Space Combat Heats up in Dark Horizon

September 22, 2008

Space Combat Heats up in Dark
Horizon

Temperature-Based Combat System
Gives Pilots Two Specialized Battle Modes in Upcoming Sci-Fi Action Game

Paradox Interactive today revealed
more details about the advanced combat system in Dark Horizon, the upcoming
space action simulator for the PC.

Set in the dark and beautiful galaxy
of Enosta, Dark Horizon casts players as Guardians, the mysterious yet skilled
fighters charged with saving the galaxy by overcoming the all-consuming spectral
force known as the Mirk.

In addition to the game’s multitude
of ship customization options, Dark Horizon also features two specialized combat
modes for the game’s 22 missions: shadow mode and corter mode. Several of the
game’s missions will call upon players to use one or both of these modes in
addition to the game’s standard flight mode.

“As we were thinking about gameplay
mechanics during development, we decided a realistic element of combat that
would be significant for Guardian fleet fighters would be the temperature of the
ship,” said Timur Lazarenko, Lead Programmer on Dark Horizon.

“By controlling the temperature of
his ship, the player can send his ship into one of two specialized combat modes.
Making the ship’s engine temperatures drop will send the player into shadow
mode, in which he can become invisible and stealth past enemy lines. When the
player heats the ship’s engine, he can then enter corter mode, which allows him
to significantly upgrade his weapon system in exchange for a shield penalty.”

Dark Horizon will be available for
purchase in stores and for digital download at GamersGate. The game is set to
ship on September 23rd in North America and September 26th in Europe.