EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fOieU2N.png)
0 A.D. is an up and coming, free, open-source RTS game being developed by Wildfire games. It is currently in Alpha. It is set in Ancient times.. around 0 A.D. to be precise. The game is very similar to an Age of Empires game however it has several traits that distinguishes it from the latter. The graphics are quite decent for an RTS.
As of right now, the game supports skirmish against computer opponents and multiplayer, among other things. The game is still in alpha so many things may change and there's still some work to do. It's a game that is still definitely worth checking out though, in my opinion. It's free and it's a small download, so you have nothing to lose having a peep at it!
The game can be downloaded from its website: http://play0ad.com/
Some very interesting features for an RTS are implemented as well:
- Intense Gameplay
- Cross-platform: 0 A.D. is set to run on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.
- Unique civilizations: In 0 A.D. each civilization is unique in its appearance and gameplay, including units, structures, and technology trees.
- Citizen soldiers: Some infantry and cavalry units can not only fight, but also gather resources and construct buildings, making them substantially more versatile than in typical RTS games.
- Combat experience matters: The more time your citizen soldiers spend fighting your enemies, the higher they go up the ranks. With each rank, they become stronger, but they also get worse at civilian tasks.
- Technology tradeoffs: Some technologies are arranged in pairs, and within each pair, you can only research one technology at most in each game. This choice is irreversible, so choose carefully!
- Unit formations: Arrange your units in historical battle formations from the Phalanx to the Testudo and gain bonuses, such as increased armor. However, beware the costs that may come with them, such as lower speed! (As of August 2012, this feature has not been implemented yet.)
Realism and Authenticity - Real world map realism: Random maps are based upon real geography of the ancient world with realistic plants, animals and terrain.
- Authentic historical details: Designs of units, buildings and technologies all reflect the hallmarks of each civilization. We even give them names in the original ancient Greek, Latin, Punic, Celtic, etc.
- Lifelike naval warfare: Ships will be on a much larger and more lifelike scale than seen in other games. They will move more realistically and even be able to ram other ships. (As of August 2012, this feature has not been implemented yet.)
Create Your Own Worlds - Powerful map editor: Draw landscapes with a palette of hundreds of terrains, build majestic cities and set the position of the sun in the Atlas Editor, your tool to design intricately detailed maps in 0 A.D.
- Excellent moddability: From new computer opponent behaviors to extra civilizations, easily create your own modifications (mods) of 0 A.D. by editing game files, all freely available in standard, open formats.
