When I heard that no other than the Millar bros.(Diablo, Starcraft) were responsible for the creation of Goblin Commander, I became hopeful that there would finally be a good console RTS game . I mean if anyone knows how to make a RTS, it's these guys.

 

So with this renewed enthusiasm I popped in the disc and started playing and quickly found out that the controls are very intuitive, it's almost perfect in its simplicity. Each unit is assigned to a button where you can move them around like you're used to in a game of this genre. Unique is the direct control, with the y-button you can take control over a unit and move them around and attack like you're controlling a character in a platform or adventure game.

The visuals are anything but impressive, they feel more at home on a N64 than for this generation console, but of course this is forgettable if the gameplay is sufficient.

 

I was surprised on how different the gameplay mechanics are in comparison to the standard PC RTS. It has the same patterns as a normal strategy; mine resources, build units, send them out, expand territory and repeat. Yet the approach has been simplified. I knew the gameplay would be less extensive but they were very clever how to compensate this. For example there aren't any building elements in the game, instead you can recruit clan members in clan shrines, and they spawn immediately after you purchase them with souls, which is something like a currency. Souls can be gathered after you find or capture soul fountains somewhere located in the area. This seems an important aspect of the game.

 

After spending a couple of hours I noticed it was a little on the easy side, though there definitely is a gradual increase in difficulty with each level. The game is accessible for almost anyone because it is pretty straightforward and there is a good tutorial level at the start of the game. I think hardcore RTS gamers may find this game a bit too basic because as far as characters, weaponry etc there aren't really a lot of options.

Still I've had a good time with the game so far, while not as deep as a PC strategy the game is addictive, easy to learn and lets not forget that this is pretty much the only strategy game on the GameCube, unless you wish to include the innovative Pikmin. Look out for this title if you're into this kind of thing in the future, we'll have a review nearer release.