Genre: Action, Strategy
Perspective: Diagonal-down
Pacing: Real-time
Gameplay: Arcade, Shooter
Published by: Tengen Inc.
Developed by: Atari Games Corporation
Released: 1991
Platform: SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive
In general, this is a rather weak game in terms of graphics, gameplay, and the whole game. But, it is weak in terms of gameplay only because there are not many actions in it, it is, say, with a very confusing and not diverse gameplay. But, for example, in the game "Tetris", which is adored by many people around the world, the gameplay is also simple and monotonous. But how addictive, how addictive. So this game does something similar to the player, like Tetris. Everything is simple, but very exciting. And sometimes you don’t know what you are doing, why you are playing such an unattractive game that you found in it. It is difficult to find an answer to this question. But you can try to figure it out.
I would like to note right away that this game is not as easy as it might seem, but not very difficult either, because after a few hours of playing, some more strategic decisions appear, dictated by the rules. Before that, at first it will be a little unclear what exactly and how best.
So. You choose one of the available maps for the battle. After, you go directly to the battlefield. Here you must choose one of the proposed points (castles) from which to start the battle. Pay attention to everything here for the time being, so you need to make decisions quickly, but deliberately. Choose one of the castles, after which it will be fenced around the perimeter with a wall. You will need to defend this wall in combat mode. After you have placed the wall, you are given time to place the cannons inside the fortress. Each of the cannons is placed on a 2 by 2 square plot, so you have to place them correctly so that they are as compact as possible to fit more. When the perimeter is fenced, the guns are set, the battle begins.
In this mode, you are attacked by enemy ships. They are approaching your shore, they are constantly shooting at your fortress to knock out the cannons and destroy the walls. You need to prevent this, for which there is only one solution - sink them faster with your artillery. You must aim your guns at the ships and press the fire button. Cannons fire cannonballs, which after a flight time (depending on distance) hit the enemy. Enemy ships are quite nimble, maneuvering and avoiding your projectiles, causing you to waste valuable time. After each battle mode, you go into construction mode. This is where Tetris comes in. You are given a certain time to build, so you need to hurry. With the help of figures familiar from the Tetris game, you build fortifications. The first step is to patch up all the holes that have formed in the wall surrounding your fortress. If you do not have time to patch up the holes, then you will lose. After patching up the holes, you can build walls further to the next stronghold to capture it. This is necessary so that you get more guns in one turn and have more space to put new guns. If there is not enough space, then you will simply have nowhere to put guns, which means you are missing an invaluable chance to strengthen your defense, which is fraught with loss in further moves. After the build mode, you again arrange your guns and again enter the battle. Please note that enemy ships can destroy unconquered fortresses, so again you need to hurry. And there are more and more enemies. Be careful not to let the ships close to the shore, as they can land their troops on the shore. Their troops on the shore are dangerous in that they move around the territory in build mode, and where they are located you cannot place blocks. This way, if they get up and stand where you have to block to close your fortress, you will not be able to block and, as a result, you will lose. That's how it's all thought out. You can win by standing a certain number of moves (can be configured in the options).
Two player mode. In this mode, things are a little different. There are no enemy ships here, and players are located on two identical areas. Towns are also built, after which there is a shootout in which you need to shoot the walls and cannons of the opponent. After destroying the walls of the enemy, you win. You can also win by finishing a certain number of moves with a higher score.
How can you rate this gameplay? I think it's unique in that it's kind of a fusion of genres. Yes, the following genres clearly emerge in the game: arcade shooter, strategy, logic, tactics. And the gameplay consists of different steps that differ from each other. Just an incredible mix.
What can be said about the appearance of the game, because it is very nondescript and conditional here. Firstly, everything here is small, faded, monotonous, etc. Secondly, the graphics as such are not very much in demand here. It is available here in such a Spartan minimum, without unnecessary frills, exactly as much as you need.
The music didn't make me happy either. There is not enough of it here, and the one that is available sounds meager, inexpressive. Melodies on their theme are great for playing. But sooner or later, they start to bother and get on your nerves. For that there is a voice voicing some points.
In the end, I can only say that this game is very unusual, mainly in terms of gameplay. He's just a cloudy cocktail here, in which there are a lot of delicious ingredients. But whether this cocktail is tasty for you or not - there are no comrades for the taste and color. It depends on your preferences, someone will like it, someone will not like it. But if you like it, then you will spend a lot of gambling minutes playing.