R-Type Command Multiplayer Impressions
Going head-to-head in the depths of space.
by Ryan Clements
May 5, 2008 - R-Type Command takes the universe of the legendary shooter franchise and sets it on a hex-based grid. Fans of the series may recognize the various R Fighters and Forces flying across the screen, but Command is definitely a different game than its predecessors. We sat down and sunk some time into the game's multiplayer mode, where you and a friend can duel in the hex-filled vastness of space. Let's chat about what this battle really looks like.
In case you missed our previous coverage of the game, R-Type Command is a rather complex, turn-based strategy game that puts you in command of a fleet of ships against an opposing fleet. Each stage is a 2D grid where all your units are represented by stylish sprites and are generally oriented in one direction. During your turn, you can move each unit in your command a set number of spaces and execute a variety of attacks, depending on the ship type. A ship can only move and attack once per turn, or "phase," and then your opponent can issues commands accordingly.
We've been told that the multiplayer elements of R-Type Command play a big role in the overall experience, and that certainly seems to be the case. Although there are an abundant amount of missions in the single-player campaign (a surprising amount, actually), you can fight a friend on a number of different arenas. As you progress through the levels of the single-player game, you unlock those very stages to use in the VS. Mode. Furthermore, battles will be made more interesting because you're bringing your personal fleet into combat. As you build up your armada, research new technologies and increase the skill level of your pilots, you can bring those advancements to the multiplayer arena and show off your accomplishments to a buddy. Neat.
As far as we can tell, you'll have two different armadas for your Human and Bydo campaigns, so in order to effectively play as the Bydo (a malicious alien entity) you'll need to plow through the single-player mode and build up your respective Bydo fleet. But you and a friend can opt to both play as Human armadas, which is good. The icing on the cake comes in the form of wagers. Before a match begins, you're presented with the option to wager resources on the upcoming match. If you both agree to place bets, you're taken to a contract screen where you can decide just how many resources you expect from your opponent if you win. When you both agree, the battle begins.
This wagering element definitely adds to the fun, because resources are extremely important in the single-player campaign. They're hard to come by when playing on your own and thus snagging some from a friend is a huge incentive. We definitely appreciated this option.
The battles themselves ran quite nicely -- for the most part. We did have some trouble hosting a match on an old PSP, but after a few disconnects, the game ran without a problem. You can set the number of turns and other various options like fog of war, battle animations, etc. Each player is placed (usually) on opposite ends of the map and is given a limited area in which to deploy their units. Once deployment is complete, you take turns commanding your fleets exactly as you would in the single-player game. We were really impressed that the flow and feeling of the game is preserved so perfectly in the multiplayer experience.
I took on IGN fan-favorite Sam Bishop in a few matches and, besides the aforementioned disconnects in the beginning, our play experience was fantastic. There is little to no delay in unit movement and loading and the battle played out smoothly. It became painfully evident that gamers with a suped-up fleet will be able to roll right over standard armadas. Even though Sam was more than familiar with the game, he only had the "default" fleet available to him and was promptly defeated. Luckily, you can modify the strength of your forces to balance the scales in the options menu.
Ultimately, our time with R-Type Command's multiplayer was a solid experience. You'll obviously need a friend with a copy of the game to play because there's only ad-hoc support, but the complexity and depth of the core mechanics will give you a wealth of options for head-to-head duels. Customizing your fleet and finding your own play style are just a few of the many things that make R-Type Command promising. Check back here very soon for our full review.
Reply With QuoteOriginally Posted by bVork
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