Rebelstar Tactical Command revealed

Namco has unveiled Rebelstar Tactical Command, a "turn-based strategy and combat game with role-playing elements" for the GBA.

It's set in the year 2117, when evil alien race the Arelians are enjoying their 70th year as Earth's premiere despotic overlords. They control the planet through fear (and guns, we presume). The Arelians are given a helping hand by their henchmen, the Zorn, who go round abducting people when they turn 30, cruelly preventing them from starting to buy Crowded House albums and make trips to Ikea.

But now, a band of rebels has risen up to fight against the empire (haven't we heard this somewhere before?), led by the courageous Jorel (and isn't that Superman's dad? Anyway). It's his job to organise the rebel forces into a powerful global army capable of regaining control of the Earth, and of course decking the Arelians in the process.

There are four play modes: Campaign, Skirmish, Multiplayer Hotseat and Multiplayer Link (for two players). Gameplay combines turn-based strategy and combat, with emphasis on controlling individual soldiers and using the environment to your advantage.

The RPG aspect involves interacting with other characters and developing your own, equipping them with all kinds of weapons such as grenades, sniper rifles, missile launchers and laser guns.

It all makes for a "strategic and addictive gaming experience", according to some Namco bigwig, along with "high replay value" and "a new twist on turn-based strategy." Super. Rebelstar Tactical Command will be released in August.