Spacecom

I got this when it was 90% off, so it was VERY cheap. The whole game uses a single screen. Yes, honestly it does. This is, basically, a galactic map with a variable number of planet linked by paths. There are 3 combat units that can be moved, each with it's own strengths and purpose. There are 2 static defensive units. The game comes with missions which are basically the campaign mode and skirmish which is the standard dive in and smash the AI version. I have not had a crack at multiplayer yet, so won't comment. So far I have loved it. While basic in concept and control, there is a difference between playing a game and beating it, and playing a game well and kicking it's ass. This game is going to require you get VERY good before you can make the second claim. Controlling key locations and getting the right mix of assets in the right place will make or break your effort. Each time you conquer, or lose, a system your maximum unit points changes up or down. Going over that really slows resourse collection so you can't just spam units and hammer the egg. That's right space fans, you are going to have to think before you buy, and plan ahead. Like an actual stratergy game! On sale, this game is a very good choice.

I love the concept of the game: Pure and simple strategy spacefights in realtime. I just love that I don't have to "design" ships and command every single one. I love that there is no micromanagement. Just pure tactics! But that's it. There is ONE campaigne, which ends pretty fast and has a very thin storyline. And there are scenarios you can play on multiple difficulties. But you gain nothing from playing against the KI. You can't level up, even if you realy trash the KI on hardest setting. The "heart" of the game seems to be the multiplayer mode. Problem is: There are NO players. No matter what time I enter the lobby, noone joins a game or has a game open to join. So, if you like pure tactics and a campaign that lasts barely an hour after you get the concept of the game - go ahead. Without Players for Multiplayer this game is only fun for 2 to 3 hours.

This is a real-time space strategy game with very simple mechanics and strategic considerations mainly based on the topology of the game map. The graphics and user interface are simple and very efficient. The game has three modes. Mission mode: This is what my review is really about. See below. Multiplayer mode: I never even try multiplayer mode, so I can't comment on this. Skirmish mode: I haven't really played this mode much, either, although it may well be the best mode. This is free-style play against the AI. I keep coming back to play this game for a few hours over the years, but never much longer. Here is why. Missions mode does double duty as a tutorial, so when I return to the game after a few years, I always start with that and find it so compelling that I never even leave it. In missions mode, you are presented with a sequence of missions increasing in difficulty from ridiculously easy (just learning the interface) to, I think (never got that far), extremely hard. The game automatically remembers which missions you have solved, and with which additional objectives. Whenever I return to the game, I have a new computer and must again unlock the missions one by one beginning from the start. Missions mode is so addictive that I have never really tried skirmish mode. Unfortunately it is also so flawed that I always abandon the game after a while. There are two minor problems which together cause a much greater problem: 1. You cannot save game state during a mission, and later missions get very long. 2. Missions have partial objectives. If you achieve one of them too early, the game does not recognize the fact. You are stuck and must restart the mission. ... and this is why I never got beyond Mission 5 or 6 or so before giving up on the game for another few years. Running on modern Linux: I had to install several additional 32-bit library variants for it to work, and there is currently no sound.

A very good game design sadly weakened by a poor AI and a lack of multiplayer. Multiplayer IS available... just the players aren't. The missions have optional objectives will provide the hours of fun to make this game rewarding. Skirmish mode has a few more hours but the maps are fixed and even at its hardest, the AI simply won't be able to challenge you once you survive the initial onslaught. This is a great game to pick up and consider, a steal if you get it on sale.

I bought this game a few days ago and have been enjoying it. It's a pretty simple 4x game that doesn't get you bogged down in a lot of "empire management" so you can concentrate on strategy - simple though it may be. Graphics are obviously nothing to brag about but the game play is fast, smooth and can be challenging. The only reason I didn't give the game 4 or more stars is because there is no option to save it mid-game. Granted, you can play through a game in a single sitting but if you DO have to shut it down for some reason you will lose all your progress and have to start over next time. Not too big a deal but still annoying. I still recommend the game. It's only $1.50 on sale and well worth it. Just leave yourself a little time to finish what you start. Or, of course, just leave it running in the background 'till you can get back to it.