I must begin this review by saying the Gog Games version of CONQUEST : FRONTIER WARS does not work correctly on my Windows 10 PC. However, this review is based on the CD-Rom version of the game I used to own and spent many hours playing.
CONQUEST : FRONTIER WARS is a Sci-Fi RTS game which involves fleets of starships invading planets around the map. These star systems are randomized each time we play to ensure every scenario is unique. Through the use of wormholes we can even move craft to other maps, while a "fog of war" adds to the strategic feel of the unknown.
Using three resource types we build structures around capatured planets, then create and upgrade our fleet of starships. Resources are extremely limited though. Vessels are anything from tiny scouts to huge Fleet Carriers (equipped with their own fighter squadrons) and the gigantic fortress-style Dreadnoughts, so there is a good variety to choose from.
There are three factions to play - Terrans, Mantis and Celareans - each with their own strengths and weaknesses which require different strategies to be successful.
The game concerns itself only with outer space, thus there are no land battles to be had. Even conquering enemy planets only requires a fleet of starships!
Battle animations are smooth and nicely done while the action very rarely slows down, even with lots of things happening and we have zoomed in to see the engagement at close hand in greater detail. Sadly boarding and capaturing enemy ships is not possible and while there is a tally count for "kills", crew do not gain experience or rank, so even veterans gain no combat bonuses over new recruits fresh from the shipyards, which proves highly unrealistic and gives no purpose for keeping our units alive.
Despite these negatives, I did rather enjoy the game and witnessed many RETURN OF THE JEDI style space battles! What a big pity that it no longer works on my PC, though, hence the reduced score.
