Original War

"A true RTS / RPG hybrid"

It seems the latest thing in game developer world is the RTS / RPG hybrid. So far these games have consisted of RTS's with a few RPG elements stacked on like unit stats and NPCs.

Original War has intelligently taken elements from both genres to create a game which is actually realistic. I honestly can't decide if this game is RTS or RPG... or maybe I shouldn't be so hung up on labels!

The plot is as cheesy as ever. to cut a long story short...
You (the Americans) have travelled back in time to steal the valuable moneral Siberite from Siberia and bring it to the good old USA for safe keeping for the future. The Russians, as well as some Arab terrorist dudes, have caught wind of this and have also jumped back in time to stop you. I won't bother explaining how time travel is made possible... except to say more cheese.

The basic elements of the game are:

In each mission you are given a set number of soldiers, you cannot magically create men at the barracks. Reinforcements may be available. In each mission you have 10-20 soldiers.

Soldiers gain experience levels in soldiering, science, engineering and mechanical. Each soldier is issued with a primary duty (which can be changed), and how well he performs that duty depends on his skill level in that field.

Engineers can build buidlings, and others can chip in too. Buildings must be manned to operate. Buildings include research labs, armouries, vehicle factories and weapon enplacements.

Vehicles are produced at the vehicle factory, and must be driven by one of your soldiers. How well he handles the vehicle depends on his mechanical skill.

Resource gathering takes the form of crates which are sent from the future and must be picked up by engineers or trained cavemen.

You can pause the game at any time to issue orders. The addition of this simple function changes the game so much. It allows you to get to the same level of detail as Baldur's Gate, for example, when issuing orders. A pause function makes the game a lot more realistic because in real life all ten men would make separate decisions and act at the same time. This is impossible to simulate in a game without pausing time.

The general mechanics of the game are RTS - resource gathering, constructing buildings and vehicles, gaining new techs through research. But instead of hundreds of faceless soldiers, you must manage all of this with only a dozen or so precious soldiers - soldiers you will get attached to as you watch their stats rise and listen to their outrageously corny dialogue.

A very original game that makes for a unique playing experience. recommended for both RTS and RPG fans.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/23/03, Updated 01/23/03