Summary

The Outforce is a landmark RTS game that combines strategic depth with cutting-edge physics and AI to offer a challenging and immersive space warfare experience.

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: O3 Games
Publishers: Pan Interactive, Strategy First

Introduction

Dive into the depths of space with The Outforce, a pioneering real-time strategy game from 2000 that expands the boundaries of the genre.

Synopsis

The game is played from a top-down perspective across a battlefield situated in space. The 3D environment features a free-floating camera with a variable zoom field, providing players with a comprehensive view of the battlefield. This perspective allows players to strategize and plan their moves effectively, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.

In “The Outforce”, players can choose from three different races, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. This choice affects the player’s strategy and approach to the game, as each race has more than 120 different units available, including tow ships, phasing units, and self-destructing units. These units add variety to the gameplay and require players to adapt their strategies based on the units they have at their disposal.

The game’s artificial intelligence features a genetic learning algorithm. This means that the AI learns and adapts to the player’s strategies over time, making each game a unique challenge. The AI’s ability to learn and adapt adds a layer of unpredictability to the game, keeping players on their toes and ensuring that no two games are the same.

The physics system in “The Outforce” includes pressure waves, elastic collisions, gravity, and push-and-pull force. These elements add a layer of realism to the game and affect how units move and interact on the battlefield. For example, gravity can pull units towards a planet, while pressure waves can push units away. These physics elements require players to consider the environment when planning their strategies.

“The Outforce” supports multiplayer gameplay, allowing up to eight players to battle it out over the Internet or on a LAN. This feature adds a social element to the game, as players can compete against their friends or players from around the world. The multiplayer mode also adds replayability to the game, as players can continually challenge themselves against new opponents.

Characters

Each race offers a unique roster of units, including tow ships capable of manipulating the battlefield, phasing units that can bypass obstacles, and self-destructing units designed for kamikaze tactics. Players must master the strengths and weaknesses of their chosen race to succeed.

Gameplay

Gameplay in The Outforce revolves around strategic planning, resource management, and tactical combat. Players must build and command their forces wisely, exploiting the game’s physics system and unit abilities to gain the upper hand in battles.