With the release of several good real-time strategy (RTS) titles over the past several months, it is getting difficult for new games to make an impact on ever-critical players. With PC titles ranging from R300 to R600, local gamers are shopping around more before deciding on a title.
German publisher CDV can certainly lay claim to getting gamers to sit up and take notice. A few years ago it released Cossacks, which many overseas gaming publications rated as one of the most refreshing titles in the RTS genre for some time.
Unfortunately, local gamers had to import the game to experience first hand what it meant to control 8 000 units at a time. Not only that, but it offered players a realistic strategy game coupled with an economic simulator that would make Warren Buffet proud.
Recently, World Web Entertainment secured the local distribution rights for CDV titles. Fans and newcomers to the CDV brand now have cause for celebration because this month will see the availability of its latest RTS offering, American Conquest.
American Conquest builds on the solid reputation the company earned through Cossacks. This title is even more realistic in terms of gameplay than its predecessor. Some of the features include the ability of units to move into buildings. While this in itself is not unique, the different angles of firing given to units on different levels, is.
Variables such as distance, line of sight and defence modifiers all contribute to a number of factors the player must bear in mind before committing to an attack.
American Conquest offers singe mission, campaign and random map game modes. Of course, no RTS offering would be complete without a multiplayer option and players can even recreate a famous battle of the American colonisation period.
The campaign mode is broken into eight periods including Columbus` voyages (1492 to 1502), the Seven Years` War (1756 to 1763) and the War of Independence (1775 to 1783). In several of the campaigns, you can play from either a British, French, American or Native American perspective. Since American Conquest deals with a relatively untouched period in RTS gaming, it makes for some refreshingly different campaign missions.
While I`m sure there must be an unwritten rule requiring a strategy title to have at least one of the Greeks, Romans, Orcs, Elves or marauding alien civilisations in them, offering new civilisations only adds to the title`s enjoyment. American Conquest features 12 nations that include the top dogs like Spain, France, Britain and the US (although it seems rather silly using this name since the USA wasn`t formed during the time period of the game). Native American nations like the Delawares, Iroquoians and Hurons also feature prominently.
There are nine single player missions on offer that allow for a variety of play styles. One such example is The Hunt. It offers a different spin on traditional resource gathering missions. In this mission, the player controls a team of hunters that must collect several Bison tongues. Of course, there are other hunters on the map and a couple of settlements that you should stay clear of.
American Conquest features several new features over Cossacks, including the introduction of a complex morale system for troops. In fact, nothing about this title is simple. If you are one of those players who enjoy traditional war games where you have to work out to the millimetre where your troops can move to, then you will immediately fall in love with this title.
Admittedly, while it is technically and visually impressive, commanding thousands of units at a time might not be everyone`s cup of tea. Like Empire Earth, American Conquest can quickly drain your PC of valuable resources when depicting large battles. However, the realistic depiction of war and everything that goes along with it is where the charm of American Conquest lies. Weekend strategy players might not enjoy this title but it is definitely designed with the purist in mind.
In short, if you are looking for something that can immerse you in an historical period while staying true to the realities of war, then you can`t go wrong with American Conquest.
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