Dark Reign is an amazing RTS. Two very distinct sides with multiple tactics available for each side lends an incredible amount of replay value. Dark Reign 2 on the other-hand was well-intentioned but ultimately fell quite a long way short of doing much to improve or even equal its predecessor.
The good:
The music. Actually good doesn't quite do this justice. The soundtrack is downright excellent. Have a quick hunt around on youtube for a few songs and sample for yourself.
The mod ability. DR2 came with a mod kit that the community took and made several good unofficial expansions and 'gameplay' videos (the only time the zoomed in camera was worth anything).
The graphics. The poly count is nothing to shout about but zoomed out the energy beams, explosions and death animations are by no means shabby. The scenery is also good with a nice range from desicated deserts, to lush jungles, blizzard enduring mountains, run-down urban sprawls and the pristene shine of the buildings inside one of the domes for the rich.
[Some of the] Single-player missions. Some are really well thought out and will make the player work hard to win that victory. Some of them could have been livened up a lot more but there's a nice progression.
The bad:
Pathfinding. It's been mentioned before and likely to be mentioned again. It's infuriating. Large groups are fodder for turrets as they run all neatly in line into range. This actually came up in DR but the units reacted quick enough for it to never be much of an issue, But in DR2 the engine just can't handle it. The 3D terrain becomes a giant obstacle course with baby-friendly bumpers on the sides of everything - buildings, cliffs, other units. A unit will work itself up to a run then stop. Turn. Perhaps turn again. Take a step. Turn again. Take a step...all while being merrily pummeled by the amused defenders. It's the game's biggest detractor for me.
The camera. It's clunky. Aircraft can go out of sight if they go over a sheer cliff unless you're in the bird's eye view and then that covers any buildings or units below them. In some of the internal missions - in a sewers, Togran temple, for example - there are parts where the camera just can't seem to give a good vantage point - and you'd think with 4 angles, each with mulitple elevations that wouldn't be a problem...
Unit design. Some of the units are very well executed. Some are pretty woeful and won't see any game time. Beware of explosive weapons. Friendly artillery damaging your own units is nothing new but there are several low level units that are toting rocket launchers that will keep shooting until the enemy death animation has finished (stupid or blood-thirsty?). This presents a problem if units are advancing, especially with pathfinding as it is. Units are very fond of running full pelt into a dismembering death if you don't tell them to stop moving anywhere right away. Getting them to turn round is just an exercise in frustration.
So, in conclusion, I wouldn't recommend this game. It's getting three stars primarily for the music and its link to the original DR. DR2 tried to raise the bar but focused on the wrong things. It's selling point was the camera and the visuals which probably should have raised alarms bells - if the core mechanics like unit design, pathfinding and gameplay aren't being touted then it was always likely to have a rough ride. Save your money and get DR the original. Give the soundtrack a listen though.
I just hope it didn't get panned hard enough for Activision to dismiss giving DR3 a go.
