Recoil (video game)
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Recoil is a 1999 tank-based Windows computer game. It involves the player driving a stolen experimental tank known as the "BFT" (Battle Force Tank) through various missions. There is heavy influence on the wide array of weapons to be collected throughout the game. It was developed by Zipper Interactive, a subsidiary of its parent publisher, Electronic Arts in 1998, and noticeably uses the same game engine as Mechwarrior 3.
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[edit] BFT (Battle Force Tank)
Computer hacking rebels in the midst of intense battle with Network machines have secured control over this experimental vehicle. Its light, but sturdy frame makes the BFT very fast and able to withstand a lot of damage. The BFT also can carry a large collection of weapons; dual Pulse Guns, Cannons, Mine Launchers, Missiles and various other high tech firearms. With the acquisition of advanced technologies, the BFT can transform to a water-skimming amphib vehicle, a hover-tank and a submarine.
- Tracked Mode- available from the start, allows the BFT great maneuverability on land
- Amphib Mode- turns the BFT into an attack boat
- Hover Mode- lets the BFT float over lava or other harmful substances
- Sub Mode- allows the BFT to dive underwater
[edit] Piloting the BFT
The BFT is a fast, responsive and powerful vehicle. You can use the arrow keys on the keyboard or the directional controls of the joystick to move it forward and back, and turn left and right.
By pressing the B Key, you can unlock the movement of the turret from the chassis of the BFT, allowing for the turret to turn 360 degrees. Another tap of the B Key locks the turret to a forward-firing position. By pressing the Ctrl Key and the B Key together, you can enable the "reticle steering" mode. With this control method, the BFT turns to the left and right when the reticle approaches the left and right edges of the screen. Another tap of the Ctrl + B combination returns the control to the default method, which allows for you to turn the BFT by bringing the reticle to the left or right side of the screen and "pushing" the view with a nudge toward the edge.
When you collect advanced technologies, you can pilot the BFT over dangerous terrain, like lava, in Hover mode, skim over water in Amphib mode and dive under the surface using Sub mode.
If the BFT is equipped with the right advanced technologies, it will automatically switch from the default Track mode to Hover mode when it hits a dangerous surface. It will also automatically switch from Track mode to Amphib mode when it hits water. You control all other mode changes. The F1 Key switches the BFT to Track mode. The F2 Key transforms it to Amphib mode. The F3 Key switches the BFT to Hover mode. The F4 Key switches it to Sub mode.
You'll notice that the Amphib and Sub BFTs have a slower top speed than the BFT in Track mode, and that the Hover BFT slides a lot in tight turns. In Sub mode, you can press the A Key to rise to the surface and the Z Key to dive. You can also pitch up and down by moving the Targeting Reticle toward the top or bottom of the screen.
For navigation, you can bring up a wireframe map of the current area by pressing the M Key. The map includes a + symbol that shows the current position of the BFT and red dots that represent all surrounding enemies.
[edit] Using weapons
The mouse and joystick are used to move the targeting reticle and fire BFT weapons. The left mouse button and the primary firing button on the joystick trigger the currently selected Pulse Guns. The right mouse button and the secondary firing button on the joystick trigger the currently selected advanced weapon.
You can select weapons by pressing the 1 through 9 Keys. The 1 Key toggles between Rapid Fire Pulse Guns and Enhanced Rapid Fire Pulse Guns (when equipped and loaded with ammo). The 2 through 9 keys select advanced weapons, such as Mortar Cannons, Mines and Missiles. Two weapons are assigned to each key. Press the 2 Key once and you will select the High Explosive Mortar Cannon. Press it again and you will select the Molecular Distortion Mortar Cannon. The standard Rapid Fire Pulse Gun is equipped with unlimited ammunition. All other weapons have expendable ammunition
[edit] Game Story
Recoil takes place at some untold time in the the semi-near future. The Mega-Corporation has taken over most of everything. There aim is to make everything robotic, autonomous. Many people feel that they're the weakest link in a digital chain. As such, they fall to the Mega-corporation. By the time of Recoil, several renegade Mega-corporation programmers have created a ruling computer A.I. that will control all the Mega-corporation's networks, including all of it's military projects. Most Humans are enslaved by this robotic dominance. But not everyone.
A few outsiders have escaped the spell of the Network. They've formed an underground resistance; operating out of abandoned buildings and travelling at night to avoid detection by the machines. They have survived for some time, but they cannot defeat the Network by themselves. This alliance of dissidents needs help from an outsider. With some creative hacking, three of the dissidents have developed a computer program that gives them remote control over an experimental enemy tank. These rebels have also discovered a way to send the control program through a time loop to the recent past-the late 20th Century.
The Video Mail message crackles through pirate channels and hits your computer with an electronic charge. The dissidents have found you. They need you to use their hacked-out program to drive a killing machine through their war-torn world and liberate the people from computer control. When you engage the program, you take command over the Battle Force Tank (BFT), a fast, powerful and versatile war machine. The time loop allows for you to bypass viruses and other Network computer defenses, giving you direct and complete control.
A VTOL will transport your BFT to various areas, or missions. The mission basically boil down to upgrade this then destroy that. Mission objectives include,
- blow up the missiles
- upgrade the BFT with amphibious technology
- destroy the foundry
[edit] Goals
Survival is not enough. You must hunt down and crush all of your opponents with superior skill and advanced weaponry. In the single-player campaign game, you are one against many, going up against endless waves of computer-controlled tanks, turrets and clones. Your goal is to make your way through six enemy-infested campaign theatres and to obliterate all computer-controlled operations. The dissidents will help you from their remote location, giving you mission goals and information as you go.
In multiplayer combat, you will face off with up to seven other BFT pilots in one of seven custom multiplayer worlds. Your goal is to accumulate weapons and ammo, dig in and take on all challengers. The warrior with the most kills will stand alone as the leader of the pack.
In both combat situations, you will collect increasingly powerful weapons-lasers, mines, missiles-and advanced technologies that allow for your BFT to hover over hazardous terrain, skim over the water and dive under the surface.
[edit] Vehicles
- Battle Force Tank:BFT's light, but sturdy frame makes it very fast and able to withstand a lot of damage. The BFT also can carry a large collection of weapons; dual Pulse Guns, Cannons, Mine Launchers, Missiles and various other high tech firearms. With the acquisition of advanced technologies, the BFT can transform to a water-skimming amphib vehicle, a hover-tank and a submarine.
[edit] Enemies
The Network's minions travel in large numbers. You must have keen fighting skills and all of the hardware that you can find in order to extinguish this army. Following are descriptions and data for each of the enemy tanks that you will encounter.
- Scout:Scouts generally travel in pairs, attempting to flank their enemies on either side. If you see two Scouts within close proximity of each other, you can eliminate both of them with a single High Explosive Mortar Cannon shot or a High Explosive Mine.
- Raider:These speedy vehicles have more firepower and can withstand more damage than Scouts. With a gunner-clone in the back, Raiders can quickly get a bead on their enemies from all angles and pelt away at them with Enhanced Rapid Fire Pulse Guns.
- Armored Tank Killer ATK-77/88:Slow, but powerful, the ATK-77 and the more heavily armored ATK-88 rain down Mortar Shells on their enemies and can withstand a good deal of direct damage in return. When one of these huge vehicles appears from around the corner, you must go evasive immediately and direct as much punishment on it as quickly as you can. It is preferable to keep shooting at their mortar shell outlets so that when they do shoot, the shell explodes within them. Their destruction is then guaranteed.
- Fire Starter :When this two-tanked terror hits your vehicle with burning Napalm, the fire spreads and the damage burns into your armor for several seconds. If you don't deal with the Fire Starter right away, it will wear you down quickly.
- Robot Defense Unit X-1000:These hovering robots can be found in military installations, often directing the forces of more powerful machines. You should be able to eliminate them quickly. But, watch your back. Where you see one RDU, there are usually several others waiting to hit you from different angles.
- Lock-On Launcher :By the time you detect most Lock-On Launchers, they have you in their sights and have already released a pair of deadly missiles. If you can withstand the damage, you're better off planning a quick counter-attack than trying to avoid this vehicle's first set of missiles.
- Water Launcher :The water-bound equivalent of the Lock-On Launcher is faster than its low-riding counterpart, but not as powerful. You should be able to destroy this machine with a burst of well-aimed ERFPG shots.
- Laser Eliminator :If you allow this vehicle to get a clear shot, it will quickly burn a hole into your armor. Take the time between laser shots to line up your own powerful blast and let it go before the Eliminator can hit you again.
- Frozen Rover:The Freon-firing Rover usually pairs with the Fire Starter, offering a dual attack of fire and ice.
- Floating Phantom :This massive and powerful machine can hover over lava and other dangerous surfaces. It is the most heavily armored missile-launching vehicle that you will encounter.
- Power Planter:Built tough to withstand the blast of several High Explosive Mines, this vehicle can quickly fill your path with dangerous devices.
- Electric Executioner:When the Executioner releases an Arc Sabre blast, it is virtually impossible to avoid. The only chance you have is to counter quickly before it can fry your vehicle again.
- Boom Blaster Z-360:The incredibly deadly blasts of this Sonic Burst-distributing machine can end your mission in a hurry. You'll benefit best by avoiding the blasts first, then doing all that you can to stop the tank from firing again.
- Deep Water Launcher :This killing machine lurks in the dark corners of deep pools and lakes. It's not fast or particularly powerful, but it is capable of catching you by surprise.
- Designator:When the Designator gets a bead on your vehicle and holds it for a few seconds, it can call down a shot that will instantly fry your armor. Move quickly or die.
| Vehicle Name | Maximum Speed | Maximum Health Rating | Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Force Tank | 60 km/h | 100 | All Available Weapons |
| Scout | 40 km/h | 4 | Rapid Fire Pulse Guns |
| Raider | 45 km/h | 11 | Enhanced Rapid Fire Pulse Guns |
| Armored Tank Killer ATK-77 | 12 km/h | 36 | High Explosive Mortar Cannons |
| Armored Tank Killer ATK-88 | 12 km/h | 50 | Molecular Distortion Mortar Cannons |
| Fire Starter | 30 km/h | 21 | Napalm Guns |
| Robot Defense Unit X-1000 | 30 km/h | 11 | Enhanced Rapid Fire Pulse Guns |
| Lock-On Launcher | 30 km/h | 31 | Lock-On Missiles |
| Water Launcher | 35 km/h | 16 | Lock-On Missiles |
| Laser Eliminator | 30 km/h | 32 | Laser Sabre |
| Frozen Rover | 30 km/h | 21 | Freon Burst |
| Floating Phantom | 40 km/h | 36 | Lock-On Missiles |
| Power planter | 24 km/h | 51 | High Explosive Mines |
| Electric Executioner | 25 km/h | 43 | Arc Sabre |
| Boom Blaster Z-360 | 25 km/h | 47 | Sonic Burst Cannon |
| Deep Water Launcher | 25 km/h | 23 | Lock-On Missiles |
| Designator | 35 km/h | 47 | Laser Designator |
[edit] Weapons
One of Recoil's main features is the impressive array of weapons to be fitted to the BFT. You'll begin the campaign game with Rapid Fire Pulse Guns and High Explosive Mortar Cannons. If you can master the use of these powerful devices, you will go far in your battle against the machines.
- Rapid Fire Pulse Gun:The BFT is equipped with an unlimited supply of Rapid Fire Pulse Gun ammunition. When you are low on ammunition from other weapons, you can switch to this one and blast away
- Enhanced Rapid Fire Pulse Gun:With a slightly higher firing rate and a considerably stronger damage rating than the standard Rapid Fire Pulse Gun, this weapon is your Pulse Gun of choice. Ammunition is expendable. You can find more by defeating enemies that are Pulse Gun-equipped.
- High Explosive Mortar Cannon:The shells of this weapon create craters in most surfaces, spreading a wide radius of damage on impact. You don't always have to be on target with the Mortar Cannon; just close enough to cause some damage. In heavy battle situations, you can use the Mortar Cannon to make craters, then hide in them for a short respite from enemy fire.
- Molecular Distortion Mortar Cannon:The shells of this weapon have a considerably higher damage rating than the shells of the High Explosive Mortar Cannon. They also liquefy the ground on impact, creating a crater full of molecularly distorted muck. When enemies drive through this stuff, they'll slow down to a crawl.
- Napalm Cannon:This flame-thrower shoots bursts of burning material that will continue to eat away at their target after impact. With a few Napalm shots on the ground in front of a charging enemy, you can create a wall of fire, ensuring that the enemy will sustain damage on its approach.
- Freon Cannon:The freezing bursts of the Freon Cannon cause enemy targets to stop in their tracks; permeating cold working through to the core of their machinery. If you use this weapon simultaneously with Pulse Guns, you can quickly freeze, then shatter your opponents.
- Proximity High Explosive Mine Launcher:This device lobs proximity-detonated mines into the battlefield. The launcher allows for you to toss mines over walls or bounce them from around corners. It's the most effective way to eliminate enemies without exposing the BFT to damage from line-of-sight weapons.
- Proximity Molecular Distortion Mine Launcher:Molecular Distortion Mines cause slightly more damage than High Explosive Mines, and they create craters of liquefied ground that work as effective enemy traps.
- Remote High Explosive Mine Launcher:Remote Mines can be used in the same way as proximity mines. The only difference is that they will not detonate until you trigger them. This way, you can launch several Mines and wait for a group of enemies to reach close proximity. Then, press the detonation key (Spacebar) and surround your enemies with explosive power.
- Remote Molecular Distortion Mine Launcher:Remote Molecular Distortion Mines are the most advanced Mines available. They cause more damage than High Explosive Mines and you can trigger them when the enemies are set up for maximum damage.
- Laser Sabre:This intensely powerful beam generator can quickly cut through the armor of your most heavily equipped enemies. The beam bounces off of some surfaces, allowing for you to hit enemies that you cannot see.
- Laser Designator:The Laser Designator calls in a powerful blast from remote sources. Your challenge is to hold the beam of the Designator on your target for several seconds. After the time has elapsed, an electric charge will hit the enemy and destroy it instantaneously.
- Sonic Burst Cannon:Using concentrated sound waves that can twist metal, this weapon can destroy most enemies in a single shot
- Arc Sabre:The electric blasts of the Arc Sabre split and hit all enemies within a medium-to-long proximity of your aim.
- Lock-On Missile Launcher:When you select this weapon, enemies that cross your targeting range will be surrounded by Lock-On brackets. Launch your Missile and watch it hone in on the bracketed enemy. Watch out for obstacles.
- Tether-Guided Missile Launcher:After you launch a Tether Guided Missile, you must guide to its target, steering it up, down, left and right. A remote camera allows for you to see from the point of view of the missile. Press the launch key again to return your camera view to the BFT.
- Lock-On Nuke Launcher:This 50-megaton missile obliterates all enemies in a 250-meter radius. You must launch it from a safe distance or risk elimination.
- Tether-Guided Nuke Launcher:The Tether Guided Nuke Launcher allows for you to deliver a huge payload with great accuracy from a remote location.
| Weapon Name | Firing Rate | Damage Rating | Maximum Ammunition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Fire Pulse Gun | 9 per second | 0.8 | Unlimited supply |
| Enhanced Rapid Fire Pulse Gun | 10 per second | 1 | 999 |
| High Explosive Mortar Cannon | 2 per 3 seconds | 12 | 30 |
| Molecular Distortion Mortar Cannon | 1 per 2 seconds | 17 | 15 |
| Napalm Cannon | 3 per second | 2 | 99 |
| Freon Cannon | 4 per second | 9 | 99 |
| Proximity High Explosive Mine Launcher | 2 per 3 seconds | 17 | 30 |
| Proximity Molecular Distortion Mine Launcher | 2 per 3 seconds | 20 | 15 |
| Remote High Explosive Mine Launcher | 2 per 3 seconds | 26 | 30 |
| Remote Molecular Distortion Mine Launcher | 2 per 3 seconds | 28 | 15 |
| Laser Sabre | N/A | 16 per second | 50 seconds |
| Laser Designator | N/A | 100 after 3 seconds | 40 seconds |
| Sonic Burst Cannon | 1 per 2 seconds | 66 | 10 |
| Arc Sabre | N/A | 47 per second | 40 seconds |
| Lock On Missile Launcher | 1 per 2 seconds | 31 | 20 |
| Tether Guided Missile Launcher | 1 at a time | 47 | 20 |
| Lock On Nuke Launcher | 1 per 2 seconds | 100 | 10 |
| Tether Guided Nuke Launcher | 1 at a time | 100 | 10 |
[edit] Pickups
In addition to weapons and ammunition, there are several items that you can collect that will help you advance through the game worlds and claim victory over the clones.
- Nanite:When you defeat most enemies they leave ammunition or these shield-repairing items which appear like blue pluses(+) with an "N" on them. Pick them up to bring the BFT health closer to 100 percent.
- Nanite 100:These gold coloured pluses shaped with a "100" on them Nanite pickups bring the BFT health meter to the top.
- Nano-Canister:When you have a Nan-Canister onboard, it's like having a BFT shield in reserve. If the BFT health meter is depleted, the Nano-Canister automatically dissolves and regenerates your shield to 100 percent. You can hold as many as 3 Nano-Canisters at once. These are red and plus shaped with an "N" on them
- Amphib Technology:When you collect this item, you can skim above the surface of lakes, rivers and oceans without taking in water.
- Hover Technology:This pickup allows for you to float over lava and other dangerous surfaces.
- Sub Technology:When you have Sub Technology, you can dive below the surface of the water by pressing the F4 Key.
[edit] Single-player campaign game
It's you against the Network and the Network's growing forces of deadly machines in a six-campaign battle that takes you from one brutal warzone to the next. As you fight your way through the campaign, the dissidents give you advice and mission goals from their remote location. Along the way, you will earn new weapons for more effective enemy elimination and technologies that allow for you to conquer the terrain.
As soon as the Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) carrier takes you to a new area, the dissidents send you a message that lays out the goals of your first mission. Press the M Key to take a look at a map of the campaign area and see if any enemies are lurking nearby. You can press the M Key to minimize the Map, or drive through the terrain with the Map onscreen.
As you enter new areas and achieve mission goals, the dissidents will send you more information about advanced missions and the moves of the Network machines. Their list and missions are listed below-
- Campaign One:This first exercise takes place on an island that has been set up to train Network forces. The dissidents will guide you to the training base, where you must destroy the Command Post Core, then to a beach where Rocket Silos are trained on civilian targets. You must destroy them before they launch.
- Campaign Two:The Network machines are creating weapons in a canyon. Several operations are spread throughout the area. You first mission is to steal technology that allows for the BFT to ride over water. Then, you can cross over to the Network Power Plant, Mining Operation and Foundry. Destroy them all.
- Campaign Three:A new threat has emerged. The Network has developed a deadly beam that uses the power of a volcano. You must navigate the lava fields around the volcano, then take out the beam. On your way to the volcano, you will discover technology that allows for the BFT to hover over lava and other dangerous surfaces.
- Campaign Four:Chemical weapons have been developed and mass produced near the devastated shell of a city. You must destroy all chemical production facilities and the deadly chemical supply before Network forces can spread them to unsuspecting civilian targets.
- Campaign Five:After the Network destroys all humans, it plans to populate the world with its own human clone drones. The cloning operation is located in a base to the North, surrounded by ice and snow. You must take out the cloning machines before the clone forces grow to unstoppable numbers. In this campaign, you will uncover technology that allows for you to transform the BFT into a submarine. Then, you can dive down and take out Network operations under the ice.
- Campaign Six:The heart of Network operations is an underground city, under construction. You must work your way below the surface and unplug the Network's central processor.
[edit] Minimum system requirements
- PENTIUM 166 MHz
- 32 MB of RAM
- Windows 95 or Windows 98
- DIRECTX 6.x
- DIRECT(X) AUDIO COMPATIBLE SOUND CARD
- VIDEO CARD W/ 2 MB of VRAM
- 220 MB of FREE HARD DRIVE SPACE
