Dark Reign 2

Dark Reign 2 is the sequel to Activision's critically acclaimed (but virtually ignored) real-time strategy debut from a few years ago. Where DR1 innovated by offering more varied units and an excellent futuristic storyline, DR2 proves that even spruced up 3D graphics and a 3/4 viewing angle won't be enough to save the aging RTS genre.

While just about every RTS developer except Westwood has jumped on the 3D bandwagon, Dark Reign 2 is the first game to deliver true 3D graphics. (Note: Don't be fooled by the recently released Ground Control, which is an action combat game). Despite the fact that the graphics are richly detailed and fluid, the game still suffers from pathfinding and AI problems, repetitive mine/build/attack gameplay, an underdeveloped storyline, and several other typical RTS bugaboos.

Pathfinding is one of the biggest problems. In some RTS games, bad pathfinding means you will have to constantly re-direct your units around terrain and other objects because they can't figure out how to do it themselves. In DR2, there is often no visual indication of whether a unit can climb a hill or get around another object. So, you will be constantly re-directing units that get stuck or confused and, at the same time, trying to figure out where they can and can't go on the map.

This is not really a problem on the less mountainous maps. Still, you'll never be able to just click anywhere on the map and know that your units will eventually get there. While it may seem like a minor irritant, this one fact alone almost made me want to uninstall the game.

AI in most RTS games is pretty bad, but in DR2 it's almost non-existent. Scripted events trigger enemies that seem to appear out of thin air. Most units will just stand in place, firing mindlessly at you but never retreating or even moving for a better shot. More often than not, the gameplay in DR2 is a simple matter of figuring out which units are most susceptible to a certain kind of attack (e.g., flying units like the Enforcer can take out most infantry units).

The 3D graphics also do nothing to hide the repetition. Yes, some missions feature specific objectives like "find the holy shrine and steal the artifact." Before long, you'll be right back into the mine/build/attack mode where the only real challenge is how quickly you can ascend the tech tree for better units, heal wounded units and rotate stronger units to the front line, and still manage to keep your income at a high level.

The storyline in DR2 lacks the depth from the original game. Missions are introduced by nothing more than a static screen with voiceovers. The in-game engine is used to move the camera around and explain what some of the objectives are. For example, early in the game you'll need to destroy a transport ship. So, the camera swings around on the map and shows you the ship. Not very impressive, especially compared to the cutscenes Blizzard is planning for the upcoming Warcraft III.

DR2 hides most of these flaws behind a beautifully rendered veneer. Many of the lush graphics reminded me of the first-person shooter Unreal, especially the tropical islands and waterfalls. DR2 seems to even use the same greenish palette.

Obviously, DR2 is not without its good points. One saving grace is the instant action mode, which allows you to start with so much income that you don't ever have to worry about mining. The instant action maps are varied and interesting.

Unit queuing is another strength, especially since you can queue as many units as you want (the most I ever queued was 50). This means you won't have to worry as much about under-producing your units and can focus on attacking and finding resources.

Still, I did expect more innovation. At least ST: Armada had special weapons, but DR2 not only has too few units, but the ones it has only do one thing. There are also some glaring omissions from DR2, not the least of which is not having a way to control game speed.

Gameplay = 4

Once you get used to the new graphics and viewing angle, you'll find that DR2 plays the same as every other RTS game on the market. There are some innovations, but not as many as Star Trek: Armada (which itself was not terribly innovative).

Graphics = 8

DR2 scores the most points for graphics, mostly because it is the first true 3D RTS game. Rolling hills, waterfalls, futuristic landscapes, blinking neon signs: they all add to the immersive nature of the game. Initially, this was enough to hold my attention. I enjoyed watching the massive explosions and weapons fire. Some graphics are better than others, though: exploding buildings are the least impressive.

Sound = 6

Explosions and other sound effects in DR2 are okay, but never incredible. Most of the sounds seem to borrow from Command and Conquer, especially the "yes sirs" when you move units. Some RTS games actually include complete soundtracks, but there is nothing like that here.

Difficulty = 7

DR2 is a difficult game at times, even on the easy setting. The first few missions are more like training exercises, but unless you take the time to figure out the various strengths and weaknesses of the units, you won't get farther than chapter five. Still, none of the units are all that complex. PSITechs are the healers, and you will have to learn just how close they need to be to your units and buildings in order to be effective. Some flying units are immune to attack from some ground forces, and vice versa - so this is one game aspect that will require some learning on your part. There are fewer units overall than most RTS games, so that fact alone means the game is easier to master.

Concept = 8

Being the first always gets you some rewards. DR2 is the first true 3D RTS game, and one of its greatest strength is camera movement. You can position the camera just about anywhere, and at varying heights. The zoom mode is practically worthless, though.

Multiplayer = 7

Activision released a beta version of the DR2 multiplayer component. It quickly became a big hit, partly because it was free and partly because the game is fun to play initially. Once you figure out all the units and strategies, DR2 multiplayer does get old quickly. Some game modes, such as bloodbath (destroy 50 enemies before anyone else) and gluttony (harvest more resources), are innovative and will keep you playing longer.

Overall = 6

Dark Reign 2 puts a glossy face on a tired genre, which is not at all what I was expecting. Lack of game speed control, poor pathfinding and AI, and other problems put Dark Reign 2 at the lower end of the scale for RTS games.

Installation

No problems.

Buy the Game?

For RTS fans curious about the new 3D graphics and viewing perspective, DR2 is a must-have since it is the first of its kind. If you're at all interested in innovation and gameplay and are as bored with the harvest/build/attack repetition as I am, then you will be disappointed if you buy this game.