Didn't think i would enjoy this but it's really fun! Red Alert but with "impossible creatures".

Impossible Creatures is a real-time strategy game that has earned a lasting reputation as one of the most imaginative and unconventional entries in the genre. Originally developed by Relic Entertainment and later reintroduced to modern audiences through THQ Nordic’s Steam release, the game stands out immediately thanks to its bold central idea: instead of commanding predefined factions with fixed unit rosters, players are encouraged to design their own armies by splicing animals together into entirely new hybrid creatures. This single mechanic fundamentally reshapes how strategy is approached, turning experimentation and creativity into core pillars of gameplay rather than optional flourishes.

The game’s setting leans heavily into pulpy, early-20th-century science fiction, following adventurer Rex Chance as he becomes entangled in a global conspiracy involving his father’s groundbreaking Sigma technology. This technology allows for the genetic fusion of animals, creating bizarre and often terrifying war beasts that are deployed across a chain of exotic islands. The story is intentionally over-the-top, embracing mad scientists, villainous masterminds, and globe-trotting missions rather than subtlety. While the narrative is not especially deep, it serves its purpose well by providing a cohesive backdrop that justifies the game’s wild premise and steadily introduces new mechanics and creature options as the campaign progresses.

From a gameplay perspective, Impossible Creatures adheres to the classic RTS formula of its era, featuring resource collection, base construction, tech upgrades, and unit management. Resources are gathered through controlled zones rather than traditional harvesters, encouraging territorial control and forward expansion. Where the game truly distinguishes itself is in the Creature Combiner, which allows players to merge two animals into a single unit that inherits statistics, abilities, and traits from both parents. A fast land animal can be combined with a flying creature to create a swift aerial scout, while a heavily armored beast fused with a predator can result in a devastating frontline bruiser. This system introduces a remarkable level of flexibility, as players are not merely reacting to enemy units but actively designing counters and strategies on the fly.

The strategic depth that emerges from this system is surprisingly robust. Each animal contributes specific strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities, forcing players to think carefully about mobility, attack types, armor values, and terrain effectiveness. Amphibious hybrids excel in maps with mixed land and water, while flying creatures can bypass chokepoints but remain vulnerable to anti-air attacks. Because players can save multiple creature designs and deploy them as needed, battles often feel like dynamic tests of adaptation rather than rigid build orders. This freedom also enhances replayability, as experimenting with new combinations can dramatically change how familiar missions and skirmishes play out.

Visually and technically, the game shows its age, but it does so with a certain charm. The creature animations, while dated, still convey weight and personality, and watching a bizarre hybrid lumber or soar across the battlefield remains entertaining even years later. Environmental design varies across biomes, helping missions feel distinct despite their shared mechanics. The interface is functional rather than elegant, reflecting early 2000s design sensibilities, and while it lacks modern conveniences, it remains serviceable once players acclimate. Audio design supports the pulpy tone, with dramatic music and exaggerated voice lines that reinforce the game’s adventurous spirit, even if repetition becomes noticeable during long sessions.

One of the reasons Impossible Creatures continues to resonate is its strong community support and cult-classic status. The Steam edition revitalized multiplayer functionality and made modding more accessible, allowing fans to expand creature rosters, rebalance gameplay, and create custom maps. This community-driven content extends the game’s lifespan considerably, offering fresh experiences for both newcomers and returning players. Skirmish modes and multiplayer matches remain particularly enjoyable due to the unpredictable nature of player-created armies, where creativity can be just as decisive as mechanical skill.

Ultimately, Impossible Creatures is a testament to the power of a single, well-executed idea. While it may not match modern RTS titles in polish or presentation, its inventive creature-combination system gives it an identity that few strategy games can match. It rewards curiosity, experimentation, and adaptability, inviting players to think like mad scientists as much as military commanders. For fans of classic RTS games or anyone looking for a strategy experience that breaks away from traditional faction-based design, Impossible Creatures remains a memorable, imaginative, and genuinely fun entry that has aged far better in spirit than its years might suggest.

Rating: 9/10

Loved this game as a kid, Its still great to play with friends today, wish the AI was still in multiplayer but its ok