This review is based solely on the free demo, played for 12 hours during 3 different sessions. Initially, I thought the game had plenty of potential; however, the longer I played the more I realized it relies too much on luck and randomness - not enough on strategy.
The game is extremely linear, literally forcing you to proceed along certain lines with little ability to deviate. Resources tend to be limited and replacing them sufficiently, even on the "easy" setting, is difficult. At the start of the game you select two officers. These officers are critical for some of the random encounters and away missions. If you do not have an officer with the proper talents some of the random encounters cannot be completed and the away missions for resupply will be unsuccessful. You have little control on any of these outcomes; it simply comes down to luck. Do your officers have the correct talent? You may be able to add officers as the game progresses thus increasing your odds, but still too much luck is involved.
I was tempted to buy the full version until my last encounter, taking on some possibly infected colonists to supplement our commandos. The first report was that their integration had been successful. However, this was quickly changed to the colonists were, indeed, infected, and that half of my commandos had been lost (6 of 12). All random. I found on "easy" mode about 75% of outcomes were negative; I can only imagine what "hard" mode is like!
The demo is free; can't hurt to try it for yourself to see what you think. Cost you several hours of game play, I guess. There are no instructions or save mode, but the learning curve isn't too steep and the game play is relatively simplistic. More reading than action, but that was not an issue. As a former Air Force officer, I actually thought much of the Admiral and crews' dialogue was well done. It's just that you, the player, while making limited choices have little control over outcomes. Too much reliance on luck.
