ERA ONE
" Innovative space RTS with deep modular shipbuilding but limited modes and performance issues "
ERA ONE Review
ERA ONE is a space RTS game heavily inspired by the Homeworld series, offering modular ship and base building mechanics that many players find engaging and unique. The game currently features a single-player skirmish mode against AI, with no campaign or multiplayer available yet. Players appreciate the depth of customization and the strategic possibilities of building their own capital ships, which adds a fresh twist to the genre.
However, the game is still in early access, and many reviewers caution potential buyers to wait for further development. Performance issues, limited game modes, and bugs such as poor pathfinding and UI quirks are common complaints. The price point of $30 is considered steep by some given the current content. Fans of Homeworld and space RTS games see great promise but acknowledge the game needs more polish, content, and improved AI to reach its full potential.
Highlights
Players praise the modular ship and base building system, which offers creative freedom and strategic depth. The game captures the classic Homeworld vibe with modern enhancements, including detailed ship customization and tactical combat.
Graphics and sound design receive positive remarks for immersiveness, while the large tech tree and various control options add to gameplay richness. The game’s slow, methodical pace and physics-based combat appeal to strategy enthusiasts. Many see the core mechanics as solid and promising for future growth.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the lack of campaign and multiplayer, limiting gameplay variety. The AI is described as rudimentary, with poor pathfinding and simple attack patterns. Performance problems arise in larger battles, causing frame rate drops.
Players also mention a steep learning curve and clunky controls, alongside UI issues such as transparency and poor readability. The restrictive crew cap limits ship size and fleet diversity, frustrating some users. Several reviews note that the current content closely mirrors the earlier demo, leading to disappointment over value for money.
Pros
- • Modular ship building offers deep customization and strategic options.
- • Strong Homeworld-inspired space RTS experience with unique mechanics.
- • Detailed tech tree and tactical unit management enhance gameplay.
- • Impressive graphics and immersive sound design.
- • Various game modes and extensive customization settings available.
- • Slow, methodical pace suits thoughtful players.
- • Creative freedom to build mega motherships and fleets.
Cons
- • Only single-player skirmish mode currently available; no campaign or multiplayer.
- • Performance issues and frame drops in mid to late game battles.
- • AI is basic, lacking flanking, targeting logic, and base building.
- • Crew cap severely limits ship size and fleet diversity.
- • Pathfinding problems cause ships to collide and get stuck.
- • UI is clunky, with transparency and readability issues.
- • Steep learning curve with minimal in-game guidance.
Rating Criteria
Era One is an innovative space game that combines elements of real-time strategy, base building, space survival, and tactical battles. Players can create and customize their bases from scratch, construct various types of structures and warships, manage fleets, and engage in tactical space battles.