Developer: Codo Games
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Genre: Isometric Tactical Simulation
Platform: GBA
Publisher: Namco
Release Date: 9/6/2005
What is Rebelstar: Tactical Command?
Rebelstar: Tactical Command is an isometric squad based strategy game in which you are trying to free the Earth from alien occupation forces. This game feels more like a proof of concept than a full title, and although it is fun and shows a lot of potential, I feel like it comes up a little short.
What does this game do well?
What impresses me about this game is that they managed to basically package X-COM UFO Defense onto a handheld system. Unlike Final Fantasy Tactics Advance or Tactics Ogre: Knight of Lodis, this game has an actual physics engine for throwing grenades and calculating bullet trajectories. And although the terrain is always flat, there are objects such as sandbags, oil drums, and trees that can block your line of sight and also be destroyed.
You get a small team of commandos each with unique talents that will form your squad. You get a sniper character, a heavy weapons guy, a medic, a sneaky melee type guy and several other units and you can pick and choose which ones to take into combat. As they level up, you can spend points specializing in the field they’re already good at, or diversifying their talents. As you progress through the missions you get access to better and better equipment, and eventually go from fighting on the streets to assaulting alien bases. The game spans over 20 missions and lasts about 16 hours.
What could this game have done better?
The missions are well designed and fun, but the problem is that I played this game in 1993. X-COM had base building and research and a campaign map in addition to the excellent combat engine. While this game is entertaining, I can’t help but feel this was just a taste of what might be possible in the future, perhaps on the DS.
Should I buy this game?
I feel bad writing a so-so review because I know the people that designed this game. I’ve played just about everything they’ve developed, even Magic and Mayhem. Codo Technologies is capable of designing phenomenal games, like X-COM UFO Defense and Laser Squad Nemesis. But if you’re a hardcore fan like I am, you too will be slightly disappointed with Rebelstar: Tactical Command. It is a good game, but personally I was hoping for a little more than just 16 hours of mission based combat. I’m really hoping that this is just a taste for what is possible for the next generation of handhelds.
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