I know a few people enjoyed that '20 PSP games you'll love' list I did awhile ago, but instead of rehashing it every month or two, instead I figured I'd post giant previews of some of the promising games upcoming for the system. These 'Mega Previews' () will be made up of bits and pieces of previews from IGN, Gamespot, Gamespy and 1UP. Volume 1 go!
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Field Commander
Developer: Sony Online Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Online Entertainment
Genre: Military Strategy (Turn-based)
Projected Release: February 27, 2006
Official Site: http://fieldcommander.station.sony.com/
Feature List:
-Turn-based, grid system utilizing three-planes (air, land, sea)
-15 different unit types plus 11 specialized 'Commander' units
-30+ story-driven missions in single-player
-15 unique 'unit divisions' in singleplayer to choose from
-Fully 3D maps with topography greatly affecting gameplay
-Capturable enemy structures that can be used as weapons
-4-player Ad-hoc and Infrastructure multiplayer
-2-player/1 PSP and 'Play-by-email' multiplayer
-Fully featured map/mission creator
-Player-made maps can be uploaded to SOE's website for others to download for free
Choice quotes from online previews:
Gamespot: "The game works on a three-plane system, and these three planes are described as underwater, surface, and air. In other words, it's possible to have a submarine, battleship, and bomber all occupying the same position, one above the other. The units we saw fall into established categories, from infantry to tanks, artillery to aircraft. You'll be able to choose between 15 different "divisions," each of which specializes in certain unit types, so you'll be able to tailor your unit strategy to both the specifics of the map and your opponent."
IGN: "Since developers wanted to steer clear of realism, these units have only a passing resemblance to their real-world counterparts. Obviously, tanks look like tanks and helicopters look like helicopters, but each looks somewhat cartoon-like in its design. As far as unit variety goes, we saw planes, helicopters, tanks, attack boats, cruisers, anti-aircraft vehicles and a variety of other land, sea and air units."
Gamespy: "Since this is a 3D game, there is no cutaway between the overhead map and the battle sequences. The camera simply zooms in on the action, making the game flow rather nicely."
Gamespot: "The core gameplay in Field Commander is classic turn-based strategy. You move your units around a grid-based map, and when one of them is within attack range of an enemy unit, battle is joined, with each side suffering the appropriate damage based on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two combatants. Field Commander's maps are fully 3D, with variable topography, so there will be tactical advantages in moving your units to higher or lower ground as situations dictate."
Screenshots:
My thoughts:
I've grown a tad disinterested with the Advance Wars franchise lately, possibly due to its stagnation since the first incredible GBA entry. It's still an excellent series however, as is the new DS offering, but it needs a little bit more, oomph, if you will. Field Commander looks to provide that boost of freshness. It takes the classic AW gameplay, runs with it and adds a shitton of content that eclipses even AWDS when it comes to depth and features. More units, full 3D, huge story-driven singleplayer and an absolute mass of multiplayer options.
The AW-style three-plane system and the traditional 'destroy the other side' gameplay along with the added unit types, greater strategy and capturable structures (that can be used as weapons) all wrapped up in a gorgeous 3D shell is something I could really see myself getting into, and as such this is one of my most anticipated PSP titles.
The added mission/map creator also has some serious potential, and with the added infrastructure mode may make this one of the best multiplayer handheld games of next year. Not much is left but to wait, as numerous journalists have confirmed solid A.I, worthy map design and a ton of unit strategy in Field Commander, which is all that is needed to make a great entry in this genre.
Definitely one to watch for, as this could very well become one of the premier handheld military strategy games.
-----------------------------
Field Commander
Developer: Sony Online Entertainment
Publisher: Sony Online Entertainment
Genre: Military Strategy (Turn-based)
Projected Release: February 27, 2006
Official Site: http://fieldcommander.station.sony.com/
Feature List:
-Turn-based, grid system utilizing three-planes (air, land, sea)
-15 different unit types plus 11 specialized 'Commander' units
-30+ story-driven missions in single-player
-15 unique 'unit divisions' in singleplayer to choose from
-Fully 3D maps with topography greatly affecting gameplay
-Capturable enemy structures that can be used as weapons
-4-player Ad-hoc and Infrastructure multiplayer
-2-player/1 PSP and 'Play-by-email' multiplayer
-Fully featured map/mission creator
-Player-made maps can be uploaded to SOE's website for others to download for free
Choice quotes from online previews:
Gamespot: "The game works on a three-plane system, and these three planes are described as underwater, surface, and air. In other words, it's possible to have a submarine, battleship, and bomber all occupying the same position, one above the other. The units we saw fall into established categories, from infantry to tanks, artillery to aircraft. You'll be able to choose between 15 different "divisions," each of which specializes in certain unit types, so you'll be able to tailor your unit strategy to both the specifics of the map and your opponent."
IGN: "Since developers wanted to steer clear of realism, these units have only a passing resemblance to their real-world counterparts. Obviously, tanks look like tanks and helicopters look like helicopters, but each looks somewhat cartoon-like in its design. As far as unit variety goes, we saw planes, helicopters, tanks, attack boats, cruisers, anti-aircraft vehicles and a variety of other land, sea and air units."
Gamespy: "Since this is a 3D game, there is no cutaway between the overhead map and the battle sequences. The camera simply zooms in on the action, making the game flow rather nicely."
Gamespot: "The core gameplay in Field Commander is classic turn-based strategy. You move your units around a grid-based map, and when one of them is within attack range of an enemy unit, battle is joined, with each side suffering the appropriate damage based on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two combatants. Field Commander's maps are fully 3D, with variable topography, so there will be tactical advantages in moving your units to higher or lower ground as situations dictate."
Screenshots:
My thoughts:
I've grown a tad disinterested with the Advance Wars franchise lately, possibly due to its stagnation since the first incredible GBA entry. It's still an excellent series however, as is the new DS offering, but it needs a little bit more, oomph, if you will. Field Commander looks to provide that boost of freshness. It takes the classic AW gameplay, runs with it and adds a shitton of content that eclipses even AWDS when it comes to depth and features. More units, full 3D, huge story-driven singleplayer and an absolute mass of multiplayer options.
The AW-style three-plane system and the traditional 'destroy the other side' gameplay along with the added unit types, greater strategy and capturable structures (that can be used as weapons) all wrapped up in a gorgeous 3D shell is something I could really see myself getting into, and as such this is one of my most anticipated PSP titles.
The added mission/map creator also has some serious potential, and with the added infrastructure mode may make this one of the best multiplayer handheld games of next year. Not much is left but to wait, as numerous journalists have confirmed solid A.I, worthy map design and a ton of unit strategy in Field Commander, which is all that is needed to make a great entry in this genre.
Definitely one to watch for, as this could very well become one of the premier handheld military strategy games.
!!
