LucasArts will take a big step back into the RTS genre with this week's release of Star Wars: Empire at War. To commemorate the occasion, Ferrago has put together a preview that discusses the game's synergy between ground and space combat, including the Civ4-esque bird's-eye view with tactical zooming.
You can also check out GameSpot's new Designer Diary with Petroglyph president and lead programmer Michael Legg. He discusses the Alamo graphics engine and the three major features of Empire that sets it apart from other strategy games.
It looks and sounds impressive, and had a positive reception at last year's E3. But will Empire offer enough to make us forget the foul stench of Force Commander and the mediocrity of Galactic Battlegrounds? If not, you can always dust off your old Kenner AT-ATs and stomp on your buddy's rebel scum action figures.