Some of you may remember a classic strategy game from 1997 called Total Annihilation, which is finally getting a spiritual successor titled Supreme Commander on February 23rd, 2007.
Here’s an interview with Chris Taylor, CEO/Director of Gas Powered Games, about the upcoming PC RTS game Supreme Commander. It took place before the game’s beta with 40,000 gamers started in October 23rd, 2006. Take a look:
That’s really interesting don’t you think? And the map zoom and dual-monitor & split-screen setup sound very innovative.
Take a moment to read the storyline below, it’s exciting!
In the Quantum Age of 2018, scientists from Earth began experimenting with “quantum tunneling”, which allows transport of living matter through great distances. However, tunneling was prohibitively expensive since one tunnel requires the energy output of up to 25 fusion reactors. Conventional space travel just isn’t fast enough, so scientists forged ahead. In due time, they finally perfected the technology with the teleportation of a single atom of caesium in a lab, and the first off-world teleportation moved a milligram of iron onto the Moon. They then slowly started working up the food chain from insects to mammals such as mice and monkeys. The first humans are “tunneled” in 2062 when a group is sent to Neptune’s moon Triton to further explore the solar system. The quantum tunnel transport takes .26 seconds.
The galaxy slowly began to be colonized through a variety of tunnel networks, radiating from Earth like the spokes of a wheel. By 2284, 16 colonies had been created, which are now known as the Prime Worlds, and by 2316 each of these begin their own expansion. Two-hundred and ten years later, 110 colonies begin their expansion as well. Alien life at this point was yet to be discovered.
By 2663, there were now more than 400 self-replicating colonies and the empire was having trouble regulating them. Small scale wars developed between colonies and the Earth sent Colonial Command forces to stamp out the resistance. These pacification operations continued to grow. What the Earth didn’t realize is that some of these rebellions were started by Colonial Command Commanders unhappy with current events and/or greedy for power of their own. The Earth Empire was slowly losing its iron grip on its colonies.
Despite all the turmoil, expansion continued, with Earth claiming control of as many as 1,280 systems at its peak. The Colonial Command was stretched to its limits because of unrest along the frontier.
Eventually, a Symbiont colony applies for independence, and the military is sent in to maintain Earth Empire control. Tensions flare, and a group of Symbionts escape the Empire, forming their own independent Cybran Nation. Around the same time, an alien race is discovered on the planet Seraphim II. Though they have peaceful intentions, their sector of the Empire is eventually quarantined. The Aeon faction forms its seat of power there, and lashes back at the Empire.
Historians mark 2819 as the beginning of the Infinite War, where the Earth Empire tries to maintain control of its holdings while fending off Cybran and Aeon advances.
The last loyal remnants of the Colonial Command have retreated back to the 16 Prime Worlds, abandoning the rest of the galaxy to anarchy. Much of the Quantum Gate network was destroyed by various factions pushing their own agendas. Many worlds that relied on the Empire are lost, as are the technology and science that may have been in development. It is during this time that 29th-century combat is taking on on a new face. A single man in a self-sufficient commander suit can arrive alone on a distant world and create a massive army of robots, tanks, ships and planes within hours of arrival, using only the native mass and energy of the planet. Whole worlds are laid to waste in battles between these commanders and robotic armies. It is believed the Infinite War is lasting as long as it is because of the inexhaustible nature of these “Supreme Commanders” and the fact that their use was never envisioned on such a massive scale.
The Earth Empire finally crumbled and a new government came in vowing to reach out to the worlds abandoned as the empire collapsed. This United Earth Federation offers stability to troubled worlds. Meanwhile, the Aeon Illuminate suggests that worlds accept “The Way” or destruction. And the Cybran Nation fights trying to free their brothers from the oppressive human way. Now the battle lines are drawn and the sides clearly defined. There is no room for compromise, no room for mercy. No room for anything but the complete eradication of anyone who opposes their conflicting and unwavering beliefs. Finally, the conflict has reached a turning point.
One thousand years after the Infinite War begins, you step in as the Supreme Commander. This armored command unit is capable of constructing bases wherever you see fit, and only you have the power to bring the Infinite War to an end once and for all.