Armada
Score: 80% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Metro3D Developer: Metro3D Media: GC/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Miscellaneous
Graphics & Sound: Armada's graphics really aren't too flashy. The images are still good, and the game is smooth as glass; but there's nothing extraordinary or fancy about it. As a matter of fact, most of the game is in 2D anyway. At least that's how it starts out. As the game progresses, it appears that the graphics do as well. Still, nothing to really rave about. The ships, weapons, projectiles, and star fields all look great, just plain. Like I said, nothing too flashy.
Gameplay: Remember way back when in Atari days when you used to play Asteroids? Remember thinking, 'this would be a good RPG'? Well, maybe you didn't think that, that's why you're not making millions right now. Armada is an Asteroids RPG. What does that mean? Well, you choose a race and a ship and fight the aliens; that's the Asteroids part. It plays just like the old game; only the 'asteroids' shoot back and move unpredictably. As you progress, you go up in level, get better weapons, and new items and power-ups. That's the RPG part. Believe it or not, it really is fun - especially with up to four-player action. You can play alongside your friends, or even trade acquired technologies with them. It sounds pretty good, right? Well, it really is. And, to top it off, the game is long. More for your money; that's always good. There are hundreds of 'levels' to play and hundreds of unique aliens to fight, as well as six unique races to choose from. Each race has it's own characteristics. This is one you just have to play to understand.
Difficulty: I found Armada to be a bit too easy. It's not one you can beat in one night, but it is relatively simple. However, it's okay because the RPG aspect of the game provides the variance that is needed to make a simple game non-boring. It's not difficult, but with so many gaming options, it doesn't matter. The game is complete enough to not make a difference if it's too easy. You should have no problem getting into this one. I think the game was made less difficult to facilitate the length.
Game Mechanics: The game is very smooth and extremely responsive. I do admit, the default control map sucks. I was also disappointed with the lack of VMU functions associated with this game (after all, it is a RPG). It doesn't support a jump pack, but the 4-player support is nice. The mechanics are solid, even if the options and special functions are not there. The gameplay is great, the graphics are plain, and the controls are awkward. The longevity, uniqueness, and concept make this game just plain fun. I recommend this one to any gamer, not just RPGers or adventurers.
-Storm, GameVortex Communications AKA Jeremy Kelso
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