Explosive combat for quake hotshots
Written: May 02 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fun, skill building, fast-paced
Cons: Long download, can be frustrating
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| reishus's Full Review: Rocket Arena 2 |
Rocket Arena 2 is a modification for Quake 2. Basically, it is an add-on -- another set of rules -- for multi-player games. The emphasis of the game is shifted to pure combat skills.
The most popular way to play Rocket Arena 2 (RA2) is a one on one competition. Two players duke it out in the arena. The winner continues to fight the next challenger, in the next round, while the loser goes to the back of the line to wait to be a challenger. If you are familiar with Street Fighter II, or any other fighting game, it is very similar.
While you are waiting, you can observe the match in a number of ways. You can track a certain player's actions through a chase cam, or by seeing through his eyes directly. You can also opt to be an invisible, free floating spectator. Watching a battle can help improve your skills greatly. You might be able to pick up some new tricks concerning a certain level, or learn which weapons are most appropriate under which situations.
Another major change in RA2 is the lack of item management. When a player begins a round, he starts with all of the weapons and full ammo. Foraging the level for your favorite weapon is no longer a concern; Combat is all that matters now. Players are also allowed to vote on which weapons should be permitted. Since everyone is stocked to the brim with utilities of destruction, it follows that the matches are very fast paced and the line for waiting to play is not very long.
The other mode of play is called pickup. When you play pickup, all the players are separated into two teams. The game continues, like normal, but a larger map is used. When a player dies, he does not respawn. The only team left standing is declared the winner for the round. A match might consist of best 6 out of 11 rounds.
An impressive feature of RA2 is its number of maps. 27 maps are included. Each map consists of a pickup arena, and 3-10 smaller arenas for one on one play. Almost all of the maps are balanced and fun to play. You won't tire of the maps easily.
This being said, the magnitude of this game makes for a long download time. The whole RA2 pack weighs at about 45 megs. For the average modem user, this amounts to an overnight download.
As far as sound, graphics, and control are concerned, they are exactly the same as Quake 2. This is just a modification to the game. If you enjoy playing multi-player Quake 2, you'll find the replay value of RA2 great. On the internet, there is always someone better than you who pushes you to improve your skills .. ! On the other hand, if you ever stop playing RA2, you will notice an increase in performance when it comes to playing regular Quake 2 deathmatch or capture the flag games. Consider it boot camp for Quake 2.
If you enjoy playing multi-player Quake 2 and you've never played RA2 before, I definitely recommend it to you.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
reishus
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 5 members
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