Platform Reviewed: PC
Platforms Available: PC
Publisher: Merge Games, Headup Games
Developer: Elder Games
Release Date: June 2, 2016
MSRP: $6.95 USD (Php 319.95)
Meridian: Squad 22 is a real-time strategy game with a sci-fi tone developed by Elder Games and is currently on Steam Early Access. In the not-so-distant future, the Earth is running low on resources and humanity’s last hope is to colonize another planet for the survival of the species. The first colonization attempt, however, was a failure. The main campaign follows the story of Squad 22 and their mission to find out what happened to the crew who was sent to colonize the planet Meridian and possibly rescue them if there’s still a chance.
So far, Merdian: Squad 22 only has four campaign missions but what makes this game different from other RTS is that it banks on the player’s choice in how the game will progress. This is made possible through the game’s tech tree wherein players will choose what tech to research first. Players may go the offensive route by choosing techs focusing on fortifying the militia or go defensive by choosing the ones that give focus on base building or they can choose a little of both. The techs researched carry on to the next missions which would have a significant effect on how the gameplay goes.
The visuals for Meridian: Squad 22 is remarkable. The detailing for the map as well as for the buildings and units were very well done. The cinematic clips still suffer from stuttering from time to time but it doesn’t really affect the whole lot. The terrain is nicely sculpted as well although it does limit the field, making the play area smaller than the usual map for an RTS.
Meridian: Squad 22 in its current state as an Early Access game is pretty much polished. It does have some aspects where improvement is still possible such as units crowding and blocking each other so much and the AI when it comes to enemy detection. Then again, the fact that this game has been single-handedly done and maintained by one person is quite an astonishing feat and we guess its fair to cut the dev some slack. Overall, Meridian: Squad 22 is a promising game that we’ll definitely look forward to.
Check out Meridian: Squad 22’s Steam page here.
This review is based on a copy provided by the developer/publisher.