a turn-based sector map.
The single-player campaign is fundamental to *Project Citadel*. Players will traverse a galaxy rife with threats and possibilities, enhancing their fleet and setting up stations like shipyards directly from their mothership. However, the risks are substantial—should your fleet perish, you’ll need to reset the current instance, echoing the roguelike concept of permadeath and procedural difficulties. This design choice guarantees that every decision carries weight, introducing a layer of suspense and replay value to the gameplay.
### **A New Trajectory for RTS**
A pivotal figure behind *Project Citadel* is Dave Pottinger, a seasoned veteran in the RTS sector who contributed to iconic franchises such as *Age of Empires*, *Age of Mythology*, and *Halo Wars*. In a recent conversation with *Videogamer*, Pottinger voiced his concern regarding the stagnation of innovation within modern RTS titles.
*”You’re still engaging in the same gameplay we experienced 20 years ago,”* Pottinger stated. *”When I survey some of these new releases—*Stormgate* and others—they remain fundamentally anchored to that framework. It’s effective; it’s an aged, classic set of guidelines because it was excellent back then and it still holds up now, and it’s encouraging to witness that it still stands strong.”*
While Pottinger acknowledges the lasting allure of traditional RTS dynamics, he feels the genre is ripe for transformation. With *Project Citadel*, the crew at *Last Keep* aspires to diverge from conventional standards, paralleling how *Against the Storm* has innovatively reshaped city-building games. By integrating roguelike mechanics and emphasizing resource limitations, *Project Citadel* aims to deliver a distinctive experience that challenges players in novel and thrilling manners.
### **The Creators of the Game**
*Last Keep* is a compact yet seasoned studio, consisting of 11 developers united by a shared enthusiasm for strategy games. Several of them, including Pottinger, are veterans from Ensemble Studios, the renowned creator behind some of the most cherished RTS titles in history. Their collective wisdom and history of innovation uniquely equip them to extend the limits of the genre.
The team’s choice to prioritize a single-player campaign is particularly significant. At a time when multiplayer and live-service offerings dominate the gaming landscape, *Project Citadel* serves as a welcome deviation. By prioritizing a storyline-driven adventure and strategic complexity, the game aims to appeal to players yearning for a more contemplative and engaging RTS encounter.
### **What to Anticipate in Early Access**
*Project Citadel* is scheduled to enter Early Access on Steam in 2025, allowing players to engage with the game and share feedback as it evolves. Early Access will likely feature core gameplay elements, including the turn-based sector map, fleet management, and station construction systems. The roguelike aspects, such as the opportunity to restart instances following setbacks, will be a prominent component right from the beginning.
The Early Access timeframe will be vital for *Last Keep* to enhance the game based on community feedback. Considering the team’s history and dedication to innovation, fans of the RTS genre have ample reason to feel hopeful about what *Project Citadel* will deliver.
### **A New Dawn for RTS?**
The RTS genre has endured its share of fluctuations throughout the years. While titles like *StarCraft* and *Command & Conquer* continue to earn accolades, the genre has had difficulty maintaining its presence in a landscape increasingly influenced by adrenaline-fueled shooters and expansive open-world experiences. *Project Citadel* symbolizes a daring effort to reinvigorate RTS by