Forts

Forts is a 2D real-time strategy game developed by EarthWork Games where players build and defend custom bases while attempting to destroy their opponent’s reactor core. Set in a side-scrolling world with fun visuals and amusing social commentary, the game combines base building, construction simulation, and puzzle elements. Players strategically acquire weapons through tech trees and engage in physics-based combat, with gameplay often compared to the Worms series. It features both a single-player campaign and multiplayer modes.

Forts: A Physics-Based RTS Odyssey – Review

In the vast pantheon of real-time strategy games, few titles dare to blend the meticulous planning of base construction with the chaotic, physics-driven joy of total destruction. Forts, developed by the Australian studio EarthWork Games, is one such daring experiment—a game that marries the tactical depth of classic RTS with the whimsical, explosive charm of franchises like Worms. Released in 2017, it has since carved out a niche as a cult favorite, celebrated for its innovative mechanics and robust multiplayer, yet critiqued for its narrative shortcomings. This review delves deep into the game’s development, mechanics, world-building, and lasting legacy, offering a comprehensive analysis of its place in gaming history.

Introduction: A Modern Artillery Classic

From the moment you lay your first beam, Forts demands your attention. It is a game of duality: one part architect, one part artillery commander. Set against a backdrop of global resource wars, players are tasked with designing, building, and defending their fortresses while simultaneously orchestrating the utter annihilation of their opponents. Its premise is simple, yet its execution is remarkably complex. EarthWork Games has crafted a title that is both accessible and deeply strategic, a rare combination that has earned it a dedicated community and over a million copies sold. This review argues that Forts is a masterclass in physics-based strategy, whose legacy lies not in its narrative but in its endlessly engaging gameplay and mod-friendly design.

Development History & Context

Forts began its life in March 2003, conceived by Tim Auld and Nick Smith of EarthWork Games. Initially inspired by early bridge-building games, the project evolved over 14 years into a full-fledged RTS. Developed in Brisbane, Australia, the studio leveraged over 55 years of collective game development experience, with team members having worked on titles like Hand of Fate 2 and Stormrise. The game was built using Lua for scripting and FMOD for sound, technologies chosen for their flexibility and robustness.

The gaming landscape of 2017 was dominated by AAA titles and battle royales, but EarthWork Games aimed to revive the spirit of classic artillery games like Scorched Earth and Worms, while incorporating real-time strategy elements. This was a bold move, as the market had shifted toward turn-based or grand-scale RTS games. The developers focused on creating a game that was “easy to learn but hard to master,” emphasizing physics-based construction and destruction. Released on April 19, 2017, after a successful Steam Greenlight campaign, Forts entered a market hungry for innovative indie strategy games.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The campaign of Forts serves primarily as an extended tutorial, but it is framed within a satirical narrative about global resource wars. The story follows three superpowers—the Eagle Empire (United States), the Dragon Army (China), and the Iron Bear Alliance (Russia)—as they battle over the world’s last oil reserves. The narrative unfolds through cutscenes presented by Facts News, hosted by the aptly named Sal Vaux (a pun on “salvo”). The dialogue is laced with humorous social commentary, poking fun at militarism, corporate greed, and media sensationalism.

The plot thickens when Black Penguin Oil, a private militia, reveals that the “motherlode” of oil is a ruse to lure the superpowers into collecting resources for a moon mission. The player switches between factions, each time experiencing their perspective, until the final confrontation where all three must unite against the common enemy. The ending branches based on the player’s success: a victory leads to an uncertain truce, while a defeat allows Black Penguin Oil to dominate the global economy.

While the narrative is entertaining, it is thinly developed. Critics noted that the story feels “unnecessary” (CGMagazine), serving more as a vehicle for gameplay than a compelling tale. However, the thematic elements—resource scarcity, geopolitical tension, and corporate manipulation—add a layer of satire that enhances the overall experience, making the campaign more than just a series of battles.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Forts is a physics-based RTS where players build forts in real-time, manage resources (energy and metal), and deploy weapons to destroy the opponent’s reactor. The game features four modes: Campaign (28 missions), Skirmish (against AI), Multiplayer (up to 8 players), and Sandbox (experimental building).

Construction & Physics

The building system is intuitive yet deep. Players drag and drop beams, armor, and structures, but must account for physics—unstable constructions collapse under strain or damage. Materials range from wood (cheap but flammable) to armored plating (resistant but costly). The game encourages creativity, allowing forts to be built in precarious locations like cliff faces or under rock shelves.

Combat & Weapons

Combat involves two weapon types: direct fire (e.g., machine guns, sniper rifles) and indirect fire (e.g., mortars, missiles). Each weapon has unique properties; for example, lasers require sustained energy but deal precise damage, while cannons offer high splash damage but slow reload times. Defenses include sandbags, flak guns (to intercept projectiles), and shields. The goal is to destroy the enemy core, which can be achieved through direct damage, fire, or structural collapse.

Resource Management

Resources are generated by mines (metal) and turbines (energy). Efficient base design requires balancing production with defense, as exposed resource structures are vulnerable. Tech trees unlock advanced weapons and upgrades, adding a layer of progression.

Commanders & Factions

In Skirmish and Multiplayer, players choose from 15 commanders across five factions, each with passive and dynamic abilities. For example:
– Eagle Eye (Eagle Empire): Enhances accuracy and magazine capacity.
– Architect (Dragon Army): Reduces building costs and increases storage.
– Armourdillo (Iron Bear Alliance): Cheaper armor and faster door operations.
These abilities tailor strategies to player preferences, adding replayability.

Multiplayer & Modding

Multiplayer is the heart of Forts, supporting team deathmatch and co-op modes. The built-in level editor and Steam Workshop integration allow for endless community-generated content, from maps to AI modifications. Tournaments, both official and community-run, have been a staple since 2017, highlighting the game’s competitive depth.

Critiques

Some weapons, like sniper turrets, were initially overpowered, though patches have addressed balance issues. The AI is functional but predictable, following set patterns rather than adapting dynamically. The campaign can feel repetitive once all mechanics are mastered, but multiplayer offers sustained challenge.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Forts employs a vibrant, cartoonish art style reminiscent of Worms or Angry Birds. The 2D visuals are colorful and expressive, with environments ranging from arid deserts to icy tundras. Destruction is particularly satisfying—forts crumble and collapse with realistic physics, creating chain reactions of chaos. The aesthetic is family-friendly yet detailed, with subtle touches like dynamic backgrounds and weather effects.

Sound design, led by Jeff van Dyck (known for Total War and Hand of Fate), is exceptional. Weapons sound impactful, from the chatter of machine guns to the whirr of lasers. The soundtrack blends militaristic marches with electronic beats, enhancing the game’s tense yet playful atmosphere. Voice acting, provided by Craig Bentick, adds character through humorous drill instructor dialogues and Sal Vaux’s news broadcasts.

The world-building, while light, effectively establishes a tone of satirical militarism. Factions are distinct in visual design but not in gameplay, which keeps the focus on mechanics rather than lore.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, Forts received “mixed or average” reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 74/100. Praise focused on its innovative blend of RTS and artillery gameplay, while criticism targeted the thin narrative and occasionally repetitive campaign. Publications like Cat with Monocle (80/100) called it “a nice spin on the base-building genre,” while Hooked Gamers (69/100) noted its family-friendly appeal.

Player reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with a Steam rating of “Very Positive” (92% from over 23,000 reviews). The community highlights the game’s depth, mod support, and addictive multiplayer. Post-launch, EarthWork Games supported Forts with several DLCs:
– Moonshot (2019): Added new weapons, commanders, and a space-themed campaign.
– High Seas (2022): Introduced naval forts with buoyancy physics and new weapons.
– Pro HUD (2020) and Elite HUD (2023): Cosmetic and UI enhancements.

The game’s legacy is its influence on the indie strategy scene, proving that physics-based RTS can thrive. It has inspired titles like Attack on Steel (2025) and remains a benchmark for creative destruction and player-driven content.

Conclusion: A Landmark in Physics-Based Strategy

Forts is a game of contrasts: simple in concept but deep in execution, humorous in tone but serious in challenge. Its campaign may be forgettable, but its gameplay is unforgettable. The meticulous attention to physics, combined with robust multiplayer and mod support, has cemented its status as a cult classic. While it may not have achieved mainstream acclaim, it stands as a testament to indie innovation—a game that prioritizes player creativity and strategic depth over cinematic storytelling.

For RTS enthusiasts and fans of destructive physics, Forts is essential. It is a game that rewards patience, creativity, and tactical prowess, offering endless hours of explosive fun. In the annals of video game history, it will be remembered not for its narrative, but for its brilliant mechanics and the community it inspired. EarthWork Games has delivered a masterpiece that deserves a place in every strategy lover’s library.

Final Verdict: 8/10 – A brilliantly designed physics-based RTS with unparalleled multiplayer depth, hampered only by a lackluster campaign.