Publisher: Vivendi Universal
Ages: ten & up
Parental
Advisory:
Ship violence
For all-out intergalactic warfare, Sierra's Nexus: The Jupiter Incident offers a fun tactical, starship combat game. Those who enjoy strategy games can have a blast with this one.
At the dawn of the 22nd century, it seems that ambitious mega-corporations are monopolizing the colonization of the solar system. As Captain Marcus Cromwell, players find themselves in the middle of a conflict that could destroy the balance of the universe. As a result, players command capital-class ships in tactics and combat, as well as encounter alien species, explore unknown solar systems and discover other space phenomena.
The game features spectacular real-time battles and strong controls so players can effectively command some 40 different ships, as well as 80 weapons and other devices. Players only have to select a ship, provide a command and then point to a target. The interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Missions are varied and fun. Unlike other strategy games that focus on building a stream of resources and strengthening fleets, the title lets players jump directly into the action fray. There's also lots of customization options for fleets. A plus, there's fun multi-player options via the Internet and local area network with varied and entertaining missions and modes
The graphics are superb and do a great job of creating an expansive, fully 3D universe and rendering convincing ships. There's a flexible star map system that features planet movements that are based on those of real physics. Overall, the graphics are almost movie-like in their detail.
The game features violent spaceship combat, but it's not the personal, in your face action of a shooter. There are also somewhat mature themes and language, but perhaps nothing more than what one finds in a PG-13 movie.
We found Nexus: The Jupiter Incident to be a pleasant surprise. To date, it's the best tactical space combat game we've seen and played. And because of the strategy element, with a few reservations on content, it's a game that we highly recommend.
3/17/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
