Psygnosis' Colony Wars is not a game for weak-kneed, tofu eating pacifist.
It's a game for players who burned their brains out playing X-Wing and Tie
Fighter. Colony Wars is the next step in the evolution of space combat. It's
a game of epic proportions that redefines action on a universal scale.
The story: Earth has become the evil empire. The earthly scum is spreading
it's virulent rule of death and destruction across the universe. You reside
in a colony smack dab in the middle of a road scheduled for violent
reconstruction. Your only choice is resist on the side of the League Of Free
Worlds. So get in your fighter and prepare to kill or be killed defending
freedom.
There is not an option for "Difficulty". Instead, the missions range from
"Easy" to what seems like downright "Impossible". Lose a difficult mission
and the game's path takes a different direction. If you, for example, fail to
take out that enemy platform it may come back to haunt you later. There's a
total of more than 70 non-linear missions with up to 6 possible game endings.
If you have a Game Shark there are codes for "Infinite Shields" and "No Weapon
Heat" which make you just about invulnerable. Mission success is not
guaranteed even if you use these cheats. You still need pilot skills, a sound
strategy and good reflexes to be successful.
You fly 6 different ships including interceptors, scouts, bombers, stealth
fighters, heavy support and assault crafts. You can't select which ship you
want to fly. That decision is made for you by your superiors. Which is OK
because they seem to know what they're doing.
There are 13 different weapons in your arsenal such as laser and EMP guns,
plasma cannons, missiles, torpedoes, grapple guns etc. Here again, you have
no choice in selecting which weapons you want for a mission. Higher-ups
(again) make that decision for you.
You'll be assigned a variety of well thought out missions such as protect,
attack, escort and capture. The battles span 5 unique and different solar
systems. So you won't be looking at the same-old same-old throughout the
game.
The adrenaline pumping dogfights are especially thrilling. There are 3 views:
cockpit, internal and external. The HUD (Heads-Up Display) contains vital
information on shields and weapon heat. There's also a 360 degree radar
screen and a targeting bracket. Overall the Situational Awareness is very
good.
The Option Screen has several very interesting choices which allows you to
explore the game in depth. These include: Mission Log, Pilots Statistics,
Craft Database, and a System Database. The System Database, for example, has
information on each star system complete with General Data, Historical Data,
Military Data and information on planets.
It is difficult controlling your fighter with the standard digital controller.
Sony's Dual Analog Pad offers better support but it seems a little sensitive
to the precise maneuvering required in a dogfight. Where the control shines
is with Sony's Dual Analog Joystick or the "big sticks". This game cries out
for a flightstick and the "big sticks" deliver realistic precision and smooth
handling. If you use the # 4 configuration, the right stick is for steering
and the left stick is for throttle. Practice a few times in the 6 Training
Missions and you will be well on your way to becoming a Top Gun. The analog
joystick control in Colony Wars should serve as a model for all game
programmers because - this is how it's done!
The graphics, especially during combat, are drop-dead gorgeous. The frame
rate (remarkably) does not slow down even when there's a dozen fighters on the
screen. Large incredibly detailed objects such as cruisers, mining stations,
or space platforms hold their shape and don't break apart when you're up
close. Stars, planets and moons are optical delights. Ships on fire,
explosions, and lasers bolts streaming through the void of space are
spectacles to behold.
The opening Full Motion Video (FMV) is worth the price of admission.
Additional FMVs are played between the various acts in the game. If you're on
a losing path the appropriate FMV plays.
If the graphics are eye candy, then the sound/soundtrack is ear candy. The
Dolby Surround Sound fills the room with exciting music, incredible special
effects and excellent voice acting. It doesn't get much better than this.
Colony Wars has great gameplay and is fantastic fun. There's a lot, and I do
mean a lot, of replay value. When you've finished the game, you can replay
the FMVs or more importantly, you can restart play at any point along the path
you played. This allows you take a winning or losing path and head in another
direction. And eventually a different ending to the game. Splendid!
Negatives: Only chronic nitpickers could find fault with this game. If a
single negative has to be listed it is- the game is addictive. Once you start
playing you'll forget about eating, sleeping, bathing, going to work or even
putting the dog out. So watch where you step.
The Bottom Line: Colony Wars is everything a game should be. Addictive,
explosive action, wonderful entertainment, and outstanding fun. Truly a
CLASSIC game. Definitely a MUST BUY!
Graphics: 9.7
Sound: 9.7
Learning Curve: Easy
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Control: 10
Manual: Good
Replay Value: High
FINAL SCORE: 9.7
