From Microprose, the creators of the anticipated title
Mech Commander and a host of others, comes the next game
in a series of titles that are based on Strategy, Action and
partly Adventure. X-Com interceptor is the next-generation
title for the series since it boasts new features such an
enhanced storyline, good graphics and the use of a 3D
accelerator. I had not played any X-COM game before this title
so I was eager to discover why so many people are fans of this
series.
Graphics: (15 / 20)
The grahpics in this game are pretty good, however,
they are far from excellent. When it is compared to a game
such as Descent: Freespace or Wing Commander Prophecy
those games easily surpass it graphics wise. During the
strategy sequences, however, the graphics are very good. The
interface is easy to use and the commands are simple enough
that a person who has not played a X-Com game before can
learn quickly. The game supports all major 3D accelerators
which is a real plus. However, the problem is that the game
does not take advantage of really advanced 3D set features.
Players are left with what some might call minimal graphical
output with only a few areas in the game that contain features
such as Hardware driven fog for explosions and coloured
lighting for objects. I think Microprose wanted the game to
look good on all machines so I expect that this title will run
fairly well in software renderer mode on a good Pentium
machine. Since this game takes place in space the traditional
black screen with a few stars is used as most backgrounds for
the action sequences. I would really like to see a game come
along that changes this, however, this was not the case in
X-Com interceptor. The weapons on each ship are generally
well done with a few lighting/shadow effects when they hit
their targets. This game does a good job of using a cockpit
texture without the loss of frames on a descent 3D accelerator.
Sound: (11 / 15)
The sound in this game is what one would come to
expect from a space title. When the player shoots lasers blast
sharply and numerous amount of bass is used when the player
moves the spacecraft. The normal stereo sound exists as well
meaning that you can tell which way a shot is coming from but
its volume and location. During the strategy part of the game
the sound is made up of a few noises and speeches for a
command being activated. I would assume that background
music is included in CD AUDIO format and this would really
help a space title like this where the user is sometimes just
staring into space waiting for enemy ships. No advanced
sound support exist such as support for Aureal's A3D 2.0/1.0 or
even Microsoft's DirectSound 3D. This is really a shame since a
title like this could really benefit from allowing the player to
immerse him/herself into the game more greatly.
Gameplay: (20 / 25)
Since I had not played the game before I did not
know what to expect. During the strategy part of the game I
was somewhat confused in the beginning but I soon figured out
that my main objective in the missions was to further and
strengthen the human presence/force on the Frontier. What I
did not like was the fact that the game did not go further into
helping me out when I did not know what to do next which
might be a problem for someone who has not played any of
the other Microprose X-Com games. During the action
sequences I felt right at home in the cockpit of my spacecraft.
The controls were fairly simple to figure out and I assume they
were re-programmable as well. Since this game is based on
1/2 strategy and 1/2 action I assume Microprose focused on
both aspects equally. In that, they did not concentrate too
much on the action part of the game by creating 50 different
ships and neglect the strategy part of the game.
Fun Factor: (16 / 20)
The game does a good job of providing an
interesting storyline which is a must in a strategy title such as
this. However, the bad thing is that the story line gets so
involved with facts and references here and there that a new
player just cannot keep up with what's going on and what the
purpose of their mission is. A very fun game if you've liked the
previous ones in the series, however, if you've never played
the game before I would not recommend it.
Multiplayer: (4 / 5)
The multiplayer in this title was alright to say the
least, however, I did not like it since it lagged a bit when too
many objects were on the screen.
Packaging: (5 / 5)
Overall Impressions: (7 / 10)
All in all an okay pickup, but do not snag it if you
have not played the previous ones.
Overall Rating: (78 / 100)