Thursday during GDC, we got to see a pre-beta build of Savage 2, the upcoming sequel to S2 Games' RTS-FPS hybrid title. The GDC presentation was using a dev level and we really didn't get to see true gameplay (we also didn't get any hands-on time either) but we did learn some more about the sequel's plans.
First, the visuals are several cuts above the original with detailed character models seen for the human side of the game's two factions (the human faction is about 90 percent complete while the opposing beast faction is about 50 percent complete, according to the dev team members). One of the things S2 Games wanted to do with Savage 2 was to improve the commander position which had some flaws in the original incarnation. First before a game starts each team elects a commander (you can check out a player's stats in the game's UI to see if they will be compatible). Also, the sequel adds a builder class to the game that will be able to create structures independent of the commander in case your leader decided to become slack in that area
Building structures in the game is extremely important. You have to build resource collection units over resource points in order to create more buildings. S2 Games has also introduced the idea of structural decay in the game. Over time your buildings will get degraded and you have to spend money to keep them upright.
The combat in Savage 2 among units has been tweaked as well. Melee combat deals with three different modes, block, fast strike and strong strike. The three modes set up a "rock-paper-scissors" style of gameplay. Of course players will also be able to get bigger weapons and long range weapons as the teams continue to upgrade their structures and abilities.
As we said, we only got a brief taste of the game during our demo but we were told that the long awaited beta version of Savage 2 is coming "soon" and the dev teams reps said they really mean it this time. We will have hands-on time with the beta version as soon as it available.
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