Sadly, the once popular space-based shooter is becoming a less prominent genre in a world of racing clones, beat-em-ups and standard 3D adventures. There are now only a few developers putting their efforts into such games, the most prolific of which is probably LucasArts with it’s long running Star Wars series. But on this occasion we take a look at Battlestar Galactica, released just in time for Christmas 2003 on PlayStation 2.
Set 40 years prior to the setting of the 1970's TV series, fans of the show will once again find themselves cast in the middle of an epic planetary war between the human race and the rather unpleasant and powerful Cylons. In this particular outing, players assume the role of Commander Adama in their very own fighter ship in what is truly a thoroughbred space shooter from genre veterans Warthog.
Story aside, most players hook Battlestar Galactica up to their tellies purely to engage in a little futuristic warfare. But as far as games of this type go, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most strategic the genre has to offer. In combat, players are generally charged either with the task of eliminating all enemies or defending allied ships. The tricky part is to survive the battle.
Players will be armed with a range of lasers and customisable missiles, but just about every move you make is dependent on your ship’s fuel levels. Weapons use energy, and your ship’s supply is finite, meaning that you have to strike a balance between firepower and the protection of your ship. Blasting continuous streams of firepower can indeed take down many of your enemies, but conversely. it also leaves your craft extremely vulnerable. A good course of action is to give your arsenal a rest to enable your ship to be repaired, affording a further bout of shooting. Repairing your ship amidst a futuristic battlefield is a very difficult thing to do. It’s your call.
And that’s just about all there is to it. It’s a sound game, and it’s especially good to see a renowned developer such as Warthog still putting great effort into a fading genre.
| Publisher: |
Vivendi |
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Platform: |
PS2 |
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Category: |
Fighting |
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| Players: |
1 |
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Release Date: |
12 Dec 2003 |
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PEGI Rating: |
 |
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