I stumbled over this game a short time ago and, wow...
It really does give you the ability to make your own empire. You can design just about all of your technology, if that's a laser beam that does 100 damage every 12 seconds, or a missile that does 5000 damage every 60 seconds, or a cheap radar that works as long range detection but sucks for fire support, or an expensive radar that does everything, or an engine, shield, or armor design that fits whatever crazy strategy you can think up.
There's also espionage, which I haven't dabbled with much, but it looks like you can hit someone pretty hard covertly, with unique agents that have their own anime based faces. Despite being a 3D scifi RTS, there is actually a surprising amount of an anime feel. For instance, if you zoom out far enough from an intense fight, it look just like any space fight in a typical anime, which is pretty awesome if you ask me!
Trade and diplomacy, which tend to be down played in most RTS's are huge aspects to this game, and I'm surprised at the options and possibilities. Though my trade and diplomacy tend, by choice, to be limited to, you give me the goods and I don't declare war on you!
Those are some of the best parts of the game, however, is the game perfect? No, not at all. It's not the best looking game ever, although it doesn't look too bad. There are still some bugs, even though it has just launched. I wouldn't say they prevent the game from being enjoyed, but the devs have some work to do. Lastly, it is a hard game, they're working on making it easier, but if you don't like to think while playing games, you might not enjoy this one.
Overall though, it's the best RTS I've ever played, and one of the best MMO's out there now. Mostly because of how unique it is, but also because I like thinking while interacting with other players...
MMOHut, "Real Time Strategy, RTS for short, is a distinctly PC genre. RTS games have been tried on consoles over the years, but they all managed to fall flat. The reasons given for their failure vary, but a lot of it has to do with the input device. Somehow a controller just doesn’t provide the scope of movement required to command a vast army, micromanage an economy, and build defensive structures all at the same time..."
MMORPG Center have chosen their MMORTS of 2008 from the five finalists. Check out the video.
A little bit about Beyond Protocol developed by the Beyond Protocol Team:
Talk about ambitious projects. Beyond Protocol is an MMO of epic proportions, a RTS where the players have control over almost every aspect of an entire galaxy!
