BattleZone 98 Redux

I can say I read that military style user manual cover to cover many times. This is one of the best games to come out at the time. It was the best example of well voiced gaming. This game is getting recommended over and over again, now that I have it on GOG.

If you loved the originals, you'll love this. If you've never played the originals...give this a try. There's a reason so many people still enjoy these games. I've been playing Battlezone and it's pack, Red Odyssey, for 25 years now (that's crazy), and not just for nostalgia sake. It was, and continues to be, one of my favorite games; it excellently combines both FTP and strategy in a way I rarely see in other games. Similarly, the story/mythology is clever and engaging, particularly in the way it unfolds under the NSDF (American) campaign. As far as I can tell, this "update" is update in graphics and stability only, and that's fantastic. I was afraid they'd make various tweaks, which they have not. These are the classic stories/missions. The new graphics admittedly took a couple seconds to get used to, but I'm so pleased to be able to play it. I've seen a couple complaints about the AI, and I suppose there's a fair point there. But I think it's a minor complaint, and you'll adjust fairly quick. Red Odyssey is the more challenging gameplay; Battlezone is fun going.

1st, a good game. The game is old. You will have old stile 3D graphics, but somehow it still manages to look pretty good. Yes it has it's limits, like only so many units can be controlled as you only have 10 or so teams at a time. Due to it's age there is no aim assist, so you actually have to stay on target on the run, and you are awlays on the run. But that just means you have to get good. Some of the vehicles run like clunkers, but if you stuck to scout units or light tanks they actually hover very smoothly. The enemy isn't too bright, but they are good shots. So it's not an easy game. Especially if you play as the reds.

Few games manage to combine real-time strategy and first-person combat as seamlessly as Battlezone . you are in command of an entire war effort while keeping you on the front lines. You don’t just give orders—you develop your strategy while fighting on the front line, making every decision feel impactful. One of the game’s biggest strengths is its setting. You get to explore the Solar System, engaging in intense battles across exotics landscapes while uncovering the biggest mystery of the '70s—the secret space war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. The alternate-history sci-fi storyline is gripping, blending Cold War paranoia with futuristic warfare in a way that still holds up today. The gameplay is ahead of its time, offering deep base-building mechanics, resource management, and fast-paced combat. The ability to seamlessly switch between commanding troops and piloting a hover tank makes for an experience that is as strategic as it is thrilling. More than two decades later, Battlezone remains a must-play for fans of both RTS and FPS games. If you missed it back in the day, now’s the perfect time to rediscover this cult classic!

Lost a star due to uncompetitive price on GoG. For those who've played the original game(s): If you enjoyed Battlezone '98 you'll enjoy the redux. They've been very faithful to the original , mostly focusing on modernising and optimising the engine as opposed to revamping the whole game. This does mean a couple complaints I've had since the 90s are still there: - Controls will feel very wonky until you've adjusted sensitivity to your liking. Never hugely liked the momentum on turns, even if it does help differentiate your units. - Controls are also very early-3D style. You've got WASD, but you've also got oddities like E for jump and Space for use as default. - Some controls are also not included in the options menu, such as I for Info. It's included in the tutorials and early missions but it's still an oversight. - Bad pathfinding and AI in general - Lack of command options (e.g. no Attack Move) - An occasionally stupidly high difficulty curve. For those who haven't played the original: Do you like RTS? Do you like FPS? Do you enjoy campy sci-fi stories about alien metals and the Cold War? Do you like games such as Savage, or Nuclear Dawn, which combine genres into new games? You'll probably love Battlezone then. It's clunky, it's campy (a plus for me), but the core gameplay is solidly enjoyable and the story keeps you interested enough to try the next mission, assuming the prospect of blowing up more space tanks doesn't already do that. Graphically speaking it's competent by modern standards, with nicely revamped textures, models, terrain and particle effects. Audio's a bit hit and miss in terms of VA, but otherwise good enough. The gameplay is the biggest adjustment for most, but once you've done the 10 min odd tutorial and played the first mission or two it feels quite natural. A flawed classic, but a classic nonetheless. I've picked up Combat Commander too, which I never played the original of. More of the same, but now with actual aliens.