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Atrox |
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The story behind ATROX, the latest
real time strategy from Interactive Ideas take us to the year 2334 where a descendant of
Albert Einstein has managed to separate the good and evil side of mankind. Unfortunately,
this resulted in the creation of hybrid creatures that became known as the Createse and
the Intelion. The Createse evolved from the dark, evil side and reproduce rapidly by
exchanging genetic material with the help of a type of plant. They also happen to resemble
some of the more grotesque forms of insects such as cockroaches…! The Intelions, on
the other hand, descended from the good side of mankind’s genes and developed
supernatural powers. Unfortunately, they also had a habit of fighting each other so
microchips were inserted into their brains to try and quell this obsession. They too draw
some of their strength from a natural substance, a mineral called Kelosoid. However, as these sub-species multiplied and evolved, living
space became something worth fighting for and, together with the remnants of humankind,
the Hominians, it is now a three-way struggle for survival. Players of ATROX can
take control of any of the races and attempt to lead them to victory. This is done in the familiar real time strategy fashion of
resource gathering and management, weapon research and development and unit creation and
deployment. Unfortunately I only received a short demo of the title featuring just one of
the races but it was immediately apparent that the game contains all the features
necessary for some excellent strategic gameplay. From an isometric viewpoint you’ll look down on some dark
foreboding landscapes shrouded by the fog of war but this can suddenly change to a raging
battlefield filled with strange and vibrantly colourful creatures – then, of course,
all hell breaks loose. With some really nice explosive effects and some rather gruesome
and bloody deaths the three races hurl their full arsenals at each other and it becomes
the players job to manage the tactical aspects of battle. Having a solid base with good
defences always helps but, as in all games of this genre, making sure your resources keep
flowing is just as important. Also vital is the research and technology development
structure and as you progress you’ll be creating cloaking devices, viruses, tanks,
aerial fighters, floating bunkers, space warships and many other excellent weapons of
destruction. Each of the races relies on a different resource and has
different methods of harvesting but, at the end of the day, they are all very similar and
produce the same end results. Barracks, power plants and weapons factories spew out the
stuff of warfare but I did come across some interesting attributes. In the levels I played
fixed gun emplacements were capable of Transporting themselves to a new location – as
were buildings – and I found this particularly useful when under attack. If the enemy
approaches from a less heavily defended part of your base you can simply move your
watchtowers to where they are of most use. The Intelions, however, are also capable of
teleportation so, once again it becomes a game of tactics and strategy, attack and counter
attack. There are around two dozen single player missions in ATROX; each with their own objectives and conditions for victory and up to 8 players can take part in multiplayer scenarios. Price: £29.99 on PC CD ROM. For more info visit http://www.atrox.co.uk |
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