| Background:
Represent one of 7 races in the section of space known as the Battle
Sphere. The winning race will get to colonize the remaining
inhabitable worlds.
This game allows for multiple console networking
and a host of single player modes. The single modes include 'Free
For All', where the you must be the first to destroy a specified
number of ships, 'Gauntlet', where you must defend multiple starbases
against wave after wave of attack, 'Pilot Training', including 20
progressively challenging levels, and 'Alone Against the Empire.'
'A.A.T.E.' requires the greatest amount of
strategy. In it you must defend multiple starbases against enemy
forces with the use of a sector map, hyperdrive, and friendly forces
which you control.
There is also a two player option in which the
second player becomes the gunner while you pilot and control the
weapons as well.
Game Play: Simply put, Battle
Sphere is a must have for every gaming fan. The beauty of this
game is the unique mix of simplicity and skill. The basic
piloting skills required for all modes of play can be easily learned
in the first few levels of 'Pilot Training'. However, to advance
in any game mode you must continually develop new strategies to deal
with the increasingly challenging enemies.
The graphics are excellent and compare well with
any Jaguar game. The sound effects and music are exceptional.
I particularly like the rush of the engines as you increase speed and
the accompanying music.
The Heads Up Display is informative and easy to
use. It includes both a front and rear radar, velocity, thrust,
energy, shields, and weapons displays. The controls are also very
intuitive and easy to use in a pinch.
I really enjoyed the two player option.
This option, along with networking and the many different ship types,
really increases the depth of the game.
'Pilot Training' is easy for the first few
levels (as it should be) and then becomes very challenging. I
found that it trains you well for the other play modes.
'Free for All' is perfect for the quick battle
to polish up your skills. The game really shines when you see
multiple ships firing at one another just as you fly into the melee.
'Gauntlet' complicates matters by requiring you
to defend starbases for continual waves. Thankfully the game
will save your progress every five levels - and more often on the
later levels.
Finally, 'A.A.T.E.' is Star Raiders Deluxe and
you get a sector map and hyperdrive. The ability to control
friendly forces is a very nice addition.
It is unfortunate that multiple players can not
control different ships without networking several jaguars and hard to
get copies of the game. This is through no fault of the game
developers. If Atari had survived, Battle Sphere would have been more
available. Also, splitting up the screen for multiple player
views would have detracted from game play.
Quite simply this may just be the best Jaguar
Game ever. For sure, it is one of the best and will keep you
entertained for years to come with the varied game modes.
Pros: control, game play, multiple game
modes, music, sound effects, graphics, game depth
Cons: ?????
|
.JPG)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
.gif)
