If you grew up in the golden age of Real-Time Strategy games, the words “Kirov Reporting” likely trigger a core memory. For years, fans have been chasing that specific high—the chaotic, isometric glory of Command & Conquer and Red Alert 2. Enter D.O.R.F. RTS, an indie project that isn’t just paying homage to the classics; it’s trying to evolve them. The latest gameplay reveal has focused on Naval Warfare, and Reddit is already buzzing with excitement.
More Than Just Boats with Guns
In many RTS games, naval combat is often an afterthought—a rock-paper-scissors game played on a flat blue texture. D.O.R.F. is taking a different approach. The new update showcases a level of interactivity that reminds players of the genre’s heavy hitters like Supreme Commander [web:281].
Ships in D.O.R.F. aren’t just floating health bars. They are massive, physics-based entities. You can salvage resources from sunken wrecks, build offshore oil rigs to fuel your economy, and command vessels that feel weighty and dangerous [web:285]. The highlight for many fans was seeing amphibious units seamlessly transition from water to land, a mechanic that instantly adds a layer of strategic depth to island maps.
Physics Meets Retro Aesthetics
What makes D.O.R.F. stand out is its engine. Built on a heavily modified version of OpenRA, the game combines the crisp, pixel-art aesthetic of the 90s with modern physics [web:284][web:285].
- Debris Matters: When a unit explodes, the shrapnel doesn’t just disappear; it can damage nearby troops.
- Dynamic Lighting: The 3D sprite system allows for realistic shadows and lighting effects that make the retro graphics pop.
- Turret Independence: Large battleships have multiple turrets that can independently target different enemies, turning them into floating fortresses [web:285].
The Community Verdict
The reaction on r/Games has been overwhelmingly positive, with users comparing the vibe directly to Red Alert 2 but with the scale of Supreme Commander [web:281]. The nostalgia factor is strong, but it’s the attention to detail—like transport ships using automated ferry routes—that has strategy veterans taking notes. It’s clear the developers understand that micromanagement should be a choice, not a chore [web:285].
One user noted, “Watching the ships transition from the water to land really reminded me of Supreme Commander 1. That game was truly something special!” [web:281]. This sentiment echoes the general feeling that D.O.R.F. is capturing the soul of the genre while stripping away the clunkiness of older engines.
Factions and Future Plans
The game features three distinct factions: the industrial Crumbling Empire, the scavenger-like Barbarians, and the high-tech New World Order [web:284]. Each has a unique approach to warfare. For instance, the Barbarians rely on speed and subterfuge, utilizing guerrilla tactics instead of heavy air support [web:285].
| Feature | Classic RTS (RA2/C&C) | D.O.R.F. RTS |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Basic / Non-existent | Full projectile physics & debris |
| Naval Combat | Simple ship types | Multi-turret ships, salvage, oil rigs |
| Lighting | Static 2D sprites | Dynamic lighting on 3D sprites |
FAQs About D.O.R.F. RTS
What does D.O.R.F. stand for?
The acronym hasn’t been officially decoded by the developers yet, adding to the mystery and campy tone of the game’s setting.
When is the release date?
There is no confirmed release date yet. Estimates from the community and developer updates suggest a potential release around 2026 or 2027 [web:289].
Will it be on Steam?
Yes, the developers have confirmed a Steam launch and are also looking into a release on GOG for DRM-free enthusiasts [web:285].
Is there multiplayer?
Absolutely. The game is built with multiplayer in mind, featuring skirmish modes and a map editor for community content [web:285].
What engine does it use?
It runs on a highly modified fork of the OpenRA engine, which is an open-source engine designed to modernize classic RTS gameplay [web:284].
Conclusion
D.O.R.F. is shaping up to be the RTS revival we didn’t know we needed. By blending the beloved aesthetics of the 90s with the complex mechanics of the 2000s, it occupies a sweet spot that few modern games dare to touch. Whether you’re a naval commander or a tank rusher, this is one title you’ll want to keep on your radar.