Strategy RPG fans are fortunate because their genre of choice is currently enjoying a renaissance. On the other hand, it also means we're inundated by choices. How many strategy games about blasting aliens do we really need? What makes one different from the others? Well in The Red Solstice 2: Survivor's case, the difference is in the atmosphere. This game is as much Aliens as it is X-COMand that has to be a winning combination.

The Red Solstice series actually began as a mod for Warcraft 3. Hrvoje Horvatek created the mod "Night of the Dead: Special Ops" because he the suspense of Aliens inside the tactics game format. Fan response to the mod was great, which inspired him to make his own game. Now he's got a sequel, one that pits up to eight players against unknown alien foes in strategic co-op.

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It's an interesting take on a strategy game. Rather than command sprawling battlefields filled with scores of soldiers, you're responsible for keeping a small squad alive. The fights take place in dimly lit hallways and bases. Whether you're watching over a whole AI squad or partnering up with a squad of friends, there's tension in the fights. They're also happening in real-time so that danger is ever-present.

As for the RPG elements, those come in the form of research. You can capture the mutants and study them to research new technology that will help you fight them. You will also be able to customize loadouts and suits for the eight different classes. If you want serious firepower, there will be options for thing like tactical nukes and dropship rescues.

The Red Solstice 2 looks promising and reportedly had strong feedback from early tests. If you're still unconvinced, you can sign up to be one of the early testers. Alpha sign ups just began this week. Perhaps it would be better to see if it lives up to the Alien/X-Com legacy for yourself.

The Red Solstice 2 is coming soon to Steam, and you can sign up for the alpha here.

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