This is an easy to understand but difficult to master FPS Space Shooter. While the commands and interface are laid out in a manner that makes them intuitive, I found in practice that the initial learning curve is very steep to the point of being unfair and not much fun. Even on the easiest settings, you will find yourself starting over again about every 5 minutes and having to play the same section over and over again. The problem is that initially you have a very weak ship, small weapons, thin armor, crappy shields and the pseudo perm-death system means that any of the money earned during repeated runs does not accumulate so there is no way to make improvements to the ship unless you happen to get very lucky. Even in the first section, your craft will be attacked by 10 to 25 other vessels at once. You might get lucky and shoot a few of them down, but the sheer number of enemy ships shooting at the same time will finish you off quickly. Some folks might find this sort of steep learning curve fun, and while I think the graphics are very nice, I've see this style of game done much better. I suggest the developers rethink the initial learning curve or at least allow earned credits to accumulate on the easy skill settings so the ships can be improved to a point where they have a fighting chance of completing a run. One other note that does seem odd for a space sim, is how they have handled Joystick controls. The game advises that it is best played with Keyboard and mouse. It does provide an option to use an Xbox type controller but support for standard joysticks is lacking. There is some support for Joysticks, but it is very minimal. For testing I used a Cyborg X, and an X52 Pro. While I was unable to get them configured correctly in game, I worked around the issue by creating profiles for the devices that emulated the default keyboard controls and while this did work, they were way too sensitive to make them a practical alternative.
The game packaging and reviews fooled me. I really thought the main point of the game was multi player and only lip service paid to the single player campaign. Based on that assessment, I have picked this one up and put it down a number of times. When I saw it come on GOG, decided the price was right and to take a chance. I am glad I did. While I agree with some of the reviews that the environment has a few problems, overall this solid title allows you to be immersed in its game world. While I’ve not finished yet and suspect that’s still some time in the future, I’ve probably got 80 – 100 hours invested in fighting my way through its’ huge game world and the game has not crashed a single time. The plot is interesting, the sub plots are difficult and one thing I have not seen other reviewers comment on is that the game has a sort of good vs. evil rating system where your character’s actions are rated by the various guild and power families in the game world in relation to that faction and others. I have not had to take sides yet, but believe as I move further along that the over design is to force me to favor one faction/guild over another. Characters that are in high standing with various factions receive bonus in terms of easy access to strong holds, lower prices for equipment upgrades and higher prices for fencing operations. In addition, several reviewers have mentioned controlling the horse can be tricky, but the horse is a much bigger advantage than disadvantage because of the mounted combat bonus and because of the saddlebags that allow you to carry more equipment and booty between towns. Also, do not forget to experiment by creating your own brews as it allows you to cook up weapon and character enhancements that can create very power weapons. For example, along the way I have been finding/looting rubies, which have allowed me to brew up fire, cold, poison and lightning enhancements for my weapons and have reached a point there, I have a weapons that can take down just about any appointment. That said I usually am killed off a couple of times before I figure out the right one to use for the job. ;-) One tip, walk your horse like a dog in large cities, or you might find yourself out of some of your hard-earned cash, paying off the local policy for running over some poor citizen. ;-) Overall, good game world, very fast learning curve, interesting story line and quest logs, excellent portal system for quickly traveling between explored areas, good combat system, and tons of really cool looking armor, weapons and adversaries. This game is an excellent value at $9.00.
Before LOTR, most games didn’t catch and keep my interest for long. Having a background in 3D Graphics Tool Kit development as well as International Project Management, I enjoyed checking out new games, but few if any were able to hold my interest. While browsing Best Buy or some other such store, I ran into a boxed set that included LOTR 1, LOTR 2 and the expansion battle chest for around $20.00. Decided to give it a try and I’ve always been glad I did. This game has it all. If you come from any sort of management background, especially if you have tendencies to micro-manage (I’m not as bad as I used to be. ;-) ) you will love the resource management detail in this game. The game also requires a well-developed expansion plan with contingencies to successful win the game at the higher difficulty levels. For its’ time, the graphics in LOTR II are outstanding, the game play, while turned based, will keep you captivated for hours and hours (Married guys and gals beware, this game can get you in the hot seat with your spouse). Anyway, since then I’ve tried dozens of RTS games and while the graphics and game play features have continued to improve, I’ve never found an RTS that was more captivating than this one. BTW, even though it was included in the boxed set, LOTR II was so good, I have never actually given LOTR I a play. Once you complete the main campaign, the Battle Chest expansion will allow you to play some custom scenarios along with several notable castle sieges/defenses from history. Notable features included the ability to allocate serfs to cattle herding, farming, tool making or fighting and instantly see the impact on your economy and the overall health of the county. As mentioned before this is a turn based RTS, so you have plenty of time to think through your next step. LOTR II also gives you full control over the game’s difficulty settings. For new players, I’d suggest turning off most of these features, until you’ve gotten a handle on resource management and strategic planning. One of the other things that I’ve always enjoyed in this game is that while you don’t have much control over building in your towns, beyond specifying the type of castle, when you do so the campaign map accurately depicts the type of stronghold as well as the size of the town. As towns prosper and increase in population, the graphics change to depict the additional development. The fighting is probably the games weakest point, but it never reaches a point where it has a negligible impact on the overall enjoyment. If you have never played this game, give it a try, I’m sure you will be glad you did! ;-)
Normally I don’t touch RPGs or FPSs, because I don’t really care for all of the frantic mouse clicking. Instead I’ve always played RPGs and Sims. My favorites’ are the AOE series, Age of Mythology Series, Empires Dawn of Modern War, Medieval Total War Series, Stronghold Series, LORs Series and my favorite of all time Heroes V. Earlier this year I gave Oblivion a try, played it once and haven’t given it another look since. It was ok, but I don’t really care for all of the fighting in the dark. When I saw a copy of Sacred on GOG I decided to give RPGs another look. WOW am I glad I did! I spent most of the thanksgiving holiday playing this game and have loved every minute of it. I’m still new to RPGs, and seem to be getting killed more often than I like, but I love the beauty of this game environment and have to admit this game is causing me to rethink my prior opinion concerning RPGs. If you are new to RPGs, like I am, give this game a try. You will find the environment both stunning as well intuitive. And be sure to have a comfortable chair and a clock nearby, as this game will suck you in and keep you there.
