To be honest, no one here at Thunderbolt ever heard of Massive Assault when it was initially launched in October of 2003. It turns out the game was a turn-based strategy title that was well received by critics and gamers alike. Less than a year later, a pseudo-sequel called Massive Assault Network is about to be released. The game is going to be FREE, though there will be an optional monthly fee for additial features. We managed to get our hands on the beta, so here’s how things are shaping up.
The first thing you notice when you start playing the game is the appealing 3D visuals. The levels are large and detailed, though the character models leave a little to be desired. Fortunately the explosions and weapon effects are on par with the levels. Massive Assault Network is definitely feature some of the best turn-based graphics around, though the genre isn’t particularly known for its aesthetics.
The single player mode features eight tutorials that made the game out to be fairly simple. You just click your units, move them a set amount of grids, and then attack the enemy. Upon playing more, things became more and more complex. Different combinations of units can be more effective than others. Properly using transports, guard towers, bombers etc. and deciding which territories to control is the key to winning.
Everything in this game is streamlined for faster action. There are no resources aside from money and there is only one building that can be conquered in each territory. There also things called “secret allies.” This make units appear automatically when an enemy invades certain territories and it is randomized during each map.
In addition to the eight helpful tutorial missions, singeplayer mode also contains three scenarios(which feel like slightly advanced tutorials and one word war map(essentially an enormous scrimmage map). The original Massive Assault featured much more singeplayer lovin’, though the main draw should be the revamped multiplayer.
This is where the “Network” moniker comes in. Most turn-based games use a PBEM mechanism, while Massive Assault Network runs on a dedicated central server. You don’t have to manually attach files, and it makes finding opponents hassle-free. Best of all is that you can have an unlimited amount of games going at once and you can access them with one simple menu.
So what does paying the subscription fee give you? You’ll get a ranking ladder, the ability to play on more than one planet, detailed online stats, clans, and tournaments and a couple other features. While the game is fun to play, we’ll have to wait and see if the monthly fee is really worth it. Massive Assault Network will be launched mid-April can be downloaded here.
No comments
Add your own +