The real-time strategy genre has lacked a truly standout fantasy-themed entry since the days of WarCraft 3. Now, in the absence of the big ‘historical’ publishers heeding the call, a Spanish studio called Fire Ember Games is developing Amber: Chronicles of Lhür - a real-time strategy game that’s ready to deliver what fans have long been waiting for.
Inspired by Blizzard’s RTS classics, Chronicles of Lhür takes these solid foundations and builds on them with its own twist on the genre. This won’t just be the vision of a studio comprised of old-school strategy fans, but also a community of players whose feedback will shape the game as it works its way through Kickstarter and Early Access.
Beyond the moment-by-moment strategising, the great RTSes also know how to tell a good story - brimming with characters, tensions and hidden motives. In anticipation of the game’s launch, you can already find the first volume of Amber’s story on its Kickstarter page. Fire Ember Games are working on a story that will be told not just through cutscenes and reading, but woven through the fabric of gameplay too.
We won’t give too much away, but we can say that the world of Lhür is one shaped by conflict and myriad factions fighting over a precious resource known as The Amber, which will be vital to each side as it seeks victory. We also know that you’ll need to gain the favour of the Gods to achieve your goals.
Such games are often shaped by the variety and asymmetry of their warring armies, so we were happy to see that right from its Kickstarter launch Amber will have six playable factions, with a further two that will unlock as stretch goals get hit. More will be revealed as you play through the 15-hour campaign, where you’ll unearth the history of Lhür, its races, and the Amber Wars that ravage the land.
Multiplayer has been confirmed too, letting you pit the factions and their formidable commanders against each other in showdowns of strategic warfare. Expect to find ranked matches, ladders, tournaments and all the bells and whistles of a compelling competitive experience.
You pick a Commander for every battle, each one capable of leading up to 10 units. At the top of the pecking order are the Generals, who lead each army. You’ll need to use the different unit types - melee, ranged, magical, elite and special creatures - with synergy and a clear strategic vision to turn the tide in your favour.
RTS players will quickly recognise Amber’s rhythm: establish your base, collect resources, create your army and destroy the enemy. But on top of that there are clever new systems too.
Skill trees, mastering the abilities and counters of your troops, optimising your Amber gathering, learning when to fight and when to retreat, and evolving your troops to complement your Commander - all these things will decide who will seize the Amber and take the initiative in battle.
You’ll pick up the reins easily enough, but it’s a long road from that point to attain true mastery.
Amber wants its community to make a mark on the game. To that end, there will be a map editor, as well as the ability to have your own house where you can display your stories, memories and victories in the form of trophies and other decorations. As you attain certain objectives and key points in the campaign, you’ll also unlock skins and other cosmetics that you can use to really make your armies pop.
Amber: Chronicles of Lhür is live now on Kickstarter, where the studio is raising funds to continue the game’s development. It’s already got the attention of the Blizzard alumni at Frost Giant Studios, and you can follow the game’s journey at its official site. Will you heed the call?
