Allegiance is finally here. This long awaited game has been talked about for a long time. The release of a Beta testing version only satiated the flames for a little while. As it just increased the tension in those awaiting the full retail release. I don't think anyone was disappointed. This combination strategy/management, and strategy/fighting game is utterly addictive.
The basic premise of the game is this; it is entirely a multi-player game, excluding some mediocre training missions. Whenever you start a game, that team has to choose a commander, someone who will coordinate the research and base building for the team. The commander is also responsible for giving money to players to buy new ships, as well as insuring that there is a constant flow of cash coming into the team bank. As a normal player, you get a salary, which increases in terms of your general skill and worth to the team. You then, usually, donate this money to your commander, who in turn decides what to spend it on. You can, however, with hold your donations, in favor of starting your own bases, and taking over the team. Be warned, however, as the commander is perfectly capable of booting you from the game. In smaller games, the commander has to also serve as a pilot, in larger ones; he can donate all of his time to commanding, and overseeing the general strategy of the team.
As a pilot, it is your job to organize an attack/defense strategy, follow orders and the strategy as well as generally go out and destroy enemies. Each time you destroy an enemy ship/base, you get a damage bonus. IF you can stay alive, this bonus can really build up, eventually causing other players to seek you out, and destroy you. When your ship is destroyed, you automatically eject into a life pod, in which you have to return to the nearest base, or be picked up by a team mate to return back to another ship and the on going battle.
When you actually enter a game, your team decides on one of three factions, each with it's own strengths and weaknesses. Your choice here can make or break your team and strategy, so choose wisely. The commander also has to decide what line of research they which to follow. The large technology tree insures that if you are to succeed, your team is going to have to choose a path early on. Whether it be the road to stealth technology, or towards the large capitol ships is up to you and your commander.
The numerous ships add a new level to the game play unavailable in the Beta version. From the Stealth Ship, to the insanely powerful Devastator and the long range Destroyer, each one is unique, and specifically stylized towards a certain type of combat. Choose your fighting style, and your ship to best fit your personality, and then go and rock the universe.
The layout of game play takes place in one of several different configurations of star systems connected by wormholes. To travel from one system to another, you have to scout that system and find the wormhole into the next one. Each system consists of at least one wormhole, obviously, meteoroids, which can either, be used to set up bases on, or when they have resources, be used for mining.
When in the game, there are three different views that can be used to your advantage. The normal cockpit view, the base view, and the commander’s view. An overhead view of the star system that you are currently in, showing all of the ships that are being detected by sensors, as well all of the meteoroids in the system.
If this wasn't enough to create a truly amazing game, the graphics are jaw dropping. There are no chunky ships or other graphics in this game. All of these factors combine to create an amazing game with almost limitless entertainment value. This in itself creates a problem, though, as to truly appreciate this game, you need to have a fast modem, a DSL or better. Without which, the game can become jerky, and just generally less entertaining. If you have a fast modem, get this game immediately, if not, buy a fast modem and this game, you won't be sorry.
This NEW boxed Allegiance for Windows 95/98 by Microsoft from 2000 is still factory sealed.The scanned picture in this listing is the actual item you ...More at eBay
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