If you thought FPS and RTS was a weird combo, wait until you hear about Smelter. This retro-style game combines the platformer and RTS genres.
Smelter is a recently released 2D platformer game. In it, the player controls the biblical Eve, who just left Eden. Facing a strange and dangerous world, she needs to establish herself and find Adam. In her efforts, she teams up with Smelter, who must raise and manage an army to fight against their invading enemies.
The main gameplay happens in two parts. The first part is with action platformer mechanics, jumping and running in various environments, fighting against the hostile creatures therein.
The second part, however, is a bit more unconventional. Using materials found while adventuring, the player can unlock and develop resource management systems. Homes need built, soldiers need recruited, and food needs grown. Defensive measures are also necessary, as waves of enemies will attack.
The game has an interesting style and some nice music. It appears to be more platformer than RTS, though. Finding a good balance when creating hybrid genres isn’t easy. Just look at Earthbreakers.
If you’re interested in trying it out yourself, Smelter is available now on Steam PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch for $20.
