Planets Under Attack
| Planets Under Attack | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Targem Games |
| Publisher(s) | Topware Interactive |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Mac OS X |
| Release date(s) | Windows, OS X
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| Genre(s) | Indie, Strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single-player Multiplayer |
| Distribution | Official site |
Planets Under Attack is a strategy video game developed by Targem Games. The game offers a surprising depth of gameplay, while its intuitive controls allow even casual gamers to pick it up and feel comfortable immediately. In addition to the addicting gameplay, Planets Under Attack is an obvious labor of love. An exciting and memorable cast of characters exist perfectly in this artistically beautiful world. From the ships to the planets, everything has an essence of its own, with a memorable soundtrack and comical sound effects breathing life into the visuals.[1]
Gameplay
Planets Under Attack is a highly addictive strategy adventure suitable for both inexperienced and hard core strategy gamers. Roar through a faraway galaxy, conquering an impressive number of levels and completing an array of diverse missions. Fight for dominance in multiple self-contained planetary systems as you take the helm of your own space fleet. Each level provides loads of diversity, from goals to modes to difficulty levels. Conquer an entire planet system before an infested planet hatches aliens, or conquer a planet and hold off all comers! In addition, every mission offers three levels of difficulty, with each level unlocking additional challenges.
The deceptively simple game mechanics are packed into demanding missions, chock-full of strategic hazards. Rotating asteroid belts, changing star constellations and varied objectives make every mission a unique gaming experience that leaves the player hungry for the next challenge.
By using skillful tactics to complete objectives, the player will not only carve out his own niche in the galaxy, but he will also level up to new ranks. A well thought out technology tree enables the player to individually adapt his strategy to the game’s ever increasing difficulty. The right combination of technologies is often the difference between a decisive victory and a crushing defeat. Technologies have an impact on planetary defense, ship performance, and a myriad of other boosts that will rocket your fleet to interstellar dominance.
SKIRMISH AND MULTIPLAYER In addition to the immersive single player campaign and skirmish modes, "Planets Under Attack" boasts an online Multiplayer mode, where players can prove their skills in live battles. From the different game modes (Team Multiplayer, Elimination, Capture, King of the Hill and Domination), two playable races and the chance to play in different team constellations, Skirmish and Multiplayer have something for every strategy fan!
Show your achievements! Unlockable ranks, avatars and rewards will spur you forward, increasing replay value and challenging all players, from newbies to veterans. Go online, and take the battle worldwide! [2]
Features
- Moving planetary systems in a 3-D Universe with an adjustable view allows for the best possible presentation of the gameplay.
- A fresh setting and intuitive gameplay tell an exciting and funny story that encompasses a far ranging galaxy.
- Intelligent enemies with different skills and races await you. From alien space-swarms to greedy zombies, defeating enemies will require different skills and tactics.
- Comic-style characters act in totally localized dialogues.
- 18 different Multiplayer Maps for 2-4 players.
- Different Game modes: Team Multiplayer, Elimination, Capture, King of the Hill, and Domination allow for endless replay.
- 15 technologies can be unlocked, offering a high variety of tactical options and in-game customization.
- 2 playable races for multiplayer.
- 3 different planet types with 6 upgrades per playable race.
System Requirements
- Intel/Amd Dual Core CPU with 1.5 GHz
- Windows XP / Vista / 7, Snow Leopard
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB RAM rec.)
- Per-Pixel-Shader 3.0 Graphics card with 256 MB RAM (Geforce FX 7,8 series, ATI/AMD Radeon X, HD series)
- Soundcard, 500 MB free hard disc space, Internet Connection
- DVD-drive (for retail versions)
Reception
The French magazine Joystick rated the game 13/20, criticizing the game for its repetitiveness but praising its gameplay and intuitiveness.[3]
Characters
Mr. Goodman
The game’s protagonist and your alter ego, he (no doubt like you) is clever and very good natured. Perhaps just a tad spoiled by the human economic system. And, unfortunately, he also has a truck-load of debts. But the man has ambition! In his coming space adventure, he plans to become the most successful trader in the galaxy, and will stop at nothing to find the hidden riches of the universe.
Mr. Norrel
The tutor of the protagonist, and quite possibly an outrageous jerk. A fine example of the merciless human commercial system, Mr. Norrell has his mind on his money and his money on his mind. At ALL times.
Mechanicus
He is the “good” robot and famous for the integration of pacifist routines in his central memory. A quite remarkable example of his “species”.
Destrobo
He is the “evil” robot, also known as the “Red Warrior”. His routines are focused on aggression and destruction. In fact, peace and goodwill are not even programmed into his circuits.
Arrrgh'ha'ast
He is an alien, and perhaps the physical embodiment of intelligence in this and all universes. Or… he may be a mindless space beast. I suppose you’ll have to find out for yourself.
Strange Device
This is an artifact from the ancient alien race. It is able to read the protagonist’s mind, but this is not necessarily a good thing, as it seems to have an agenda of its own…
Greedy Thomas
He is the protagonist’s rival and completely focused on money. He is in good company though; it seems that many others share his personality and morals down to a T.
Zombie
Yes, there is also a zombie! A former human, he has been transformed by the powers of the ancient technology, and is quite the unfortunate fellow.
Planet types
Metropolis
This is the only planet that allows you to grow a population. Population is the main source for taxes and therefore planets with a huge population are crucial for the construction of ships. Upgrading a metropolis increases its defense slightly. Upgrading the metropolis also increases the maximum capacity of your population. A metropolis can be upgraded three times.
Space fortress
A space fortress is not a popular place to live, so it is not very surprising that the population will not grow on its own. It can be increased however, by sending ships to the space fortress. The number of inhabitants does not have an impact on the planet’s weapons, but the number of the population should not be too small. A space fortress attacks all enemy ships within its immediate radius. Once the player owns a space fortress, its power radius glows with the player’s color. The space fortress can be upgraded three times. Upgrades increase the attack speed and the defense of their weapons.
Bank planet
A bank planet does not attract people either, but it produces money every few seconds, even during attacks; a stark contrast to the metropolis. And this is its great advantage: It can effectively double your wealth! A bank planet has the lowest defensive strength and it cannot be upgraded.
Planet populated by robots
Unlike the human metropolis, this planet produces energy, not taxes. It can be upgraded up to three times, which slightly increases its defense and the number of potential robots living there is also increased. During the upgrade the planet is vulnerable, as robots use their own body parts to achieve the upgrade.
Space fortress
This planet differs in its outer appearance from the humans. It can be upgraded three times, increasing its attack force and fire speed. During the upgrade the planet is vulnerable, as robots use the planet’s population for an upgrade.
Powerplant
This is the robot equivalent of the human bank planet. Even in wartimes it produces energy for the energy pool, and it can raise the overall energy pool to level 2. A powerplant cannot be upgraded, and has a weak defense.
From a certain point in the game, all planets can be upgraded into another planet type which enhances the upgrade possibilities of all planets from 3 to 5.
Game Types
This is the basic type of gameplay. The goal of this mode is to capture all your opponent's planets and to eliminate all your opponents.
Capture
The goal of this mode is to be the first player to capture a target planet or planets. Of course, if on your way to achieving this goal you happen to eliminate all opponents…well that works just as well.
Domination
The goal in this mode is to capture and hold a specific planet. If you happen to lose the planet to your opponent for a time, the points you’ve accrued won’t be lost. Of course the game is also won when there are no opponents left.
King of the Hill
Here too you must hold specific planets. But contrary to domination, your collected points will be lost if the enemy snatches the planet away from you! If you kill everyone else, then of course you will also win.
Pay Back
Here you’ll make the acquaintance of a special planet type inhabited by collectors. The goal of these sections is to pay a specified amount of money to them. This is important, as they will attack you if you don’t pay fast enough, getting stronger with every successive attack. It is not recommended to move your ships near their planet.
Insecticide
Neutral planets are infected with alien’s eggs. If the planets are not captured within a set time limit, the eggs will hatch, unleashing a massive number of aliens. They are quite hostile, and will attack everyone. This mode exists in combination with other modes.
References
- ↑ TopWare Interactive, Planets Under Attack.
- ↑ Official site, Planets Under Attack.
- ↑ Kevinator (Dec 2012). "Planets Under Attack review". Joystick (in French) (260): 102.