Cepheus Protocol: The RTS That Infects Your Free Time
Dive headfirst into "Cepheus Protocol," an RTS game that's as chaotic as a supermarket before a hurricane. You're in charge of CERC, the only gang in town with enough guns and guts to face down an alien virus turning folks into not-so-friendly neighbors. Think "The Walking Dead" meets "StarCraft," with a sprinkle of "why the hell can't I stop playing?"
Shipwreck Shenanigans and Patient Zero Pandemonium
Our story kicks off with the Voyager Dawn, a ship that probably won't be winning any safety awards anytime soon, given it's packed with the Pangu Virus. Enter Chelsey, not just a tourist but the lucky winner of the Patient Zero lottery. Treasure Island's about to get a lot more interesting, and not in a good way.
More Units Than a Math Test
This game throws units at you like they're going out of style. Infected swarming your base? There's a squad for that. Need to spy from the sky? Drones and choppers at your disposal. The "Operator" is your Swiss Army knife – a hero that can switch from RTS to TPS, because why settle for one gameplay style when you can have two?
Customize Your Apocalypse
Ever thought, "This apocalypse is great, but what if there were more zombies?" Good news, you masochist: "Cepheus Protocol" lets you tweak your end-of-the-world experience. Turn off infected types, adjust difficulty, and if you've ever wanted to play god with a virus, now's your chance.
Map So Big, You'll Need a Compass
The game's map is huge, varied, and ready for your conquering (or fleeing). Plan your attacks and civilian rescues with the care of a chess master, because one wrong move and you'll be overrun faster than you can say "zombie BBQ."
It’s Not Just About the Zombies
As if controlling a deadly virus wasn't enough, you've got rogue civilian groups and dynamic factions. Negotiate, recruit, or just mow down anything that moves – the choice is yours. Just remember, diplomacy can sometimes save more ammo than a well-placed headshot.
Research, Upgrade, Repeat
Diving into the Doctrine tree like it’s your college major lets you unlock new toys, units, and perks. Want better guns? Check. Need stealthier drones? Got it. Researching the virus gives "know your enemy" a whole new meaning.
My Verdict: Is It Worth Your Cash?
Hell yeah, it is. With its mix of RTS strategy, zombie survival horror, and an open world begging to be explored (or exploited), "Cepheus Protocol" is a rare gem. Sure, it’s a bit rough around the edges – pathfinding can make you want to pull your hair out, and the AI sometimes has the IQ of a breadstick. But the devs are on it like white on rice, constantly updating and polishing.
In "Cepheus Protocol," every playthrough is a new story. Will you be the savior of humanity or just another footnote in the Pangu Virus's path of destruction? Strap in, plan your strategy, and maybe, just maybe, you'll live to tell the tale.
Solid 8.1/10 from me. Worth every penny and then some. If you're a fan of RTS games with a twist or just enjoy mowing down hordes of infected, "Cepheus Protocol" will not disappoint.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.