90% of this game is a Diablo I clone with 10% of it an actual RTS. The RTS elements are pretty light when used, and they are only used on a few maps. So if you are looking for an RTS, you might want to look elsewhere. It really plays more like an action RPG in the vein of Diablo. So for most of the game you have an RTS map with a single unit to control, and you run around killing everything looking for decent drops. Drops are usually potions, some of which help increase your stats. There are also chests scattered around usually guarded by creatures you'll have to kill, which contain money, potions, armor or weapons. There are also shops available on most levels. Some shops sell potions, others sell magic spells, while some sell equipment. You'll usually have to clear out an area to be able to access the shops. You guide your main character through level after level of baddies, mostly huddled in bases or occasionally paroling an area. These will remind you of RTS style maps where you need to roam around to lift the fog of war. The maps get a little repetitive, but its not horrible. You're character can equip a sword or bow, and also has a selection of spells used to help defeat your foes. The enemies are somewhat varied although in the middle of the game it was a lot of the same. As you gain in experience the baddies get harder to defeat, and you'll have a lot more of them on your hands. As you kill things you gain experience, and when your experience hits a level you get to upgrade your stats. The stats system is unique in that you can either choose from a selection of boosted upgrades, or wait and pick your stats as normal. The spell selection is pretty interesting. There are roughly 18 spells to choose from and you gain new spells as you progress in the game. Some are just plain useless, but other are interesting. You get a mix of damage spells, area effect spells and summoning spells.
Let me start off with the good parts. - There is a story. - The music was often very fitting to the game play. - The controls were easy enough to pick up, although not necessarily intuitive. - Psychic abilities rock and level up the more you use them. - Level design was very good, and you get a good sense of being there. - Riding vehicles is fun, as is taking control of turrets. Of course it's not all good. - The flick-targeting system is crap. - There are too many spots where you character gets hung up or stuck. - Jumping is a mixed bag. - There are times where your commands just don't do anything. - Character models are inconsistent. - Cinematics are over compressed. - The story is one sci-fi cliche after another. My thoughts: Overall this is an average FPS. The psychic powers are a nice addition. It was quite buggy, but none of which kept me from finishing the game. I can forgive the outdated graphics, but the cinematics are just horrible. I was impressed with the levels, which gave the feeling of being in an alien world. At the end of the day, for the pittance I paid for this game, I feel I got my money's worth. If you are in need of some sci-fi action, and don't mind some bugs, and more of the same, you should enjoy this game.
