Ruse Makes a Comeback on Steam After Over a Decade
Great news for strategy game fans! The beloved WW2 RTS, Ruse, is back on Steam after a long hiatus of over ten years. Originally launched in 2010, Ruse received a solid 84% review score, with many praising Eugen Systems for their innovative take on a well-worn genre. However, by 2015, the game was pulled from Steam due to licensing issues with its publisher, Ubisoft.
Fast forward to now, and Eugen Systems has pulled off a delightful surprise by re-releasing Ruse on Steam, complete with all the previously launched DLC and a few technical tweaks. They’ve also added full support for the Steam Deck, which is a great bonus for those gaming on the go!
In their announcement, Eugen Systems clarified that while they created Ruse back in 2010, they didn’t technically own the rights to it. Due to distribution restrictions, they were unable to assist players looking to get their hands on the game over the years. Now that they’ve regained the rights, they’re thrilled to bring Ruse back into the limelight, with some exciting extras thrown in!
Now, while they didn’t spill too many details about the technical upgrades, one thing’s for sure: this isn’t a remaster. Ruse remains the same classic RTS from 2010. But don’t let that discourage you; it’s still a fantastic game that has stood the test of time.
The price tag for the re-launch is set at $30 (or around Rs. 8,000), which has sparked some debate among gamers who feel it’s a bit steep for an older title. Despite this, the initial response from players has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing about 197 positive reviews against just two negatives. That’s a pretty impressive ratio, wouldn’t you say?
For those who already own Ruse, you’re in luck! The updates and DLC are available to you for free. Just a heads up, though: old save files and replays won’t work with this new version to avoid crashes, but you can still access them via the “Compatibility Branch” in the game properties on Steam.
How this entire return came to be remains a bit of a mystery, but it’s worth noting that Eugen Systems is now both the developer and publisher, meaning Ubisoft is no longer involved. Given Ubisoft’s recent financial struggles, it’s possible Eugen managed to snag the rights at a favorable price. Regardless of the details, the key takeaway is that Ruse is back on Steam, and that’s something to celebrate!