UFO: Aftermath: Second X-COMing Company: Tri Synergy Even though I'm primarily a console gamer these days, I spent much of the early 90s as a PC gamer. I still remember spending hours huddled up in front of my PC playing Warcraft, X-Wing and Doom. However, when I think back, the one game that defined my playing habits more than any other would have to be X-COM: UFO Defense. Though it wasn't the most original game story-wise, the tactical gameplay experience it offered was truly unique. As squad leader, it was your duty to lead a small group of soldiers through the ruins of a destroyed planet and take out aliens. As your mission progressed, you could acquire pieces of alien tech and use them to upgrade your army's capabilities. Even though it may sound passe' by today's standards, X-COM: UFO Defense managed to provide an experience that has yet to be captured by any other game in the genre -- even by its own sequels. After a turbulent development, Altar Interactive is looking to give fans of X-COM exactly what they've been after with the release of UFO: Aftermath. I recently had the chance to spend some time with an early release of the game, and all of a sudden it's 1994 all over again. UFO: Aftermath takes place shortly after Earth's first contact with aliens. Not content to simply terrorizing the residents of various trailer parks, the aliens set their sights on conquering Earth. In the aftermath of the battle, a new threat -- known only as 'the biomass' was born. This bizarre, alien growth's only purpose is to grow until it completely covers the planet. To counter this threat, you must build anti-biomass facilities at various hotspots around the globe. However, you can only build a limited number of these facilities, which requires you to build weapons to help clear out these areas, which you must then protect. As you build more facilities, you'll have the opportunity to increase your military might by researching new weapons and technologies. The game opens with a global view of your measly two bases and limited troop support. One of the more unique aspects of UFO: Aftermath is that it runs through a semi-real time day/night cycle. This adds an interesting mechanic to the game's layout since you really are racing to stop the biomass from spreading (rather than having the story dictate what happens). A ticker window outlines major events, such as battles and biomass growth, as well as telling you when new troops are available for deployment. Troop research and deployment is one of the more important aspects of the game. Similar to X-COM, you can recruit up to seven soldiers to form your assault squad. Each of these soldiers has different skill sets, all of which will be vital to your mission. You will also have the ability to equip them with weapons, both conventional and alien. Technology upgrades also play a big role in the game. As you research new tech, new levels will unlock -- giving you access to better stuff. One such tech is 'UFO Entering', which allows you to break into landed spacecraft and scavenge their equipment for your personal use. Eventually you'll even be able to combine tech to create powerful hybrid technologies. Research and development is easy. Once you meet the requirements, you simply click the research button and wait. The squad-based dynamic is very easy to use and crucial to your success in the game. After deploying your team, you move to an RTS style layout that allows you to move your team either as a group, or by themselves. The game also offers the ability to pause the action at anytime, allowing you to assess the situation and queue orders. Depending on your team's skills, they'll be able to spot hidden aliens, which engages the combat mode. Once engaged, you can order your squad to attack with their equipped weapons, as well as use items like grenades and first-aid kits. You can also use the area's terrain as cover, or to gain the upper ground. So far, UFO: Aftermath is shaping up to be a great title -- especially for fans of the X-COM series. Provided that things stay on track, Altar could be on the verge of something big. Thankfully, September is only a short time away. -Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker Related Links: Tri Synergy - Official Site Cenega - Official Site National UFO Reporting Center X-Com @ MobyGames.com