Omega (1989 computer game)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (March 2008)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

This article is about the Origin Systems computer game. For other uses, see Omega (disambiguation).

Video games Portal

OMEGA is a computer game developed by Stuart Marks and published by Origin Systems in 1989. The game puts the player in the role of a cyber-tank designer and programmer. Given a limited budget, the player must design a tank that can defeat a series of ever more challenging opponent tanks. Each successful design yields a higher security clearance and a larger budget, ultimately resulting in an OMEGA clearance and an unlimited budget. The focus of the game is not on the combat but on programming the tank itself.

Tanks are programmed using a built-in text editor that allows the player to use various AI script commands, similar in structure to BASIC. These commands permit control of various aspects of the tank, and also allows teams of tanks to communicate and coordinate actions. While commands exist that enable a range of control over the tank, successful designs tend to be automated. Decision making is an important part of the design process, as the programming must reflect the equipment placed on the tank.

The original game came on 5¼" floppies, but had no copy protection and could be copied to 3½" or a hard drive.