Maelstrom Profile Preview - The Hai-Genti

Science fiction and real-time strategy have always blended well together, because it can be fun to pit futuristic war machines in battle against one another. And most sci-fi real-time strategy games like to mix things up even more by adding in alien factions. That's certainly the case with Maelstrom, an upcoming game set on a devastated Earth. Two human factions are busy battling one another when an alien species appears. We previously covered the two human factions, the Ascension and the Remnant, and in this final faction preview, we'll introduce you to the Hai-Genti aliens. Maelstrom is scheduled to ship this February.

Hai-Genti Strategies

The Hai-Genti aliens attempting to terraform Earth in Maelstrom are experts in biological warfare. After rendering their own home planet uninhabitable, the Hai-Genti aliens look to make Earth their new home. But first, they must wipe out those pesky humans. Hai-Genti tactics focus on using genetically engineered warbeasts and biological weapons, as well as tapping into the forces of nature.

One tactic that the Hai-Genti like to use is to contaminate water sources to poison their enemies. The Hai-Genti are aquatic in nature, so they like to surround themselves with water. Their mutagen pumps can flood areas with tainted water that damages human units and structures but heals the Hai-Genti.

Hai-Genti base defense doesn't rely on molding the terrain to their advantage or building defensive structures, like the two human factions. Instead, the aliens rely on their overwatch ability. This ability turns its bio-thrall unit into a proximity mine, and the aliens like to seed their perimeter with these mines. To back up the overwatch mines, the Hai-Genti rely on groups of scuttler units to take out any enemy heavy units that make it past the mines. Scuttlers can gain a powerful slime upgrade that slows enemy forces further, which can buy the Hai-Genti enough time to summon reinforcements. Meanwhile, the biological upgrades that the Hai-Genti can research are potent. They include toxins, slimes, acids, and microorganisms that can wreak havoc on the enemy.

When on the offense, the Hai-Genti like to create powerful offensive groups. The aliens can call in their larger warbeasts, such as scuttlers, crushers, sirens, and raptors. In particular, crushers can, well, crush enemy vehicles in their jaws, while sirens attack from a distance and raptors swoop in from above. If they're attacking enemy fortifications, the Hai-Genti will first commit lots of small units, such as spawn, into the fight to draw enemy fire away from the larger units. Scuttlers can then destroy enemy fortifications, clearing the way for the main assault group.

Because the Hai-Genti "grow" their biological units, they can draw upon a practically endless pool of warriors. As such, the aliens like to attack with mass, overwhelming the enemy with sheer numbers. A well-balanced attack force will have plenty of melee units in the form of crushers, devourers, and spawn. Ranged units like sirens, rippers, and scorpions will back up the frontline troops. If facing soft targets, such as infantry, fire-breathing salamanders can be brought in to make short work of them. And progenitors, or giant worms, can be brought in to really finish things off. Air cover can be provided by a number of units, including pestilence and raptors.

Since the Hai-Genti are aquatic, water can be used as an advantage. While human units must figure out how to bridge or cross large bodies, the Hai-Genti can move through water naturally. Keep that in mind, as it can increase your mobility options considerably when playing as the Hai-Genti.