Not your average RTS that should not to be compared to a micromanagement game.This is a Different style and a great game
/////// Author's Note //////// *See the end of this for the actual review.
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Let me start off by pointing out one thing: Try the game first.
Rent it, borrow it, play the demo, it does not matter. Rent the game first. Why? Well, before I start the review I intend to get one aspect clear from this game. It's not for an average Real-Time Strategy player. This game is not the same style as Company of Heroes, Dawn of War, or Command & Conquer- it is a totally DIFFERENT style.
This game, is more like a game of Risk or Axis and Allies- it's slow paced compared to Micromanagement games. This can be easily thwarted by turning up the game speed making it faster, but this then takes away from the long strategic preparation.
People are constantly mistaking the "Real-Time Strategy" genre this game is put under, and are saying "Play Company of Heroes instead". This is an unjust and improper comparison as these games play totally differently. It's like saying "Don't eat a carrot, eat corn instead because I think it tastes better"; they both fill you up, but they give you different nutrients and taste.
Bottom Line? Don't get this game believing it to be the next generic "Real-Time Strategy" you would likely be used too that is innovative and good. You will be mislead, and ultimately be disappointed. Rent the game first.
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===== The Review =====
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Now if you read my previous comment, you would understand that this is a different style. So, now I will start with the review.
Why I chose the ratings that I did.
Gameplay (9/10): The game is pretty solid, and a different and refreshing experience that was thoroughly enjoyed. The downfall to this though, is that they did not take much time into making the 3 factions different; they all play and have the same units. They all have their shields and such. The main difference, is that their "Experimental Units" (The super units) are totally different. The only other difference is that each race looks different. But, they did not take much time into giving each race it's pros and cons by making their gameplay different. None of them have any super attribute in one area, but weak in another. For example, the Cybran arn't elite air fighters while the UEF are mainly ground fighters. It needed more variety between factions.
The AI is a bit clunky when your trying to transport something or move your engineers to assist something. But the "1" movement at a time other people experienced I have never experienced myself. They all move at different speeds, so your faster units need to be controlled to stay with your slow tanks.
Graphics (10/10): Simply, if the game had any better graphics most people, unless they bought an extremely high end gaming system (Intel Extreme/GTX video card) in the last month or two, would be unable at all to play this game. My system has been able to play every game at high specifications until now. Luckily, I'm in the middle of upgrading and have 1 more part to upgrade, so I can wait. You can say that the environment is bland, but the main point is. If it was any better, you likely wouldn't be playing it (Since it's on such a massive scale).
The cinematics are pretty fascinating.
Sound (8/10): Believable, and they sound like they're supposed too. The only downfall I have is the background music. It always abruptly changes into a more intense sounding ambient song. This constantly confuses me into thinking I'm being attacked, but it's merely the game changing music in what seems the middle of the song.
Value (9/10): The game has great replay value, and a great take on an amazing genre. It provides a unique experience that I've been craving for quite awhile. The game may be a bit more slow paced then I liked experimental unit wise, but it's a solid foundation.
Tilt (9/10): I enjoyed the game thoroughly, but the bugs and problems I have stated in the previous 4 sections refrained me from giving me the max enjoyability from the game.
Actually, I will stop there. There is no need for a large paragraph as I pointed out all the points I wanted too, in an significant orderly and easy to read fashion. If I continue, I will probably be redundant by repeating the same thing already stated.