OpenHV

OpenHV is an open source and open content real-time strategy game. Set in the distant future where mega corporation battle themselves this game comes with multiplayer (LAN and internet) support, competent skirmish bots as well as an integrated map editor. It allows for spectators to join and replays to be shared.

It is roughly based on a game called Hard Vacuum, that was in development during the 90s but never released. Decades later the pixelart was released by Daniel Cook including some game design sketches. It got revived using the OpenRA engine and is developed by a team of hobbyists, who filled in the gaps.

The game is set in a distant future dominated by corporations. As a player, you offer your services to the highest bidder and command mercenary armies on numerous colonized planets in a battle for resources and territory.

Two factions dominate: Yuruki Industries, who have grown greatly by colonizing new planets. Their colonial defense forces have been instrumental in their aggressive expansion beyond the solar system. The Synapol Corporation is also a large interplanetary company that manufactures and distributes everything from household items to weapons. Their security division also became a powerful paramilitary force.

At the start of a battle, the base is built. Generators must be built to operate buildings and raw material depots must be set up. Mining vehicles can be sent to raw material deposits and erect a drilling rig there. Tankers transport the raw materials back to the base and their routes must be protected. A module needs to be set up in which infantry can be trained in the form of pods.

Unarmed vehicles can be ordered in the base. Combat vehicles require a factory. Vehicles can be repaired in trading posts and vehicles can also be bought on the black market at varying exorbitant prices. A radar enables the mini-map, allows air attacks and also enables the construction of a star port where aircraft can be built.

The technology center unlocks the last level of units. These include buildings such as a large howitzer, a launch facility for nuclear strikes and a center for coordinating attacks with orbital railguns. A teleporter and a force field generator, which makes units invulnerable, provide support.

In addition, civilian buildings such as a nano-rebuilder for healing units, resource extractors and a communication facility as well as a watchtower, each of which scout the map, can be captured by a technician. Landing pads drop additional mercenary units.