Follow SpaceSector.com on G+ Follow SpaceSector.com on Twitter Subscribe the SpaceSector.com Facebook page Subscribe the SpaceSector.com RSS feed Receive notifications of new posts by email

Currently developing Interstellar Space: Genesis
A turn-based space 4X strategy game for the PC.

Interstellar Space: Genesis | Turn-based space 4X strategy game for the PC

Black Talons: A Military Sci-Fi Real-Time Tactics Proposal

By on August 13th, 2013 6:43 pm

Black Talons | Sci-fi real-time tactics game proposal by Camel 101

Camel 101, the indie developers behind the space strategy game Gemini Wars, are currently on Kickstarter for their latest game project, Black Talons.

“Do you enjoy strategy videogames like X-COM? The powerful machines from Mechwarrior? Sci-fi universes as we’ve seen on Stargate? Black Talons gives you a bit from all of these, mixed up with real time tactics veterans in mind.” –Camel 101

So, a mercenary company lead by you as its commander, hired by a star system’s republic for an invasion defense job, gets stranded in a planet surrounded by the hostile invading force. From there you need to fight your way through for survival by doing contract missions. A Battlecruiser serves as base of operations, which can be upgraded with better weapons and intervene in the battlefield. This seems to be the plot that forms the basis for the campaign.

Then, you command different types of infantry units with specialized roles (Scout, Tactical, Assault, Support, Engineer and Sniper), with a skill tree per class. There’s also mechs, which can be equipped with laser cannons, chainguns and missile launchers.

Black Talons' Mechs in action

Camel 101’s Black Talons proposal in a nutshell:

  • Real-time tactics
  • Military sci-fi setting (inspired by X-COM and Mechwarrior series)
  • Upgradeable mechs and different types of infantry units with specialized roles
  • Single-player campaign
  • Windows, Mac, Linux
  • DRM-free
  • ETA: July 2014
  • Target: $100,000 (September 7th, 9:00am EDT)
  • $20 pledge ($15 early bird), to get digital game copy; physical copy at $45 pledge
  • Why Kickstarter: To cover the development expenses of the game (programming, 2D & 3D art, production, audio and QA).

Judging from the provided videos, the troops seem to just move around freely without seeking protection. But, there seems to be a cover system planned of some kind, judging by what the devs said in their first update. “The troops can and must take advantage of cover, which boosts the armor rating and accuracy. We’ll show this in detail in a future update.” -Camel 101

Camel 101 says that they’ve done a lot of pre-production work already (outline and design for the entire project). The team is composed by three people: a tech and engine expert, an artist for 3D art and special effects and a software engineer with managing responsibilities. Best of luck guys!

     Subscribe RSS

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Interstellar Space: Genesis | Turn-based space 4X strategy game for the PC

5 Comments


  1. Gunnergoz says:

    I got as far as “real time” and that was it for me.

  2. Jeff P says:

    Hmm.. “real time”, “Kickstarter”, and “the indie developers behind … Gemini Wars.” Looks like three strikes to me. I’ll pass.

  3. salvo says:

    doesn’t seem they will make it anyway, and, as I wrote in another thread, I try to avoid RT whenever possible :-)

    apropos kickstarter, Kerberos just announced their next title Planet Wars, kind of Panzer General in the SOTS universe, the game will be on kickstarter soon, and you can try the alpha demo, downloadable on the Kerberos site

    I’m not sure I like what I see, but maybe I’ll give the demo a try

  4. Mark says:

    Yeah, like others I’m not terribly excited by the “real time” aspect either. I have a feeling all the “tactics” will be replaced by frantic button mashing. Not my idea of fun.

    Edit: After looking at the videos though it does seem to be pause-able. Maybe that will be its saving grace. I guess we’ll see.

  5. Chris says:

    Hell no. Gemini Wars is a complete and utter mess, unplayable in multiplayer. The day these guys get any more of my money is the day the universe implodes.


Related Articles:

Post category: Kickstart, News & Announcements