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PlanetSide: Aftershock
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Graphics & Sound:
Being a MMO, one would think the graphics of PlanetSide: Aftershock would suffer. And while some of the more new-fangled lighting and modeling techniques aren’t present, the core of the graphics remain pleasant and allow you to wreak havoc without many system hiccups. However, if you have less than a 1ghz machine or less than 1GB of ram, you will feel some major slowdowns and frame lag in large firefights in and around bases.
The characters are modeled well with intricate details such as arm patches, faceplates, and distinct empires, as are all vehicles and personal armor. Explosions are bright and full of smoke and shrapnel, making one wary of stepping into anyone’s line of fire. Environments range in varying detail, from treacherous snow-covered mountain ranges to swamp-like watery worlds perfect for the now infamous “bridge battles” that can rage for hours. The fauna textures are also well done, but can cause drops in frames if left on.
Sound wise, there is a wide array of futuristic weapons fire, crisp explosions, and all manner of solid vehicle engine noise. The sound of a Vanguard tank rolling across the battlefield is akin to the modern day M1A2 Abrams, even down to its distinct turbine driven roar and mighty boom of its 155 mm cannon that pretty much obliterates anything on two legs.
Aftershock’s musical score is handled well with lots of ambient and sci-fi sounds, almost parallel to an episode of “The X-Files.” Each island or event, such as a base capture, has its own signature soundtrack, although it’s recommended to turn off music to be able to better hear enemies and squad-mates on voice software, which is built into the game but rarely used because of lag issues. Teamspeak or other voice software is preferred. |
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Gameplay:
PlanetSide: Aftershock is rich in strategy via the lattice system, where you have bases with different functions all supporting each other if linked, and the whole point is to capture bases over and over again. This is also a downfall, as this can get monotonous after a few months of the same bases. You can’t hack or take a base without it being linked. For example, a Tech plant enables your empire to use advanced vehicles. Therefore, if one is linked to ANY base you own, you can spawn them out. However, if someone takes power from a Tech plant or hacks it, you lose those benefits until that link is secured. This goes for the five other types of buildings.
You can gun for plenty of vehicles, as well as drive them around; you have mobile spawn points, tanks, gunships (think Apache helicopters), ATVs, and the newly added Battle Frame Robotics, or BFRs. The latter took a lot of criticism, and still does, for ruining the game. And in some ways, it has negatively impacted PlanetSide. First, a lot of the great outside battles of early days are now dominated by BFRs, and the infantry play suffers strikingly so. Also, before BFRs, you were able to push the enemy from inside your base. However, with the advent of these MechWarrior knock-offs, once a few BFRs get inside your base, it’s nearly impossible to break out. Personally, I love to gun and pilot these behemoths, especially the nimble Invader of the TR Empire. They are the most effective outside instrument in the game and should be utilized and loved, as well as hated by whoever is taking a BFR beating. At times, the latter is all you see, such as the many private messages I receive for using the “Big F’n Robots” as they are affectionately referred to.
PlanetSide: Aftershock is all about squadding up with your buddies, coordinating armor columns ten strong, or bailing from Galaxies (think “Starship Troopers” drop ships, but bigger) onto enemy control consoles for the deciding hack. All the while, you hear your squad leader shout orders out on Teamspeak (or in-game voice). In the heat of combat, the intensity can get pretty crazy, with people flying around resurrecting folks, repairing maxes (think Exo Squad), and setting up remote mine ambushes.
If running guns blazing into combat doesn’t sound too appealing, you’re in luck. Cloaker suits enable soldiers to become invisible and stalk the enemy at their pleasure; just beware of those with “Dark Light,” for they can see you clear as day. Speaking of Dark Light, you have a choice of several implants such as fast running or personal shield that can be attained at different ranks. But let me clarify, this game is all about skill. Battle Rank 1 can kill a Battle Rank 20 without any penalty -- it’s all about skill. All the BRs add are certification points (ability to use more equipment) and added implants.
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Difficulty:
PlanetSide: Aftershock may be a bit much for those used to the closed environments of Counter-Strike and the like, but anyone who has played Battlefield 1942 or Operation: Flashpoint should feel right at home. Once you master the intricasies of the bases and weapon systems, it becomes like any other FPS.
Also, becoming part of an outfit (guild) speeds up your knowledge exponentially, along with your effectiveness as a whole in helping your empire win the day. As with all online games, difficulty will change depending on your opponents. Overall, with an in-game help system, virtual training, and a fleshed out manual, Aftershock is a cinch to understand.
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Game Mechanics:
PlanetSide: Aftershock is played from either first-person or third-person (the choice for vehicle travel). The controls are pretty solid as well, although some may feel the Max is sluggish to turn or aim. However, that was a conscious decision from the development team, so you don’t have to worry about people bunny-hopping from one Max to the next, owning everything and everyone. You can use the keyboard and mouse for everything, so there is no need for a joystick, even though it is supported. The vehicle controls are similar to Battlefield 1942 where the mouse controls the turret and the W, A, S, and D keys control the directions of the vehicle.
Very few games nowadays capture my attention for very long, but PlanetSide: Aftershock keeps bringing me back again and again (I re-subbed three times since it came out in 2003), for the camaraderie and amazingly simplistic, yet joyous action. If you are tired of all these MMORPGs with their pointless level grind and monotony, you may want to check out PlanetSide: Aftershock. You can even download a free full version trial direct from Planetside.com. It’s well worth the $12.99 a month.
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-Tybo, GameVortex Communications AKA Tyler Whitney |
Minimum System Requirements:
Pentium III 1.0 GHz or greater, 256 MB RAM, Windows 98/2000/ME/XP, DirectX 8.1 or greater, Direct3D compliant video card with 32MB RAM, DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card, 56k + Internet connection, 4X speed CD-ROM, 3.25 GB hard drive space |
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Test System:
Windows XP, 1800 Xp 1.53ghz AMD, 1024 MB of RAM, Geforce 4 Ti 4200, 128MB. |
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