http://www.worldfamousradioshow.com/2008/09/star-wars/
Star Wars-empire at War – Epic Space and Ground Battles
If you are a fan of Real-Time Strategy games, and a Star Wars buff, then Star Wars: Empire at War is the game for you. Created by LucasArts and Petroglyph, Star Wars: Empire at War (further abbreviated as SW:EAW) allows players to fight on the ground and in the space above over forty planets in the Star Wars universe. While the main focus is on tactical control, players also get a grand overview of the galaxy from which you can control and purchase new units and buildings. Overall, SW:EAW is the best RTS of its type.
The game focuses on conflicts between the Empire and Rebel forces just before the fourth movie. Each side has its own units, although both have the same types generally. Both sides also have a campaign, which gives the player missions complete, although you can control what units to purchase and where to attack. SW:EAW’s other main element is Galactic Conquest, an open campaign where the player selects which scenario (which sets the number of planets), starting money (called credits), and technology level. Tech levels are also important, unlocking new units and building types. Finally, SW:EAW is rounded off by an instant action mode, also available on multiplayer.
The greatest action and fun to be had is in the space battles. Everything a Star Wars fan could hope for and more can be found in these epic battles. Every ship present in the movies is present, from small fighters like Tie’s and X-Wings to capital ships, like Imperial Star Destroyers and Mon Calamari Cruisers, the Rebellion equivalent. At least one side usually has a space station, from which upgrades and units and be purchased (units only in Instant Action), and the Empire can construct the Death Star in Galactic Conquests. Larger ships and stations have hardpoints which can be specifically attacked, so players can take down the most important systems first. Visuals and sound are magnificent and sound “realistic” to Star Wars.
Ground battles also involve many of the same qualities, but seem to be much more constrained. There is still a great variety of units, but the maps seem too small. While space battles allow lots of movement, ground battles can be slow as units traverse the battleground. The attacker must capture reinforcement points to bring in more units, and points around the battlefield can be captured and built into different turrets or support buildings. The AI won’t win any awards either, mainly just coming straight at you, but the visuals are still great.
An expansion pack, Forces of Corruption, has been released since SW:EAW’s launch, which adds a new faction with all new units and buildings and more planets. I would recommend picking up the dual pack of both games, since the expansion is great. I have also barely touched on the galactic overview part of the campaigns. This game is a great addition to the RTS genre and brings Star Wars into it in a good way. With a great variety and almost unlimited replayability, Star Wars and RTS fans alike should pick up this fantastic title.
About the Author
Scott is a student and avid strategy gamer. Please support him by visiting his blog http://greatstrategygames.blogspot.com for more reviews, info, and screenshots.
Grocery Store Wars (2005)
|
|
Rawcliffe Star Wars Luke Skywalker Pewter Figure $15.01 |
|
|
Star Wars Clone Wars Yoda Clone Trooper Jek Multipack Sealed Hasbro AP $27.99 |
|
|
Star Wars Luke Skywalker Series II Pez Dispenser – Lucasfilm Ltd $2.25 |
|
|
Rawcliffe Star Wars Princess Leia “skywalker” Pewter Figure $14.99 |
|
|
Star Wars-Promo B 4X6 Color Postcard $2.95 |
|
|
Star Wars Light Sabre Cupcake Picks – Set of 12 $2.99 These picks will put a smile on any Star Wars fan. The Light Sabre picks will come in a set of 12, 3 different colors (red, green and blue) with 4 of each style. The picks are approx 4 inches tall. A quick and easy way to give you cake/cupcakes a professional look…. |
|
|
LEGO Minifigure Ice Cube Tray $9.91 Makes 8 minifigure-sized ice cubes. Can be used as a candy mold as well! Dishwasher safe!… |
|
|
Waring SB10 Professional Immersion Blender, Black $29.95 Waring Pro Immersion Blender Blend, whip, and mix with this professional-quality, 100-watt blender. Featuring a stainless steel blade and blade guard, this piece has two speeds for precision control. It is compact and lightweight with a contoured grip for comfortable handling. Limited five-year warranty. Features: High-efficiency motor 100-watts Stainless steel blade and blade guard Multi-purpose … |
|
|
Led Zeppelin – The Song Remains the Same [Blu-ray] $8.99 For Led Zeppelin fanatics, this 1976 feature The Song Remains the Same is a treasure of searing live performances, particularly welcome in light of the sad scarcity of such visual material from the band’s great decade. Despite the group’s road weariness after a long tour, their final, three-night stand at Madison Square Garden in 1973 was full of the old power. Performances of “No Quarter,” “… |
|
|
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday (Christmas in Connecticut / A Christmas Carol 1938 / The Shop Around the Corner / It Happened on 5th Avenue) $9.35 TCM GREATEST FILMS:HOLIDAY – DVD Movie… |