Relic ditches the RTS for a turn-based hybrid between Advance Wars and Impossible Creatures — and it unsettles fans

An unexpected pivot for the studio behind Company of Heroes

When you think of Relic Entertainment, one thing comes to mind: real-time strategy games. The Canadian studio made history in the genre with cult franchises like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, Company of Heroes and Age of Empires IV. Yet, after decades refining the art of the RTS, Relic is surprising us with a radically different project: a turn-based hybrid mixing the DNA of Advance Wars and Impossible Creatures, two references from the 2000s. A choice that leaves fans perplexed, even disappointed. The game in question, still mysterious (its name has not been officially revealed), was presented at an internal Sega event — Sega has owned Relic since 2013. The first leaked images and descriptions reveal a bold mix: turn-based tactical combat, a cartoon aesthetic close to Advance Wars, and a creature-creation system inspired by Impossible Creatures, that cult 2003 game where you fused animals to make war monsters. On paper, the idea is enticing. But for fans used to Relic’s epic real-time battles, the shock is brutal.

Why is Relic dropping the RTS? The answer is (maybe) in the numbers

The decline of real-time strategy games is no secret. Despite a loyal community, the genre has struggled to attract a wide audience for years. Development costs are exploding, player expectations are evolving, and “classic” RTS like StarCraft II or Age of Empires IV, despite their quality, no longer sell like Warcraft III or the first Command & Conquer. Relic probably did the math. After the mixed success of Age of Empires IV (a solid game, but far from the hoped-for revival of the franchise), the studio may have decided it was time to diversify its risks. Especially since Sega, its publisher, has recently bet on more accessible and profitable projects, like the Like a Dragon remakes or Sonic games. In this context, a turn-based game, easier to develop and monetize (via DLC or a free-to-play model), seems like a safer bet than a new Company of Heroes. But this strategic pivot raises a question: does Relic really have what it takes to succeed in a genre it has never explored? Advance Wars and Impossible Creatures were niche games, carried by ultra-precise mechanics and wild charisma. Reproducing that magic today, without the studio’s experience in the field, is a challenge.

An Advance Wars + Impossible Creatures mix: good or bad idea?

On paper, hybridizing the two franchises makes sense. Advance Wars is the art of pure tactics: varied units, well-designed maps, and gameplay that rewards reflection over speed. Impossible Creatures, for its part, brought a touch of madness with its animal-combination system, letting you create unique abominations (a gorilla with dragonfly wings? Why not). The problem is that these two games had very strong identities, carried by studios that mastered their subject. Intelligent Systems (Advance Wars) and Relic (at the time of Impossible Creatures, via a partnership with Microsoft) knew exactly what they were doing. Today, Relic is starting from zero in a genre it does not know, with a team probably used to coding real-time pathfinding rather than turn-based systems. The risks are numerous: - Gameplay that is too simplistic: Advance Wars fans expect tactical depth, not a mobile game in disguise. - A poorly balanced creature-creation system: Impossible Creatures was great because its combinations made sense. If Relic misses the synergies between animals, the game will quickly become chaotic. - A visual identity that is too childish: Advance Wars had an embraced cartoon style, but one that fit its light tone. If Relic falls into “cute but empty”, players risk dropping out.

And what about RTS fans in all this?

The community’s reaction is clear: many feel betrayed. After years of waiting for a new Dawn of War or a Company of Heroes 3 that would finally modernize the formula, here they are confronted with a game that has nothing to do with what they love. Some see it as a betrayal, others as an economic necessity. But one thing is certain: Relic is taking a big risk by abandoning (even temporarily) its core business. Studios that radically change direction rarely achieve the hoped-for success. Blizzard with Diablo Immortal, BioWare with Anthem… the list is long. Yet, there is hope. If Relic manages to capture the spirit of the two games that inspire it, while adding its own touch (careful level design, deep mechanics), this project could become a pleasant surprise. After all, Impossible Creatures was already an ambitious madness in its time. What if Relic reinvented the wheel?

What can we expect from this mysterious game?

For now, information is scarce. We know the game has been in development for several years, suggesting Relic is not jumping into this project lightly. The leaks mention: - A solo campaign system with a pushed narrative, a first for Relic in a long time. - Turn-based battles with a fog-of-war system inspired by the best tactics. - A creature editor that would let you mix real animals to make combat units, like in Impossible Creatures. - A colorful, offbeat visual style, far from the realistic or dark fantasy aesthetic of the studio’s previous games. If Relic plays its cards right, this game could fill a gap in the turn-based tactics market. Since Advance Wars went on hiatus (the series has been paused since 2013, despite a Switch remake in 2021), turn-based strategy fans are sorely lacking novelties. And Impossible Creatures, despite its cult status, never got a sequel. A fusion of the two could be explosive.

Conclusion: is Relic betting its future on this poker game?

This project is a bold gamble, perhaps even a desperate one. Relic built its reputation on demanding RTS, and now it is launching into a genre it does not master, inspired by two franchises that marked their era… but are more than 20 years old. Two scenarios are possible: 1. The unexpected success: the game surprises everyone, becomes a critical and commercial hit, and Relic proves it can reinvent its DNA. RTS fans grumble, but the studio opens up to a new audience. 2. The crushing failure: the game goes unnoticed, criticized for its lack of depth or blurry identity. Relic loses credibility, and Sega will question its usefulness in its studio portfolio. One thing is certain: this project already divides people. Some see it as an opportunity for Relic to renew itself, others as a strategic mistake that could cost dearly. One thing is certain: we are not done talking about it. And if you are a strategy fan, keep an eye on this game… because, against all odds, it could well become 2025’s surprise title. Meanwhile, one question remains: what if Relic ever returned to RTS? Because after this detour, Company of Heroes fans really deserve a little gift.

Sources

Official Relic Entertainment website