Bless you, Xbox
Live and your open Marketplace filled with downloadable goodies that range from
extra maps for your favorite first-person shooter, original Xbox titles and an
Arcade section filled with various games. The Xbox Live Arcade section not only
contains coin-op classics but also some original games designed specifically for
Xbox Live. Commanders: Attack of the Genos is one of those original
downloadable games and while its style is very familiar, this tactical strategy
game won’t fail to show you a good time on this intelligent battlefield.
The very second
you start playing Commanders; you won’t be able to help but think of the
Advanced Wars games. Played as a turn-based strategy game with a wartime
theme, Commanders pits two sides against each another in a playing map.
The game comes complete with a single-player Campaign mode (complete with a
single battle mode as well as a mode that allows you to play missions with
different options) and a multiplayer option. It’s quite a juicy package, all
right, and all this could be yours for 800 Marketplace Points (roughly $10).
Believe me when I say it’s well worth the points.
The game’s solo
Campaign mode offers 15 missions in total and they each revolve around the
major conflict between the Federation and a conflicted group of super humans
known as the Genos. You see, in an alternate 1924, these super beings were
created to serve in the military but soon the Genos grew tired of being treated
like second-class citizens and genetic freaks and an uprising began against the
Federation. The game follows a Federation Commander named Alec Falcon as he
leads his troops against the Genos army led by an enemy Commander named Striker
Alden. It isn’t until Alden decides to unleash his plan to take over key
Federation installations that the Federation recognizes a new kind of Genos
threat.
The 15
missions in Campaign mode comes complete with various mission objectives that
range from capturing an enemy factory to getting through a mission with only one
infantry unit left. Thankfully, the game includes a Training mode that acts like
the game’s tutorial because – while there are familiar gameplay essentials from
past tactical strategy games – the game can get a bit complex in certain areas.
Aside from the fact that you’ll be moving various types of vehicular units and
learning how each vehicle moves differently on the map, you’ll have make
tactical decisions that will affect the outcome of each mission.
As a turn-based
strategy game, though, you’ll seriously be rethinking each move since at the end
of your turn the enemy begins to make their own strategic moves. As I mentioned
above, each unit type moves different. When you move a unit, you’ll see that
sections of the map turn into a grid indicating each possible position. Your
unit consists of everything from light vehicles (small scouts and light tanks)
to heavy vehicles (monstrous mechs and heavy tanks). You’ll have light Infantry
mechs that can even be placed in transport vehicles to move them all at once.
Each map has key
locations such as enemy factories and stronghold that if you’re able to take
them from the enemy will generate money and reinforcement. Factories will build
more units to help aid you clearing enemies from the map. The enemy AI is
actually quite good at attempting to counter your every move while taking
advantage of your mistakes during your turn. Battles begin by moving the
reticule over your opponent and, depending on your unit type; your firepower can
take out your enemy or badly injure them.
Aside from the
fact that the game can be played using a standard and advanced difficulty mode,
you’re able to play a single battle using any of the available Commanders at
your disposal. You can also play the game with up to four players offline but
the real reason you’ll still play this game is the fact that you can play online
via Xbox Live.
Visually, the
environments aren’t filled with incredible details nor are they wonderfully
colorful. This is fine seeing as the game’s graphics aren’t bad either and the
vehicles (which come in blue or red depending on your side) look good. There are
no animated cut scenes (all dialogue is handled via text) but there are some
decent 2D character designs. The sound effects are nothing to write home about
and while the soundtrack starts off well it gets really old and annoying rather
quickly.
Commanders:
Attack of the Genos
is a clever and addictively challenging game and just a great
example that the Xbox Live marketplace is home to fun and challenging titles.
Strategy gaming enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the nicely designed maps and
situations that make this turn-based war game a treat to play. While it’s not
entirely original, there’s still much fun to be had in this one so do yourself a
favor and check it out in the Xbox Live Arcade.
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Gameplay: 8.0
The turn-based
tactical maneuvering of your squad is entirely up to you and moving along the
grid requires you think your every move thanks to the solid enemy AI. There are
various different vehicles to use and missions in Campaign mode offers a number
of challenging objectives.
Graphics: 7.0
The game’s
graphics are sharp but there’s not much in terms of environmental details. The
vehicles look decent and the only real color scheme comes in blues and reds. At
least the explosions really stand out.
Sound: 5.0
The game
features no voices and the music starts off decent enough but soon gets very
annoying. The only sound effects you’ll hear are explosions and gunfire.
Difficulty:
Medium/Hard
The opponent
AI is sharp as a tack and is good at coming up with ways of trying to counter
your every move on the grid. You will find yourself really rethinking each and
every move in this game and how to manage your light armor on the field.
Concept: 8.0
The solo
portion of the game is actually quite meaty so there’s a lot to enjoy on your
own. The missions are wonderfully designed and there’s a lot to the game’s
tactical decisions. The maps are wonderfully designed so expect to be
challenged. You can also enjoy single battles as well as play a multiplayer
match online.
Multiplayer:
8.5
Up to four
players can take each another on offline or online via Xbox Live. Either way,
you’re in for a real treat since the game excels at making the turn-based action
really enjoyable. Online, the game runs smoothly so must really play this one
with other gamers.
Overall: 8.0
Challenging
and delightfully addictive, Commanders: Attack of the Genos is a
genuinely enjoyable Xbox 360 game well worth downloading. Fans of the strategy
gaming genre will find tactical challenges aplenty as both a single-player and
multiplayer offering so there’s a lot to love about this title. Really, do
yourself a favor, strategy gaming fans, and head over to the Xbox Live Arcade
and download this likeable gem.
