Iron Harvest: A Dieselpunk Strategy Game That Will Rustle Your Feathers!
Prepare for mechanized mayhem and an alternate history unlike anything you’ve encountered before. Iron Harvest, a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by King Art Games, plunges players into the gritty world of 1920+ Europe, where colossal walking machines clash in epic battles. Forget knights in shining armor; here, it’s all about dieselpunk dreadnoughts and cunning tactical maneuvering.
The game draws inspiration from the works of Polish artist Jakub Rozalski, whose haunting paintings depict a steampunk-infused world scarred by the Great War. This visual style is faithfully recreated in Iron Harvest, with beautifully detailed environments and intricate mech designs that will leave you in awe.
A World Forged in Fire: The Story and Setting
Iron Harvest unfolds against a backdrop of a ravaged Europe. The war has ended, but its echoes linger. Three distinct factions – the Rusviet Empire (heavily inspired by Tsarist Russia), Polania (a struggling nation fighting for independence) and Saxony (a technologically advanced empire with a penchant for giant robots) – grapple for dominance in a continent littered with the wreckage of a past war.
Each faction boasts unique units, abilities, and playstyles. Rusviet favors brute force, fielding powerful mech warriors like the “Deathstalker” dreadnought that can obliterate enemy lines with its massive cannons. Polania utilizes cunning guerilla tactics and nimble mechs designed for hit-and-run assaults. Saxony relies on advanced technology and mechanized infantry to secure battlefield superiority.
The single-player campaign follows the intertwined stories of Anna Koslovskaya, a courageous Rusviet woman caught in the crossfire, and Adrian Rybak, a Polanian soldier fighting for his homeland’s freedom. Through their journeys, you witness the devastating effects of war on both individuals and nations, exploring themes of hope, betrayal, and the enduring spirit of resilience.
The Gears of War: Gameplay Mechanics
Iron Harvest stays true to its RTS roots while introducing innovative mechanics that add depth and dynamism to the battlefield. Controlling your armies is a delicate dance between strategic planning and reactive improvisation.
Key Features include:
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Dynamic Terrain: The environment plays a crucial role, offering cover, choke points, and opportunities for ambushes. Mechs can also traverse different terrains with varying degrees of efficiency, adding another layer of tactical consideration.
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Hero Units: Unique heroes with powerful abilities join your ranks as the campaign progresses. These powerful characters can turn the tide of battle but are susceptible to damage and require careful management.
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Building & Resource Management: Like any good RTS, Iron Harvest requires you to gather resources, construct buildings, and train units to build a formidable army.
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Tactical Depth: The game encourages players to experiment with different unit compositions and formations to counter enemy strategies. Utilizing cover, flanking maneuvers, and coordinated assaults are essential for success.
Beyond the Battlefield: Multiplayer and Expansions
Iron Harvest’s online multiplayer mode pits players against each other in intense skirmishes across various maps. Choose your faction, assemble a devastating force, and test your strategic prowess against opponents from around the globe. Ranked matches allow you to climb the leaderboards and prove yourself as a true Iron Harvest master.
Since its release, Iron Harvest has also received several expansions that add new content, factions, units, and storylines:
- “Rusviet Revolution”: Introduces a brand-new campaign focusing on the rise of a revolutionary movement within the Rusviet Empire.
- “Operation Eagle Claw”: Adds a Saxon campaign centered on a daring aerial assault deep into enemy territory.
Iron Harvest: A Worthy Addition to Your Library?
For strategy game enthusiasts seeking a fresh and engaging experience, Iron Harvest is an exceptional choice. It blends classic RTS gameplay with innovative mechanics, stunning visuals inspired by Jakub Rozalski’s art, and a compelling story that explores the human cost of war in a uniquely imagined world.
If you’re ready to command colossal mechs, strategize your way to victory, and experience a dieselpunk adventure unlike any other, then Iron Harvest awaits.
Table: Iron Harvest Factions and Strengths
Faction | Strengths | Signature Unit |
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Rusviet | Heavy weaponry, durable units, powerful artillery | Deathstalker Dreadnought |
Polania | Agile units, guerilla tactics, hit-and-run assaults | Wz.42 “Smok” Mech |
Saxony | Advanced technology, mechanized infantry, air superiority | Adler Mech Walker |