CyberStrike 2

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Review: CyberStrike 2

While the original was online-only, CyberStrike 2 features a complete and well-conceived single-player component. The game takes place on the planet Syren, where rival clans vie for control of the planet's resources. Players sign on with one of two clans (the spit-and-polish Terran Alliance or the "Hallelujah, brother!" Disciples of Apocalypse) and take part in more than 20 linear missions for their side. All told, the game offers 50 single-player missions, plus a quick-combat skirmish mode for added replayability.

Gameplay is straightforward: you pilot your Cyberpod around a series of beautifully rendered battlefields taking out everything that moves. A key component to the game is the availability of power for your pods, which is provided by energy towers. Using these towers (which are delivered via air drop in fine Uprising fashion), you must construct a sizable power grid for yourself while depriving your enemy of his.

The game controls are decent, though I missed having a strafe or sidestep movement. Also, nearly all combat takes place at extreme close range, which can lead to confusion and causes numerous maneuvering difficulties.

Like any good mech game, CyberStrike 2 includes a salvage component which is both generous and elegant: There seems to be no shortage of scrap on the battlefield, and the salvage and loadout interface is nicely streamlined and easy to use. Between missions, you can sell your salvage to buy better equipment or simply use it to upgrade your 'pod.

Of course, winning the missions is no easy task. On the default difficulty level, the AI in CyberStrike 2 can be pretty tough to beat, even in the early missions. Enemy pods will attempt to encircle your craft, pounding away with plasma cannons until you go boom. The difficulty setting is customizable, however, and the easier levels are far more forgiving.

Multiplayer support is stable and quite speedy, but it's only available through Simutronics' servers (no modem, serial, LAN, or generic TCP/IP support here). Also, you have to pay extra to appreciate it at its fullest-$9.95 per month for complete access to the game's online features (all of the game's 60 pod-upgrade modules, all 16 maps, and persistent player rankings). A "shareware" online mode is available for free and provides access to 10 upgrade modules and six battle maps.

Graphically, CyberStrike 2 is stunning. True, many of the 3D models are angular and probably won't look too hot next to Heavy Gear II. But with a 3Dfx Voodoo II card, this game provides a fast-moving, spectacular visual experience. Weapons effects and explosions are especially impressive, as are the slick energy towers (which look good just standing still). RIVA 128ZX and ATI Xpert@Play image quality is only a bit less impressive. Finally, the music, sound effects, and speech are all extremely well done.

Simply put, we're talking about a very solid mech game here. I wasn't impressed by the monthly charge for online play and the lack of player-managed multiplay options, but the overall gameplay is very good, and the single-player component provides tremendous value.-- Mike Ryan / GamePro