Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator by Thom Robertson
This game is one of those games where almost everyone has
the idea of doing exactly the same thing, but never actually makes it. In this
case it is thus: “ Wouldn't it be cool to get some people together and each
control one of the consoles on a spaceship, like Star Trek?” well, this game is
essentially that. It is a multiplayer game where players each take control of a
station, be it helm, weapons, science or a few others, and the players must all
coordinate with each other, often through the captain who sees a 3-d view of
what is going on.
This is primarily a simulation, although it is indeed an
extremely fun game, and in simulations there are two main factors, Realism and
Authenticity.
As far as realism is concerned, the controls are not such
that you would need a degree in astrophysics to pilot one of the spacecraft you
are able to command in this game, in that respect fun seems to take precedence.
However, in the Authenticity department, the game is wonderful, the level of
detail is amazing, and it adds to the immersion immensely. One example is that
when the pilot causes the ship to jump (one of the two high speed travel
methods, jumping being similar to teleporting in effect), all of the players
screens will go block, and then actually flicker
back on. It may not seem like something to cheer about but when you are playing
the details are very noticeable.
As per usual, the big question is thus: Is the game fun?
The short answer, Yes.
The long answer, yes, it is fun but there are some ways of playing
that are more fun.
The optimal way to play is with at least 3 people, as it is
a very tricky balancing act to use all the ship’s systems. You can play on a
LAN, although I have also played online via a hamachi server. Playing online
does require much better communication and coordination as you cannot walk over
and see someone else’s view screen. I would highly recommend the pilot use a
joystick, as it is not only more fun, but it is easier to control too.
The pre-made missions are fun to play, although they are
mostly very difficult scenarios and would take some practice before they can be
completed without much trouble.
This game has two main uses, in my opinion.
First, as something a group can get together once a week and
really go at, trying to beat the toughest missions.
Second, as a party game.
At the time of writing the game is $40, which may at first
seem expensive, however the game can be shared with a whole group, and for a
game ideally played with a group of five or six people, with almost unlimited replay-ability,
that is pretty good value.
You can get your hands on the game at http://www.artemis.eochu.com/
Joshua Merrick,
Indiegamenews.com,
outofsteamrp.blogspot.com.es/
