New RTS DORF's unique infantry units are worthy of Command and Conquer's finest

The style and the strategy are important, and the campy FMV lives forever in my heart, but the units are what make Command and Conquer one of the most memorable series in PC gaming history. Each recruitment feels personal and full of character, whether it be NOD Stealth Tanks appearing out of thin air, Tanya and her devastating C4, the white-hot zaps of Prism Tanks, or the terrifying Shogun Executioner of Red Alert 3. In lieu of a new CnC game, indie newcomer DORF is shaping up to be a worthwhile spiritual successor, and a fresh look at some of its infantry units proves that more than ever.

In case there's any doubt where DORF takes its inspiration, the first line of its Steam store description should clear things up: "Take command of one of three unique factions and conquer your enemies in a twisted vision of the future." It's certainly got the visual style to tickle the parts of my brain that fell in love with Westwood's best RTS games, but what about the personality? A new video from developer DORFteam answers that perfectly, showcasing some of the more unique infantry types we'll be getting our hands on in the indie game.

The Grenadier is a pretty basic start, coming equipped with an SMG and throwable grenades, but they're also capable of placing down landmines to offer some strategic battlefield preparation. Likewise, we take a look at the Flamer; I was always more of a NOD enthusiast growing up, so the call of some pyrotechnics is certainly appealing. Not only can their flames spread to scorch nearby entities, but they're also capable of rushing through buildings and damaging enemies hiding inside. Nasty.

So far, so good, but let's get a little weirder. The Mounted Recon are 'reconnaissance cavalry' that ride what appears to be an ostrich wearing a gas mask. Along with being a gloriously surreal fit to DORF's Fallout-like, post-apocalypse future setting, they're also able to use their advanced optics "to extend vision and detect stealth," making them an essential scouting tool as well as a fine piece of thematic flair.

Continuing in this direction, we have the Wretch Chucker. Self-destructing units have long been a staple of CnC and other strategy games; I've dealt and received countless painful Baneling surprises in my time playing Starcraft. What we have here, however, is a person carrying a band of small, explosive mutants on their back that they can toss out to chase after enemies. They're great at dealing with tanks or fortifications, and I can't help but be put in mind of Gears of War's Tickers.

For something a little more traditional, the Combat Pioneer is an elite powerhouse that can get up-close and personal with a combat shotgun, and also places down automated sentry guns to help you defend areas. Last but not least, the Powersuit is an "anti-tank powered exoskeleton." This walking mech is a force to be reckoned with, disabling vehicles with intense electrical blasts that arce through tanks and infantry alike to devastating effect. Manage to gather a group of them, and your foe may simply have no answer.

There's currently no date set for DORF, but the more I see of it the more eagerly I'm anticipating one. For now, you can wishlist it on Steam to stay up to date with its progress.

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