Multiplayer
All basic connection types are present, as is Novalogic's "Novaworld" server. There are two types of game play, Base Wars and Arena.
Arena is standard death match with power-ups and enhancements. I enjoyed it but it got old for me fast. It didn't offer enough new features to justify playing
it over other titles I enjoy more.
Base Wars is the second type of multi to play and the coolest idea I've seen in awhile. You choose the Bora or Galcorp side to play on. Each side's ships have
different strengths and weaknesses. Each side has a base to defend. Throughout the systems there are crystals to collect, which give you points and allow for
technological advancements as well as upgrades. Crystals of certain colors are worth more points than others. Some ships can carry more crystals than others.
Fighters can carry the least crystals and heavy bombers carry the most.
Here is where it gets good. Your team must decide who attacks, who defends and who collects the majority of crystals that will allow you to unlock additional
upgrades. If everyone is flying fighters, they can't carry as many crystals. If the other side has bombers collecting them, you'll soon find they have the
advantage in upgrades.
If you're interested in real teamwork in multiplayer games, this one has it. If you usually don't play flight sim multi because you're only good at attack and
poor on defense or vice versa, you've got a home. Play as offense to harass and interdict enemy crystal gathering ships and pound their base, or play as defense
and defend your larger crystal collecting ships and base from attack.
I enjoyed ten minutes of Base Wars more than four and half hours of single player on this game. The strategies, skills and teamwork needed to win had me addicted
once I got my bearings. There is definitely a niche in Base Wars for anyone wanting to form or join an online clan/squadron that takes teamwork seriously.
