Stormrise
PC/PS3/X360 (version reviewed), £34.99 (PC), £49.99 (console), Cert 16+, Sega, 2/5

Full of innovative ideas and console firsts, Stormrise is dogged by the problem that plagues most console-based RTS’s: unwieldy control systems.

‘Whip Select’ enables you to manoeuvre from unit to unit with the flick of the right stick, but speed doesn’t equal ease of use. Within Stormrise’s post-apocalyptic setting, units and icons are hard to distinguish, often resulting in incorrect selection. Plus frequent camera switching results in disorientation.

As an RTS designed to appeal to console players it fails miserably. Do not expect the affability of Halo Wars. Dedicated genre fans may persevere, eventually mastering the controls and enjoying the game’s strategic focus, but the majority will think life is too short.

Frustrating controls overshadow features that would otherwise impress. 3D locations allow you to take advantage of rooftop and underground positioning – line of sight is essential for strategic gameplay. Also, the drop-in, drop-out multiplayer function means departing players no longer lead to games ending suddenly: resources are distributed between existing players and the match continues.

There are some good ideas hidden in Stormrise, but a poor control system renders them impossible to enjoy. Only the stubborn are likely to find rewards in their effort.