Wraith2021 from carriercommand.blog.com informed us he wrote a very nice review of the PC version of Carrier Command comparing it to the original which was released back in the 80's.
This review has been made using the latest version of the game (version 1.03) and since this version many issues with the game have been fixed or much improved, leaving more room for a proper review giving a better idea of the current status of the game.

Quote :

The original broke the mould of gaming back in the eighties, it offered something that was daring and challenged the player to either get good, or die. This type of relentlessness has all but died completely, and in recent years games have a tendency to hold the player’s hand, and wrap them in a security blanket. Gamers expect the best graphics, the best animations, the easiest controls, and a quick learning curve. If you are one of those type of gamers, then this game is not for you.
Unlike the original with its ‘Action Game’, the campaign does not throw you in the heat of battle with the enemy carrier, in fact it does not even put you in control of a single vehicle. The campaign starts as a first person shooter, although the engine struggles with this, as it was designed purely for the purpose of Carrier Command, and it is noticeable from the start. This however is not a bad thing, and they use the campaign mode as a tutorial of sorts while telling a story. This is the first time this method has been used to introduce a player into a game, and the concept has thrown many reviewers, thinking that this is the main game. It is not and never was intended that way, and although your character can not jump, it offers the ability to storm enemy complexes, which otherwise would not have been possible. The weak story and bad voice acting can sometimes seem laughable, but all is forgiven once you get into the action. As I said before, the whole campaign is basically a tutorial with perks, and when looking at it in this respect it does its job really well.

Graphics aside, the game has been updated in many other ways, the vehicles can now have armour, allowing them to support different types of weapons, heavier armour determines the maximum speed. Each armour type changes how the vehicle looks, so MANTAs can have configurations of heavy fighters which are slower but pack more punch, or scouts which are faster and more manoeuvrable but can be destroyed easily. The WALRUSes armour determines the type of vehicle, heavy armour is tank like, this allows the WALRUS to support heavy weapons, where light armour allows the support of lasers and machine guns.
This game has had a lot to live up to, and they would have fallen short had they pulled too far away from the original. Bohemia Interactive have been bold enough to go against the grain, and produce a game which does the original proud. If you are an old time fan of Carrier Command, then definitely check out Carrier Command: Gaea Mission, you will be pleasantly surprised. If you are too young to have played the original, but are willing to persevere, the game is worth getting, and if you stick with it, it will be rewarding. Given that it still has a few nonessential bugs, and that they are still working on patches, shows that the developers have not given up on the game after release like so many other do, which is a good sign.

Pros: A remake of a classic that keeps the original feel at heart with a modern varnish. Taking direct control as you get into the heat of battle.
Cons: There is no multiplayer, or co-op, and the game can be a little buggy at times.
Score: I give this game 8/10.

Tags:Pc, Remake, Review

 

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