SEGA today shipped Universe at War: Earth Assault for Windows-based PCs. The combat-intensive real-time strategy (RTS) game supports Games for Windows – LIVE and is the first third-party title to support cross-platform play between PC and Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 version of Universe at War: Earth Assault will ship in Q1 2008.
Universe at War: Earth Assault enlists players in an epic struggle to prevent total alien domination of planet Earth. is set in the near-future where Earth has become a battleground for three alien factions at war. Amongst the three factions are the Hierarchy; a savage, hulking race that has come to Earth to harvest everything on the planet to fuel their war machines. Next are the Novus; a sentient robotic race hell-bent on stopping the Hierarchy from destroying civilizations across the galaxy. And lastly, the Masari; ancient astronauts that have lay dormant on Earth, only to awaken when the Hierarchy disturbs their millennium slumber.
Universe at War: Earth Assault uses a unique balance system called “Tactical Dynamics” that allows players to retrain and customize units in the midst of battle to better cope with enemy forces and tactical situations. Weaponry and defenses can be modified in real-time to take advantage of constantly shifting battlefield conditions. Fully customizable tech trees allow players to control the development of technologies that they deem key to victory.
The multiplayer modes in Universe at War: Earth Assault are inspired by popular MMO games and competitive online-playable titles. With its support of Games for Windows – LIVE, Universe at War: Earth Assault gives players Achievement Points, rewards and medals to encourage players to move forward in the game.
Players from around the world will battle in persistent-style online campaigns for ultimate faction supremacy across a virtual representation of the Earth.