The gorgeous Empire of the Ants transports players into the fascinating world of tiny insects, where every blade of grass towers like a forest, and the smallest creatures suddenly pose a very real challenge. Developed by Tower Five and published by Microids, the game is a blend of real-time strategy and tactical adventure, drawing heavily on Bernard Werber’s acclaimed ant saga for narrative inspiration. Stepping into the role of a warrior ant, players find themselves tasked with defending their empire and navigating a microscopic yet epic landscape full of insect warfare. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
One of the game’s most striking elements is its detailed, naturalistic world design, which successfully brings an insect’s perspective to life with next gen visuals. The environments are vibrant and immersive, making full use of detailed textures and dynamic lighting to bring every inch of the landscape to life, from (seemingly) tall vegetation to intricate underground nests. There is a level of visual polish here that works well with the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, although occasional frame rate drops can hinder fluidity, particularly in dense battle sequences – and we’d rather see a patch for optimization than having to buy a PlayStation 5 Pro.
The strategic gameplay in Empire of the Ants encourages a balanced approach, blending colony management with military tactics as players defend their territory and conquer new ones. Units include diverse insect species, each with unique attributes suited for different roles, allowing players to customize their strategies based on the current challenge. Special pheromone abilities add a layer of depth, offering players options for both offense and defense. However, some might find the variety of unit types and abilities overwhelming, as the game’s tutorials don’t always cover them in the level of detail needed for deeper strategy – initially creating a system where you learn through trial and error.
The campaign is substantial, spanning roughly 20 hours, and includes a mix of exploration and combat missions designed to challenge strategic planning skills. This mode is bolstered by an intriguing narrative that keeps players invested in the fate of the Federation. The story, while sometimes lacking in nuance, provides context and depth to the otherwise simple act of territorial conquest. On the downside, some missions can feel repetitive over time, as objectives often follow a similar structure, dampening the sense of progression somewhat.
Controls are accessible and intuitive, fitting well into the console setup, though there are times when selecting individual units or issuing commands becomes cumbersome without the use of a mouse, especially in larger skirmishes. This is where the limitations of a console interface for an RTS game become evident. Nevertheless, Tower Five has done a commendable job in adapting a complex genre for PlayStation controls, and dedicated players will likely grow accustomed to controls over time.
Beyond the single-player mode, Empire of the Ants also features an online multiplayer component with cross-platform support. Competitive players can dive into ranked 1v1 matches or test their skills in free-for-all battles, though it may not be as compelling as the campaign. The multiplayer can feel unbalanced at times, especially if players exploit certain unit types, which detracts from the otherwise strategic nature of the game. This area would benefit from post-launch patches to maintain a more balanced competitive experience.
In terms of audio, Empire of the Ants does a great job setting the mood, with a score that underscores both tension and wonder as players navigate the miniature world. Sound effects add to the immersion, bringing life to the rustling of grass and the scuttling of tiny feet. However, the soundtrack can become repetitive over long sessions, and it’s a bit lacking in variety, especially during extended battles.
Overall, Empire of the Ants stands out as a visually rich, innovative strategy experience that will appeal to fans of real-time strategy and those looking for a unique, naturalistic setting. While the game has some minor issues, particularly with controls and mission variety, it offers a memorable journey into the miniature world of insect strategy. For those who enjoy taking command of unconventional armies and exploring vibrant ecosystems that have been beautifully realized, Empire of the Ants is a rewarding and challenging adventure that brings the world of Bernard Werber to life in a way that is both epic and refreshingly different.
Score: 7.7/10
Press Play Media 