 | | |
| Star Wars: Empire at War Collector's Edition | 
 enlarge | From: Lucas Arts Entertainment Co. LLC
Category: Video Games
List Price: $59.99
Buy New: $29.99
You Save: $30.00 (50%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $15.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  (6 reviews)
Sales Rank: 12388
Format: Cd-rom
Platforms: Windows Xp, Windows 2000
ESRB: Teen
Media: CD-ROM
Edition: Collector's
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Age: 12 - 20 years
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 0.1 x 0.1 x 0
MPN: 85420
Model: 2186094
UPC: 023272854201
EAN: 0023272854201
ASIN: B000E3FNS2
Release Date: February 16, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 6-6 of 6 | | « PREV | | |
Meets expectations with a few reservations February 17, 2006
44 out of 46 found this review helpful
This game has long been anticipated by Star Wars fans all over the world. "Finally, a Star Wars strategy game that makes us more in control of the myriad of options that could be explored in the Star Wars universe."
Controlling both the land and space (or one of both) of given planets is really the core of the game. You build space fleets and land units to withstand the enemy's (may it be the rebellion or the Empire) attacks. You will find that spending a lot of time on the main screen is a necessity. The main screen being aligned planets, some of which you own, some of which are enemy-controlled, and some are unexplored/uninhabited. Here is where you have control of the building process, unit production,etc. Economically, the more planets you control, the more credits you earn (by building mines, etc. on the surface of the planet). Upgrades for units, weapons is also a fundamental aspect of the game. Rebels send spies (for the most part, our fellows R2-D2 and C-3PO) to steal technology from the Empire to upgrade the tech tree (always for a fee though), while the Empire builds research facilities to conduct research and upgrades technology. The game, you will find (for strategy games gamers), is reminiscent of Rome:total war which remains an excellent standard of strategy games.
I have only started playing EOW for a couple of days, but it doesn't take long for acquaintance. If you feel bombarded with a great deal of facets you think you need to remember to stay ahead in the game or grounds you need to cover (what certain upgrades do, best ways to defend, attack, unit strengths and weaknesses), do not be alarmed. The tutorial in the beginning is really helpful; and in-game info is also useful.
The music, another fundamental aspect for a successful game, will delight the fans. Music from the 6 movies is sporadically included.
But here is where I found the game lacking. For someone who has diligently experienced previous Star Wars games on more than one console, I am confident (and i am sure a lot of people out there will agree), that there is no flawless Star Wars games. The developers of whichever game have to screw it up one way or the other, whether it be in in-game malfunctions, to bugs, indifferent attention to detail, etc. This game is no different, for a very obvious reason. While the space fighting is entertaining, given the difficulty in envisioning a perfect space fight, the land fighting (taking place on planet surfaces) is NOT exciting. Let me explain. First of all, the building process, as i have said earlier, is different than other strategy games. You do NOT build on ground like, for example, Command and Conquer, but build by clicking on a planet on the main screen (aforementioned). Once you're on the ground for a battle, you are stuck with what you have already built. This may prove logical to some, while anathema to others. I personally like the idea. The only things you will be allowed to build are turrets, or healing facilities on "build pads". But what is unacceptable is this: you are not allowed to produce units while on the ground. You are stuck with what you have already produced on the main screen. (or if you are the invading party, the reinforcements you have already assigned for a given planet [sounds complicated now, but really, very easily explained in the turorial]). A few sporadic units come out from the barracks, but you cannot control their quantity. This, obviously is a bad idea. You may end up losing the whole planet (the battlefield landscape is very small considering the fact that the whole planet is at stake if you lose that one area, another nuisance) with no production options to assist you. Again, this factor may appeal to some.
Now for the excitement level which i have scrutinized earlier. The fighting itself is not fun. The units move slugglishly at times (not as a result of computer specs), and the view itself -while alterable- is not entertaining. The fire-exchange is not of any challenge. It is hard to explain why i didn't like the fighting itself, but i am sure other reviewers will comment on the same thing. However, it is fair to note, that this deficiency is well compensated by the whole atmosphere players are drawn to.
The mere fact that you are controlling a whole universe, needless to say, a STAR WARS UNIVERSE will always remain a compelling factor in deciding to buy this game. My only disappointment lies in the playability of battles. I play strategy games more than any other genre, so I am picky when it comes to (1) the world in which you are playing; buildings, upgrades, graphics (which is excellent in this game), financial aspects, ease of controlling the fundamentals for you to focus and worry on the fighting itself,etc , (2) the storyline; what is the ultimate goal of the game? what is compelling you to waste endless hours of playing? and (3) the playability factor, reaching excellence in Rome: total war (although you're controlling hundreds, and sometimes thousands of troops) , Warcraft 3 (even if sometimes it gets sloppy when full armies on two sides are fighting at the same time, no time to work magic,etc) , Command and Conquer generals ,and Lord of the Rings: The battle for middle earth (awaiting the 2nd installment).
I recommend every Star Wars fan, but more importantly, every strategy games fan to give this one a shot. Overall, this is a very entertaining game, as you take control of the star wars saga. Disappointments are inevitable. But such is the case in every other game. There is no perfect game... yet.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy.
|
|
|
Powered by Associate-O-Matic
| | |
