War of the Worlds: Goliath 2014

In a devastated alternative version of Earth, the sky has lost its vibrant blue hue, transforming into a dull gray, marking the aftermath of the Martians’ unprovoked aggression toward humanity back in 1899. It’s been a grim fifteen years since that fateful day when Eric Wells, then merely ten years old, helplessly witnessed the destruction of his cherished Leeds at the hands of a relentless Martian Tripod. Just when it seemed that doom was imminent, fortune favored Eric as the towering monstrosity collapsed, sparing his life. The catastrophic toll of the invasion was staggering, leaving over 140 million souls lost and countless historic cities in ruins. Eventually, the Martians fell victim to Earth’s natural defenses—its bacteria—effectively rendering their advanced technology powerless against humanity.

Fast forward to 1914, amid the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, New York City, a seismic shift has reshaped the world. Yet, human perseverance is once again threatened by impending disaster—the looming Great War—as fragile alliances in Europe begin to unravel. Eric Wells, now a seasoned warrior at 25, leads a squadron of Tripods for the A.R.E.S. (Allied Resistance Earth Squadrons), an organization born from the efforts of a coalition made up of figures like Sergei Kushnirov, a Russian general who lost everything during the Martian attacks, the steadfast Secretary of War, Theodore Roosevelt, and the brilliant yet enigmatic scientist, Nikola Tesla. Eric’s diverse team includes the courageous American Lieutenant Jennifer Carter, the resourceful Irish Corporal Patrick O’Brien, the reliable Canadian Sergeant Abraham Douglas, and the strategic Malayan Lieutenant Raja Iskandar Shah.

As A.R.E.S. gears up for an uncertain future, an innovative generation of steam-powered Tripods emerges, with the most formidable of them all being the Achilles-class Battle Tripod, affectionately known as “The Goliath” among Eric’s crew. Towering at 65 feet, this formidable machine is armed with heavy machine guns, light rockets, and deadly heat rays. But just as A.R.E.S. begins to mobilize for a critical war simulation against Japanese Captain Sakai, the delicate equilibrium of power is upset by the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, sending ripples of panic throughout Europe and compelling A.R.E.S. members to return home to brace for imminent conflict.

Frustrated with the shortsightedness of human leaders, Eric rallies his team to remain focused on an even graver threat—the anticipated Martian invasion. As global tensions swell and chaos looms, A.R.E.S. must confront an unsettling truth: their greatest nemesis might not solely be the Martians, but rather humanity’s own self-destructive impulses. When the Martians initiate a second, merciless onslaught, their 100-foot tall tripod battle machines wreak havoc, easily dismantling A.R.E.S.’s defenses. However, this initial blitz is merely a prelude, conceived by Kushnirov to assess Eric and his team’s tactical capabilities in simulated war games. When the genuine invasion begins, A.R.E.S. finds themselves deployed across the globe to counter the alarming threat.

Under Kushnirov’s vigilant leadership, Eric’s squad undertakes a daring mission to obliterate three rogue tripods that have diverged from the main Martian force. Aligning with local militia units, they successfully dismantle two of these colossal machines, suffering heavy losses in the process—only Eric, his core team, and Wilson, a brave militia member, escape the onslaught. Wilson’s gallantry leads them to a menacing factory, unveiling chilling revelations about the Martians’ sinister plot of seizing and exploiting human captives for their war machine.

Armed with this crucial information, Eric’s team springs into action, liberating the prisoners and obliterating the factory. However, as they brace themselves to regroup, the fearsome Leviathan, A.R.E.S.’s agile flying warship, sweeps in to extract them from danger.

In a moment of revelation, Kushnirov briefs the team on the full scope of the Martian strategy: a strategic diversion targeting New York, aimed at luring A.R.E.S. forces out and leaving their operational base vulnerable. Yet, Roosevelt, the formidable commander he is, stands resilient, fully committed to fend off the Martian siege while the Leviathan and its counterpart, Agemmon, arrive to shift the battle’s momentum. Together, they deliver a crushing blow to the Martians in New York, reclaiming the base and reviving hope among the beleaguered A.R.E.S. ranks.

As the celebration of victory begins, a colossal Martian vessel rises ominously from the murky waters of New York Harbor, casting an ominous shadow over Liberty Island. This vast alien craft unleashes a torrent of devastation upon A.R.E.S.’s base, raining down unforgiving heat rays. In a desperate counteraction, Leviathan and Agemmon retaliate, only to face overwhelming power, resulting in the obliteration of Agemmon in a blinding explosion. As the tumultuous aftermath unfolds, Leviathan attempts to close in on the Martian fortress, but a collapsing structure hampers its approach, sending it careening into nearby buildings.

In the resulting turmoil, Dimitri falls from the bridge, desperately reaching to secure himself, yet gravity proves merciless. His heart-wrenching cry, ”> I love you, Father!” lingers in the air as Kushnirov helplessly tries to rescue his son, ultimately relinquishing his grip to ensure General Kushnirov can assert control of Leviathan, steering it toward the Martian dreadnought.

With unwavering determination, Kushnirov guides the warship into a climactic collision with the alien vessel, culminating in a magnificent explosion that signifies the end of the intergalactic conflict. As the smoke clears, President Roosevelt rallies the remaining forces of humanity, urging them to rise from the ashes, rebuild their shattered world, and embark on a counter-offensive against the Martian invaders to restore their honor and reclaim Earth once and for all.