Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation
- Developers: Beam Software
- Publishers: GT Interactive Software, Infogrames, Melbourne House
KKnD2: Krossfire (1998): A Post-Apocalyptic Strategy Masterpiece
Released in 1998, KKnD2: Krossfire is a real-time strategy (RTS) game set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear war. The game’s unique setting and innovative gameplay mechanics set it apart from its contemporaries and earned it a cult following among strategy enthusiasts.
Story and Setting
The game takes place 100 years after a nuclear war has decimated the Earth. The few survivors have emerged from their underground bunkers to find a world torn apart by conflict. Two factions, the Survivors and the Evolved, have been locked in a bitter struggle for control of the surface.
However, a new threat has emerged from the shadows. A rogue army of robotic killing machines, known as the Series 9, has awakened from their slumber. With their advanced technology and insatiable bloodlust, the Series 9 threaten to annihilate both the Survivors and the Evolved.
Gameplay
KKnD2: Krossfire combines classic RTS elements with innovative gameplay mechanics to create a truly immersive and challenging experience. Players take control of one of the three factions and must gather resources, build bases, and train armies to defeat their opponents.
One of the game’s unique features is its focus on verticality. The battlefield is divided into multiple levels, allowing players to position their units on rooftops, balconies, and other vantage points to gain an advantage in combat. This adds a new layer of strategy and depth to the gameplay.
Another innovative aspect of KKnD2 is its unit customization system. Players can upgrade their units with a variety of weapons and equipment to suit their preferred playstyle. This allows for a high degree of personalization and experimentation, encouraging players to develop their own unique strategies.
Factions
The game features three distinct factions, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses:
- Survivors: The Survivors are the remnants of the human population who have managed to survive the nuclear war. They are well-rounded and adaptable, with a balanced roster of units and buildings.
- Evolved: The Evolved are mutated humans who have adapted to the harsh post-apocalyptic environment. They are physically stronger and more resistant to damage than the Survivors, but they lack ranged weapons.
- Series 9: The Series 9 are robotic killing machines that were originally designed for agricultural purposes. They are incredibly powerful and technologically advanced, but they are also slow and vulnerable to EMP attacks.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, KKnD2: Krossfire received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, immersive setting, and challenging AI. It was praised for its unique vertical gameplay and its deep and customizable unit system.
The game has since gained a cult following among strategy enthusiasts and is considered one of the best RTS games of its era. It is still played and enjoyed by many today, and its influence can be seen in many modern RTS games.
Conclusion
KKnD2: Krossfire is a timeless classic that continues to captivate strategy fans with its innovative gameplay, immersive setting, and challenging AI. Its unique vertical gameplay and customizable unit system set it apart from its contemporaries and make it a must-play for any RTS enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the genre, KKnD2: Krossfire is sure to provide hours of intense and rewarding gameplay.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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