Alpha centurion

Review by : The Ragin Cajun

Format : PC

Type : Strategy

Players : 1

I first came across this game as a demo attached to the front of a PC magazine. Even back then I had a feeling that this Game was great. Now that I have the full version I know that is indeed very great. For the uninitiated Sid Meier is the creator of the epochal Civilisation games. For legal reason Sid wasn’t allowed to use the Civilisation name once he left microprose to set up his own company so this game is infact the true heir to the civilisation throne and not the mediocre Civilisation 3.

Its lineage aside Alpha Centauri is a fine game. The basic premise is simple, take control of one faction complete with its own ideologies and then seek global domination over the New World of Alpha Centauri. That I’m afraid is the end of the simplicity in Alpha Centauri. Those of you familiar with the civilisation games will be at home with what I’m hitting at, but for those new to this game think of it as a cross between Command and conquer and Sim City but with more detail. You control every detail of you subject’s lives. You can regulate base production, use brutal method to end uprisings, and decide which way you want to achieve domination and then bias all technological research towards that end. Comprehensive is an understatement.

Fortunately there has been a number of new additions which can help ease newcomers into the game. Bases can be set to auto-run you just have to tell them what to build, they’ll handle the rest. Despite its huge scale the game is very addictive and remarkably compelling. There are 4 different routes to victory, with conquest and diplomacy being the two easiest options. The game also has 7 difficulty settings as well as customisable maps and scenarios. This will last you a long time.

Unfortunately it’s not all roses for this game. For starters the graphics and sound are abominable. The graphics are just about functional and after a while everything seems to run into each other creating and eye-bleeding collage of browns and greens.

The sound is just as poor. The FX is poor with weedy Booms and ka-pows used for battle. There are numerous sound bites from each of the faction leaders for various scientific discoveries and these are an annoyance and will be passed over quickly.

Despite its lack of cosmetic appeal this is a very classy game. The challenge is nigh on infinite and while the game may look uninspiring to passers by just take the time to get used to it and the games true beauty will shine through. This is a classic case of not judging a book by its cover.

Sound         : Very poor to say it in a nice way

  6/10

Gameplay    : Hard to get the hang off but revarding once done

  9/10

Difficulty     : Very deep

7/10

Graphics      : Worse than the sounds!!

  5/10

  7/10

Overall         : Bad graphics and sound but really rewarding

Review by : The Ragin Cajun