Transcendence (video game)

Transcendence

Developer(s) George Moromisato
Publisher(s) Kronosaur Productions
Designer(s) George Moromisato
Engine Custom
Platform(s) Windows, Linux
Release date(s) Version 0.5: May 2, 1995[1][2]

Version 0.7: November 28, 2003[3]
Version 1.2: November 05 2013[3]
Version 1.5: November 21 2014[3]

Genre(s) Action RPG, Top-down shooter
Mode(s) Single player
Distribution Free download

Transcendence is a sci-fi themed freeware adventure PC game designed and created by George Moromisato.

A preliminary version 0.5 alpha release of the game that would become Transcendence was made available in 1995.[1][2] The game is still under development, with roughly three-quarters of the game completed and its first milestone of version 1.0 reached. It is modifiable in the form of XML files. The game is available for download free of charge on the official website, without any formal license. The latest release implements online connectivity to the game including automatic updates and an adventure manager that allows players to download additional adventures for the game.

Storyline

The player begins the game in one of three ships with basic equipment, a few credits, and a near-empty cargo bay. The goal is to reach the galaxy's core, where the mysterious beings "Oracus" and "Domina" are rumored to reside. The player must fight or trade their way through star systems interconnected by a series of "stargates", devices used for faster-than-light interstellar travel, left behind by an unknown race. The player is guided and to some extent protected by Domina and through donations in Domina monastery stations can be granted limited use of Domina powers. In their travels, the player will encounter hundreds of various space stations and space ships, members of the Commonwealth, outlaws, factions separated from Earth, that is left behind since the Commonwealth now focuses on St. Katharines star, and ultimately, alien races.[4]

Gameplay

The players ship moves in a two-dimensional universe, representing the planetary plane of various solar systems. The player encounters various stations and ships, friends as well as enemies. The player collects money and items by several means, such as trading, looting the remains of destroyed ships or stations, escorting freighters, or agreeing to medical experiments.[4] Key systems and encounters are pre-planned, while the less important systems and events are algorithmically generated, which makes the game very variable and re-playable. There are dozens of various adventure factors, such as military assignments, smuggling, and defense missions.[4] Some missions provide access to better technologies and the ability to upgrade equipment on the player's ship. The goal of the game play is to survive and upgrade the ship's armor, weapons and internals.

Extensions

The game is extensively extendable. It features an XML format with scripting in TransLISP, a custom Lisp dialect designed for the game. It allows players to rewrite and add in-game objects, or even Adventures that create brand-new settings and game stories.

Two DLC's were published for the game :

Both add new star systems, different start points, new starting ships, and other changes of gameplay.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Moromisato, George P. (1995-05-02). "Windows NT game posted to ftp.wustl.edu". Newsgroup: comp.os.ms-windows.nt.misc. Usenet: D7xEw8.Bw@world.std.com.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Moromisato, George (2008-11-28). "Happy 5th Anniversary, Transcendence". Archived from the original on 2010-07-25. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Version History
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 A Captain's Primer. Transcendence. Retrieved on December 23, 2007.
  5. ↑ http://multiverse.kronosaur.com/transEntry.hexm?unid=Transcendence%3A00800000
  6. ↑ http://multiverse.kronosaur.com/transEntry.hexm?unid=Transcendence%3A00900000

External links

Official

Wiki

Fan/Mod

Reviews