Universe at War: Earth Assault

Universe at War: Earth Assault, also known as Universe at War, is a real-time strategy game where alien factions clash over control of Earth. Developed by Petroglyph, it puts you in charge of unique armies, each with different playstyles. If you like managing resources and jumping from big-picture command to intense battles, this one’s for you. Ever wanted to control a giant walking robot that can switch roles mid-fight? Yeah, it’s pretty neat.

Getting into the Action

The game takes place in a near-future Earth invaded by three factions: the nasty Hierarchy, the advanced Novus, and the mysterious Masari. You pick a side and lead your forces through campaigns or multiplayer skirmishes. Sounds straightforward—until you’re juggling base building, unit upgrades, and tactical moves all at once. Need a challenge? You got it.

What Stands Out

• Three distinct factions with different units and strategies
• Tactical Dynamics system lets you customize units on the fly
• Mix of global strategy and detailed battlefield control
• Multiplayer with up to eight players online
• Free to download—no catch, just jump in

Gameplay Highlights

Unlike some RTS games that keep you stuck zoomed out, Universe at War shifts perspective between macro and micro management. You manage resources and deploy heroes globally, then zoom in to command individual units. It’s like being a general and a field commander at the same time. Lesson learned: always carry a spare sword—because sometimes your units need backup fast.

Multiplayer Madness

If you prefer messing with friends—or foes—it offers up to 8-player matches. You can jump into quick battles or dive into longer sessions using Games for Windows – Live. Casual or hardcore, the game holds its own in multiplayer. Just don’t expect every match to be a cakewalk.

Final Thoughts

Universe at War: Earth Assault isn’t reinventing the RTS wheel, but it packs enough variety and tactical flavor to keep you interested. Its blend of three wildly different factions and dynamic unit upgrades adds some spice. Plus, it’s free to try. So if you’ve got a thing for alien wars with strategic muscle, give it a shot. Fair warning—once you start toggling those giant robots, it’s hard to stop.