Archrebel is a strategy game heavily inspired by Julian Gollop's Rebelstar, released back in 1986 for the ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC remaining as my favorite title on the ZX Spectrum computer. Unfortunately, due to the hardware limitations of the ZX Spectrum, Rebelstar suffered from severe constraints and nowadays standard features, including the lack of a map and line of sight, no menu options, and only one playable map.
If you are unfamiliar with Rebelstar, it was a strategy turn-based game, where
2 teams dueled on a large scrollable map. The Raiders, the invading team,
would win if they managed to destroy ISAAC computer, which was guarded by the opposing team, the Operatives, who needed to defend it at all costs. Each team had about 2 dozen controllable units featuring human soldiers and droids. Each unit had a
certain amount of action points they could spend to move, shoot and perform other actions.
Archrebel is my attempt to capture Rebelstar's essence, sharing the same sci-fi setting while expanding its formula through a large campaign offering more content. Below is a complete list of planned features. If you have played the classics Laser Squad and & X-Com series, there is a chance you will enjoy Archrebel.
Classic features:
- Turn-based.
- Action point system.
- Morale and stamina systems.
- An interactive world.
- Dozens of units.
- Opportunity fire.
- Wound system.
- Inventory.
Improved features:
- Morale and stamina provide distinct effects.
- More items (tools, weapons, and ammo).
- Even bigger maps.
- Multishot ability.
- Opportunity fire relies on field of view.
- Improved wounded system.
- Expanded UI.
- Expanded inventory with small and large slots.
New features:
- A* pathfinding.
- Line of sight.
- Fog of war.
- Units have skills.
- Units can level up.
- Droids can be upgraded.
- Persistent campaign progression.
- Destructible environments.
- Explosive items.
- Smoke and EMP grenades.
- Hacking mechanics.
- Wildlife-neutral units.
- Mini-map.
Uncertain features:
- Local multiplayer.
- Online multiplayer.
Please, note that all planned features are subject to change.
