PGC NEWS

The real-time strategy (RTS) genre has always captivated gamers with its fast-paced action and challenging tactical gameplay. For independent developers, however, creating a compelling and balanced RTS presents significant hurdles, requiring substantial investment and meticulous design. Meridian: New World attempts to navigate these challenges, offering a traditional RTS experience with some unique twists.

Traditional Gameplay Mechanics

Meridian: New World embraces classic RTS elements reminiscent of iconic titles like Command & Conquer and StarCraft. Players will quickly find themselves immersed in familiar gameplay loops: resource gathering, base building, unit production, and strategic combat. The game utilizes two primary resources: Shardium, used for construction and unit upgrades, and Power, essential for operating structures and defensive turrets.

alt

One intriguing aspect of Meridian: New World’s gameplay is the ability to customize unit weaponry. While the arsenal isn’t extensive, this customization adds depth to the tactical layer, allowing players to tailor their forces to specific combat scenarios. Unlocking and upgrading these weapons requires constructing a Laboratory and conducting research, adding another layer of strategic decision-making.

alt

Players earn experience points based on their performance in each mission, which in turn allows them to level up and unlock new abilities for use in combat. These abilities range from healing and attack speed buffs to area-of-effect damage and even the creation of new Shardium mines. Each ability consumes Energy, encouraging careful resource management and strategic deployment.

alt

Engaging Single-Player Campaign

Set on the titular moon Meridian, the single-player campaign embarks players on humanity’s first expedition to this uncharted celestial body. As Commander Daniel Handson, players navigate 15 missions, exploring Meridian’s mysteries and uncovering the secrets hidden within its seemingly pristine landscapes.

The campaign offers a balanced experience in terms of length and difficulty. Each mission comprises a series of progressively challenging objectives, serving as a tutorial of sorts, gradually introducing players to the game’s mechanics.

alt

Beyond the campaign, Meridian: New World features a Skirmish mode, enabling players to test their strategies against AI opponents. Players can customize map selection and enemy count, offering ample opportunities to experiment with different tactical approaches. Integration with the Steam Workshop further enhances replayability, allowing players to share and download custom maps.

Room for Improvement

Despite its strengths, Meridian: New World suffers from several shortcomings. One of the most notable flaws lies in the AI. Units frequently struggle with pathfinding, often taking circuitous routes or delaying attacks even when enemies are within range.

alt

The lack of multiplayer functionality confines players to skirmishes against AI opponents. While initially challenging, the AI’s predictability eventually leads to repetitive and potentially monotonous gameplay. Furthermore, the game’s visuals are somewhat bland, with units lacking distinct designs, occasionally leading to confusion on the battlefield. The single faction further contributes to this visual monotony, resulting in battles between units that are visually identical save for their color schemes.

alt

While offering a variety of weapons, the game fails to visually differentiate them on the units. Players must manually inspect each unit to determine its equipped weaponry. Other minor inconveniences include the inability to queue multiple commands for units and the limited utility of scouting due to the linear tech tree.

Conclusion

Meridian: New World offers a classic RTS experience with some interesting additions, particularly in its unit customization and ability system. However, its flaws, particularly the underwhelming AI and lack of multiplayer, hold it back from reaching its full potential. While enjoyable for a time, the repetitive gameplay and visual limitations may ultimately deter long-term engagement.