The excellent X-COM spurred sequels and spin-offs, but none captured the flavor and quality of the first. Microprose hopes Alliance will break this mold. This game is built on an enhanced Unreal engine (we’re seeing a lot of these, it seems!) and like EA’s Renegade, takes players from the sky view to the foot soldier’s view. In Alliance, players still fight the aliens, but must ally with another race to survive. Like the original, users command squads of soldiers, though teams are limited to four.
The graphics look good, but the extras will make or break Alliance. Microprose promises superior artificial intelligence, where troops gain experience and improve combat skills, and aliens respond to changing situations. They also claim their skeletal animation system allows realistic movements and permits characters to multitask, such as reloading weapons with their hands, running with their legs, and looking for aliens with their head. In a macabre twist, the player isn’t the only one dissecting aliens and weapons for research. Aliens will try to capture humans. In a great catalyst for fun, players will be able to attempt rescue of captured comrades before they’re dissected! Please, Microprose, don’t mess this one up!
Developed By: Microprose
Published By: Hasbro
Genre: Action/Strategy
Web Site: Hasbro Interactive
E.T.A: Fall 2000
By
Bernard Dy
