Years ago, Descent helped pioneer 3-D PC games by combining flight with Doom-like visuals. It was limited by claustrophobic tunnels and simplistic enemies, but was revolutionary nonetheless. Now, Interplay is set to raise the bar again by shedding tunnels and restrictive environments in the epic Descent Freespace: The Great War (PC, $40).
Obviously inspired by games such as Wing Commander and television shows such as “Babylon 5,” Descent Freespace borrows elements from both to present a sweeping story and incredible space battles.
Players pilot a variety of ships in fast-paced space combat that involves coordinating wingmen and accomplishing mission objectives. Combat can be both complicated and simple. Cerebral players can tactically cripple ships by targeting and destroying key areas before going for the kill shot, while more daring (or foolish) pilots can simply attack with all guns blazing.
The graphics are the centerpiece of this game, and they are simply amazing. Ships are meticulously detailed, and the larger ones are bigger than anything ever seen in a space PC combat game. A 3-D accelerator card is required to play this game, and when you boot it up, you’ll know why. This is one of the most visually impressive PC games yet, and it’s fun too.
Overall: (star) (star) (star) (star); gameplay: (star) (star) (star) 1/2; graphics: (star) (star) (star) (star); sound: (star) (star) (star)
– Chopper Attack: Shamelessly rehashing Electronic Arts’ `Strike’ series of war games, Midway’s Chopper Attack (Nintendo 64, $50) is an arcade-paced 3-D helicopter game that is low on realism, and high on action.
Before going into combat, the players must select from a variety of helicopters, and then choose armaments that best suit the mission. Each weapon (different types of rockets and defensive countermeasures) costs money that can be found by destroying enemy buildings. So presumably the more efficient you are in combat, the more money you can collect to make subsequent missions easier.
Unfortunately, the process of completing missions won’t be enjoyable to many. Interestingly enough, the helicopter you control in Chopper Attack might as well be a tank or a jeep because it is forced to hover only feet above the ground. This is exceptionally frustrating when stealth planes and other helicopters are attacking from above and the only way to down the m is by launching guided missiles blindly.
The 3-D graphics are also very rudimentary, especially by Nintendo 64 standards. The blurry terrain is barren aside from a few trees, and the various buildings speckled throughout the battlefield are sparsely detailed.
Chopper Attack is a decent game, and will appeal more to a younger audience that won’t mind the game’s many shortcomings. The game’s simple graphics and gameplay undoubtedly will repulse older players.
Overall: (star) (star); gameplay: (star) (star); graphics: (star) 1/2; sound: (star) (star)
