Reviewed
11.27.1999
Publisher
Metro3D
Developer
Metro3D
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
TBA
2000 (Japan)
Nov
26, 1999 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
Top
Genre
Shooter/RPG
Players
1-4
Options
Backup
6
VGA
Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
85% |
INTRO:
> Utilizing the Windows CE operating system, Armada is Metro3D's first
effort for the Uberconsole. It's a tough game to categorize because
it has elements from a lot of games. I would say it combines the
melee and strategy aspects of Star Control (Genesis), the RPG and coordinate
system of Starflight (Genesis), and the non-stop shooting action of Sinistar
(Arcade, Saturn). Basically, you are given various missions to complete
like destroying an Armada capital ship or delivering supplies. Along
the way, you can also help allied formations that request your assistance
as a side mission. All these activities earn money, gain experience
points, upgrade your level, and upgrade your ship (once you return home).
In a world of copies and sequels, Armada is a refreshing hybrid to add
to the Uberconsole's quickly expanding library.
GRAPHICS:
> Armada's graphics aren't the most technically advanced for a Dreamcast
game, but considering the genre, they're very good. You spend your
time in space stations, planet atmospheres, and deep space. As you
know, space is three dimensional. However, Armada represents space
on a single plane of flight with the ability to descend into planets for
a second plane. This is good because your tactical situation is much
easier to assess this way when compared to a fully 3D environment with
a first/third person view. At any rate, what you see is completely
rendered in 3D polygon beauty.
> Each of the 6 races has different ships and the Armada has tons of different
ships including fighters, capital ships, and phase change capable vessels.
The weapons are represented by balls of energy, electric bolts, laser beams,
and gigantic explosions (power pod). Once you've successfully destroyed
an enemy vessel, be prepared for a glorious lighted explosion. When
moving from place to place, you'll use warp drive which is shown by speed
and the blurring stars (a cool effect).
CONTROL:
> You start the game on the Allied planet, which is your base of operations,
information, repair/reloading, and receiving missions. Armada offers
complete freedom of movement throughout the galaxy. Space stations
have shops with various items to purchase like weapons, shields, scanners,
and materials. The controls are steering, ascend, descend, warp thrust,
normal thrust, scanner, shields, power pod (smart bomb), and standard weapon.
Everything works great and has excellent response.
> The gameplay includes space travel (via coordinate navigation), talking,
scanning for power-ups and status, space battle melees, shopping, and arranging
inventory. You are given unlimited ships, but you can only lose three
ships at a time before being placed back on the Allied planet to continue.
Earning credits, power-ups, and experience is as simple as destroying Armada
ships, completing allied missions, and completing side missions.
You can even enlist other allied ships to help your cause.
SOUND:
> The music in Armada consists mainly of subtle orchestral melodies.
The volume is low -- making it truly background music. Nothing wrong
here, just gets the job done well.
> The sound effects are quite good and include speech, laser blasts, explosions,
thrusters, monster shrieks (which the Armada makes), and various cues.
Solid.
FUN:
> Finally... a four player simultaneous game with a story line I
can get in to. Trust me, this game is no pushover so the assistance
of friends will go a long way to ensure your success. No two games
are ever the same as enemy positions are varied. As mentioned before,
you choose from six races, each with pros and cons plus individual ships.
The coolest feature is the ability to store and trade items via the VMS/VMU.
You can also take your saved character(s) and join other games in progress
or begin a new game with a well-developed character! Long, different,
fresh, repetitive, and awesome.
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