I of the Enemy

RTS With the Focus on Strategy

Over the years, conventional RTS games have gotten prettier and prettier, until today you can have hundreds of screaming Romans running across the screen in a scene that looks like something out of Cecil B. DeMille.

Kind of amazing, really--expect that, with rare exceptions, not much has changed in terms of the actual gameplay. It's still build, turtle, rush.

What if, instead of concentrating on improving the graphics, you took the "S" in "RTS" seriously, stripped away the resource extraction and tech tree, and looked for ways to create diverse strategic challenges with each level and thoughtful use of combined arms?

You'd have something like I of the Enemy. There are no resources to be extracted, and no real building construction--you have really only one building, a starport that provides supplies and from which reinforcements can be ordered. But no tech tree, and no "turtling." Instead, you need to get out there, navigate the map, locate the enemy, and fulfill your mission objectives.

Combined arms is a strength of this game; the units vary widely in capabilities, and you need to consider what type of unit, or what combination, are needed to meet your goals. On the whole, despite the science fictional backdrop, it feels a great deal more like actual combat than the stereotyped and rather illogical gameplay of conventional RTS games.

...And a Strong Story

I of the Enemy has 30 levels, and as usual, there's a story connecting them. You control the Lokob, one of three allied alien races in a no-holds-barred war with the vile Unath. Units that survive a battle gain experience, and can be brought into future battles (and indeed having a tough, experienced force is vital in the later stages of the game). The voice acting and writing are both surprisingly good for an indie title, and there are some plot twists that will surprise you.

The "Demo" is a Free, Complete Game

Rather than limited by time or some other aspect, the demo is in fact a complete (if fairly short) game, a prequel to the story of the full game and a excellent introduction to it. So if you lke RTS, you have no excuses--give it a try!

The Developer Says

I of the Enemy (IOE) is a unique experience of sci-fi RTS wargaming and engaging storyline for single player offline or up to 8 opponents battling over the internet or a LAN.

Alien races have been bitterly fighting for supremacy of their universe. An Alliance has formed between the lowly Lokob, the physically imposing Rag'ha and the technologically advanced Y'dray, in an attempt to stem the onslaught of the menacing Unath. The Unath are said to have invaded this star system in a quest to maintain supplies of a chemical which is the basis for their technology and is found in the bodies of all of the Alliance races. Needless to say, you don't want to be taken prisoner! So the Lokob put up with their second-class citizenship because victory over the Unath only seems possible with the help of the Y-dray and their knowledge. The player is a Lokob officer who holds the exhalted title of "Commander of Armies" and is in charge of his race's contingent. Colonel Verkkal (voice talents of Ian McNeice, famed for his role as Baron Harkonnen in Dune) is his trusted friend and Field Commander.

Emphasis in this game has moved away from gathering, mining and building, and instead concentrates on interesting tactical problems. Combat takes place on 3 planets - Ackinaen, Eylea and Gha'adath - all with varying terrain and challenges. You may also choose to build your own planet with the map editor. Realistic facets of combat include reinforcements arriving according to an Order-of-Battle (which may be misleading due to poor intelligence), via a temporal gate or port facility. Indirect fire weapons (artillery) targeted by spotter units discourage fixed defenses. Each unit advances in experience, toughness and morale rating, visibly changing through 4 stages: Green, Veteran, Crack & Elite, and can be carried forward to the next exciting missions as a trusted member of your team.

"Advanced" units acquire heavier weapons or equivalent combat advantages. Success in battle is achieved through maneuver rather than larger quantities of units. This makes it more important for players to achieve favorable match-ups, rather than just waiting for overwhelming numerical superiority. The 25 Campaigns present real-life tactical challenges (convoys, convoy intercepts, delaying actions) where often annihilation is not possible with the force provided, and victory is measured in terms of delay or other inconvenience inflicted on the enemy. Use your light and heavy infantry, direct and indirect fire units, engineer and sapper vehicles, plus ground attack fighters and logistical airborne re-supply transports with multiple team identities. Assess your strengths and probe your enemy's. Hit him where he is the weakest, but don't sit and wait for the counter-punch! Maneuver warfare is the key!

IOE includes an intriguing storyline with many unexpected twists, taking place in a highly developed game universe. The units you have advanced to the higher "Crack" or "Elite" levels may be brought along from battle to battle as Verkkal and your cadre endure the hardships of combat and become an efficient and lethal team. When the campaign is complete, and after some well deserved drinks to swap sea stories, you and your group of battle-hardened veterans may proceed to further combat against other experienced groups in multi-player games via a LAN or the Internet (GameSpy). But don't try it without bringing along the advanced capabilities of your campaign tested comrades!

Reviews

"The story is more than reason enough to pay the small price..."
    - Game Tunnel

"An excellent example of what happens when every element of game development is done to the highest standard."
    - Bytten Online 93 percent

"If you want a fun, low cost Sci Fi RTS, by all means, pick up I of the Enemy."
    - Strategy Informer 79 percent

"Sn awesome science fiction strategy game with a complex storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat."
    - Pharos Games

"The story in the game is solid and it is a welcome change of pace from other RTS games requiring you to build and destroy, with nothing in between. I of the Enemy focuses on story, making this RTS play like an RPG."
    - Gamer's Hell 68 percent

"If the great voice acting and fun gameplay doesn't keep you into the game, the story will."
    - Games First

Awards

Game Tunnel: 2004 Top 10 Indie Game

Game Tunnel: 2004 Sound Award

Bytten: Gold Star Award

Bytten: 2005 Ernie Award Most Involved Plot