RUSE, a new RTS developed by Ubisoft, is shaping up to be a pretty impressive game. The Beta Multiplayer allows you to use almost all special features to be seen in the release, including abilities called “Ruses.” These are what make this game pretty special as all of them improve your army the ability to dominate opponents. The graphics and gameplay are also rock solid giving RTS fans on multiple platforms something to look forward to in 2010.

You begin with a simple Headquarters to build supply depots that send supply trucks back to your base. These supplies are used to develop your strategy. Playing the multiplayer allows you to explore every possible way to defeat your opponent, whether by land or by air.  Resource positioning seems to be a little lopsided as supply buildings can be pretty far away, but this can be compensated for with prudent resource management.

The units that you build start with your standard G.I. units that can hide in cities and forests and ambush enemy units. You can also build several different types of tanks. Some can shoot while moving. Other units can hide in forests and specialize in tank busting or infantry. You can also use artillery to bombard enemy buildings and units, while using planes to make bombing runs on their supply lines.

You are generally able see everything that your opponent does with their units, but differentiating between enemy units can be tough. This is where strategy and use of a Ruse is indispensable in resource and unit management. Your Ruse selections range from spying to creating decoy buildings and units that you can use to distract your opponent. The Ruse system makes RUSE dynamic, disallowing simple mass and rush strategies to succeed. Ruse selections range from spying to decoy buildings and units that you can use to distract your opponent. These are good ideas for use against an opponent in multiplayer.

A side note one the graphics needs to be noted however. The graphics engine works very well. The detail to each unit is also intriguing. However, zooming in seems to be disorienting, as you cannot see all your units very well. Also, too actually maneuver and organize everything you must zoom out pretty far, The game causes players to have to adjust their sights so much it get a bit annoying at time, but the overall game looks good.

Although the Beta does not allow you to experience what is in the trailers, massive bombardment from sea by naval vessels, it is a generally enjoyable. The beauty and complexity of RUSE Beta keep you interested the entire time that you are playing, hopefully some of the kinks mentioned will be looked at, but the excitement for this new adventure does not seem to lose any momentum.