Critical Mass (computer game)
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| Critical Mass | |
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| Developer(s) | Sean O'Connor |
| Designer(s) | Sean O'Connor |
| Release date(s) | December, 1995 |
| Genre(s) | Strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Media | Download |
Critical Mass is a turn-based strategy game in which the player leads a squadron of spaceships on various missions. The game is a simple, stylized space battle between two opposing forces. Game elements include large asteroid fields, planets, and various offensive and defensive ships.
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[edit] Overview
Critical Mass is a two-dimensional strategy game created by Sean O'Connor and first released in 1995. Set in space, the main objective of the game is to complete missions that the computer randomly assigns. The player creates commanders which undergo these missions, receiving medals and eventually promotions depending upon their success.
[edit] Game Concept
The game received its name from the ability to create a "critical mass" engine - one that allows fast travel through space. Special wormhole ships are used to transfer ships on deepspace missions where the critical mass engines are then used to engage enemy forces.
[edit] Gameplay Overview
[edit] Missions
There are a variety of missions available in game. One is randomly assigned by the computer before play begins. These missions usually have an objective of destroying a certain enemy ship or protecting a certain allied ship. The mission ends either when: all allies are dead or fleeing, or the mission's goal has been accomplished.
[edit] Rewards
Upon the completion of a mission, whether a success or failure, the player will be awarded medals for any kills that were accomplished. There are four possible medals, with the higher ones only available if many kills were made. These medals also grant the commander more points from which to build his squadron.
The reward values for each of the medals are:
Medal of Honor: 2 points
Medal of Conspicuous Bravery: 4 points
Medal of Outstanding Courage: 6 points
Gold Cross: 8 points
[edit] Combat
A ship can attack other ships by firing missiles. These missiles vary in speed, power and maneuverability. There are 6 types of missiles in the game: Daycorn, Yatari, Geenee, Plectron, Drachan, and Orik. The 5 guided missiles are the Yatari (slow to turn and accelerate but has a large 10 Mton warhead), Daycorn (boasts the greatest agility but has the shortest range and lacks power with its 5 Mton warhead), Geenee (an all-round missile, with good range, power, and turn radius), Drachan (a weak but agile 5 Mton missile that only homes in on enemies), and Orik (a long-range missile with below-average turn and medium strength). The only unguided missile is the Plectron; however, this is offset by it having the highest power out of the 6 missiles, with a 13 Mton warhead. The missiles are colour coded so the type of each missile can be recognized on the fly.
[edit] Destruction
If all of a ship's command points are destroyed, it explodes. If the commander is still in it when it is destroyed, he dies and it is up the rest of the squadron to try and complete the missions. If, however, he escapes, then he returns home but the result is the same.
There are two methods of escape: the escape pod flees the ship instantly, making it useful for escaping quickly, but leaves the ship to be destroyed. Hyperspacing takes 8 turns, but saves the ship as well.
[edit] Customisation
Critical Mass is a game that can be easily customised. It allows the user to make both custom ships and custom missions - there is a built in customisation utility for both.
[edit] Ships
The custom ships can be fitted with various components including radar, missiles, stealth, and engines. Each component has varying costs and weights, and the effects of the parts and their costs may change depending on their positioning.
Each component has its own unique use. One of the most important parts are the shields. There are two types of shields that vary in strength. They take the damage from any missiles first, before any other "internal" component is damaged. Radar is used to detect enemy ships hidden in the "fog of war," and an adequate amount of it is essential for any ship. Stealth is used to hide a ship from enemy ships by hindering their radar. Repair bots repair any of the internal parts. Engines are used for movement. When placed on the side of a ship, engines increase the ships turn, or the turn radius, and when on the back they are for thrust, or acceleration and deceleration. Each missile launcher increases the number of missiles that can be shot in a turn by one. Up to four missile launchers can be placed on a ship. At least one command centre must be placed on a ship. When all of the command centres on a ship are destroyed, the ship is destroyed, and if the pilot is still in command of the ship he is killed.
Many types of custom ships can be created by the player. For example, a player may pack a ship with stealth components to create an almost stealth ship. A player may also use heavy shielding to create a better protected ship, but sacrificing speed and turning ability. Custom ships can be exported and used by any other owner of the game. This has led to websites that give players a place to trade their designs and generate new ideas.
[edit] Missions
The custom mission creator allows player to design, and then play, their own missions. A mission type is selected, then a description written and various other information provided, such as the starting location of enemy and player ships.
[edit] Game History
- The game was first released in 1995 as version 1 for Windows 3.1.
- It was converted to Windows 95 with the release of version 2 in December, 1996.
- Version 3 was released in February, 2001 and added more ships, mission types and implemented the ability to customise ships and missions.
- The current version, 4, was released in October, 2004 and saw better graphics and new features.
- The game is currently at version 4.0c
