Maelstrom is an upcoming real-time strategy game that's set on a post-Apocalyptic planet where two factions of humanity battle against one another and an invading alien species. The game is being made by Codemasters and developer KDV Games, both of which previously collaborated on 2004's Perimeter. In Maelstrom, the three factions battle for supremacy using different units and relying on different resources. There's the Ascension, a corporate faction that seeks to rebuild the planet in its own image; the Remnant, a group of ragtag freedom fighters; and the Hai-Genti, the alien race that caused the cataclysm that wiped out most of civilization and now seeks to settle on Earth. Below are the strategies you'll want to use if you're playing as the Ascension. We'll have strategies for the two other factions in the future. Maelstrom is due out in February.

　　The Ascension relies on advanced technology to maintain supremacy on the battlefield.

Ascension Strategies

　　Ascension bases tend to be highly mobile, so they can relocate if required. However, once a base is established it should be protected as best as possible. One tactic is to produce four to five ice hammer infantry, who can use their cryogenic weapons to freeze any attacking foes. A group of three vipers, transformed to viper stings, means that you've got stationary weapons platforms capable of dishing out a lot of punishment. On patrol you'll want some crusader lancers to detect any incoming enemies. And for support, you can place Pegasus strike artillery in the middle of your base. Its range is far enough to support units on the base perimeter. Finally, the most powerful tool at a commander's disposal is the ability to terraform the terrain. If you don't have a wall handy, then mold one into the landscape, leaving a couple of openings that can allow your forces to exit while providing a chokepoint to funnel any attackers.

　　The Ascension's technological edge can be furthered considerably by researching new technologies and upgrading units accordingly. You can boost the effectiveness of your units tenfold with the right upgrades. So there's a premium on constructing research facilities within your now-fortified base and researching new technologies as fast as possible. Eventually, you'll not only reinforce your existing units, but you'll be able to construct whole new designs.

　　All of these high-tech weapons cost a lot more than the low-tech stuff, of course, which is why the Ascension will usually be outnumbered in a fight. This means that you must focus more on tactics and applying overwhelming firepower to the decisive point of the battlefield. Combined-arms tactics are important to keep in mind. Use air power like stormbringers and phantoms to soften up defenses, then roll in with ground units such as stormwalkers, crusaders, and vipers. Then, follow up with squads of legionaries and ice hammers to clean up any survivors. Use your mobility to your advantage.

　　Ascension units are expensive, which means that they'll usually be outnumbered on the battlefield.

　　If faced with a situation where the enemy has a strong antiair defense, switch the tactics around. Create mobile artillery groups centered on Pegasus artillery units, protected by vipers and crusaders. Get those groups within artillery range, and use them to pound on enemy defenses. You can then take the units defending the artillery and them to quickly exploit any openings that open up in your bombardment. If you have three crusaders and 9 to 12 vipers, you'll have a potent force that can wreak havoc on enemy bases.

　　Don't let the Ascension's technological superiority go to your head, though. Like all units, the faction has its weaknesses, and rival factions have their strengths, as well. Remnant hunters can hack into your high-tech units and turn them against you, and the alien Hai-Genti have incredibly powerful units at their command.