Universal Combat: A World Apart – PC – Review

There seems
to be a dearth of space exploration vehicles (pun intended) in the video-game
world. And those that are released are battling against titles that have taken
graphics to a new level – like X-3.

3000 AD is
behind Universal Combat: A World Apart, a title that sounds like it could be a
very action-oriented game – and if you hit the Action tab on the somewhat
confusing main menu page, it initially looks like the title has shooter elements
– but is rather far from it. This is a simulation, a combat command simulation
that takes place in outer space.

And if you
think that the main menu page is confusing, just try to jump into the game
without reading the manual – which is 96 pages long, including credits and such.

The preface
to the game’s title is “A Derek Smart Simulation” and it takes the word
simulation very seriously – in that this is a sim of combat command aboard a
battlecruiser in space. You are the commander and in charge of giving the
orders, utilizing the HUD and a somewhat easy-to-navigate point-and-click mouse
system. But that is just part of it. The game also has a three-page quick
reference insert that will outline the multiplayer aspects, how to exit the
craft and go into first-person mode (for some of that shooter stuff). The game
is also configured to work with a joystick.

So, what is
the point of the game? There are three main modes of play – Roam, ACM (Advanced
Campaign Mode) and Instant Action. In campaign mode, you are given orders and
essentially you get the job done using all the tools at your beck and call. Now,
the big distinction between this game and, say,  X-3 is that with Universal
Combat, you are the commander of a battlecruiser that has fighter attachments.
You don’t actually pilot like you are in a solo fighter craft, but rather issue
orders. You start off with the standard patrol and escort missions and the
difficulty ramps up from there. Ok, so you are thinking, what is the joy of that
– patrolling? Just fly from one sector to the other. Well, the game has more
depth than that. You don’t just fly (rather, command the ship to fly) from point
A to point B. You actually have to scan traffic for smugglers and intercept
illegal cargoes.

What the
game lacks in ease of play it compensates for in an attempt at realism. You have
to manage your crew and your supplies (like fuel) and make decisions each step
of the way that take those elements into consideration. You can’t just engage
the hyperdrive everywhere you go; otherwise you will be out of fuel and floating
in space.

There are a
number of different vessels available and this title offers up a couple of new
campaigns to the previous incarnation of the series.

The controls
are, like everything else initially, confusing. You have to take time to learn
the game’s scheme. Both the audio and visual elements are solid but when
compared to other recent space-based games, they are not quite up to that
standard. Still, they are well done.

And just when
you think you have a handful to learn on the ship, exit and go into first-person
shooter mode, of sorts. The game continues the realistic feel even there. You
can mis-target and shoot your own squad members. The graphics in this aspect of
the game are, again, solid, but not quite on par with other, higher profile
games.

Players who
leap into this game with the idea that they will be flying through the early
missions or even multiplayer will be sorely disappointed. This is definitely a
game that requires time to get comfortable at, and once you begin to wear the
mantle of command with confidence, you will see the depth of the game. Looking
for a jump in and play quickly experience? Look elsewhere. Looking for a game
that is intellectually challenging and requires a little multi-tasking? Well,
then this may fit that bill.

Review Scoring Details for Universal Combat: A World Apart

Gameplay:
6.8
The load times
are fairly insignificant, but the game did have a few crashes, and there is a
hefty learning curve. The controls are not exactly intuitive.

Graphics:
7.0
The game received
was Version 1.0 and this had some graphical glitches, including crashes wherein
the game was running but the screen was black. And yes, all graphical and audio
drivers were up to date and the current versions of DirectX were installed.
Aside from that, the graphics were fairly good, though they cannot compare to
other PC-based space titles.

Sound:
6.8
Solid, but what
one would expect.

Difficulty: Hard
This is not a
game to be entered into lightly. It has a steep learning curve and while the
challenges get increasing more difficult, you are prepared for them IF you play
through the scenarios and learn the lessons they teach.

Concept:
7.2
Hats off on this
one for the depth of play, even at the most rudimentary levels.

Multiplayer: 7.0
Co-op play and
Internet play is featured here. You had better know what you are doing before
you get into a multiplayer game, though. Fumbling with controls only leads to
quick deaths and frustration.

Overall:
6.8
This is a game
built for a niche crowd. You are not piloting that fighter, making it a personal
one-on-one battle, but rather controlling a massive ship that has a crew that
follows the orders you give from the command center. With a steep learning
curve, a manual that is not only necessary but assumes players have some sort of
prior experience and so does not talk down to them, this is a game that is deep.
Solid graphics and audio support the concept. Gamers considering this title
should know they are in for an experience that will take in-game time before
that command chair begins to feel comfortable.