Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS
- Publishers: Empire Software
MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy (1990)
Introduction
MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy is a turn-based space strategy game released in 1990 for the Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. It is the first game in the MegaTraveller series, which is based on the Traveller role-playing game. The game was developed by Paragon Software and published by MicroProse.
Gameplay
MegaTraveller 1 is a turn-based strategy game in which the player controls a fleet of starships and attempts to complete a variety of missions. The game is set in the Traveller universe, which is a vast and detailed science fiction setting with a rich history and lore.
The player begins the game by creating a character, who will serve as the commander of their fleet. The player can choose from a variety of ship types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Once the player has created their character and fleet, they can begin playing the game.
The game is played on a hexagonal grid, which represents the star map of the Traveller universe. The player can move their ships around the star map, and can encounter a variety of events, such as pirate attacks, encounters with alien races, and battles with enemy fleets.
The player can also visit planets and space stations, where they can trade goods, repair their ships, and hire new crew members. The player must carefully manage their resources and make wise decisions in order to succeed in the game.
Plot
The story of MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy revolves around the Zhodani, a powerful and enigmatic alien race. The Zhodani have been secretly infiltrating the Imperium, the dominant human power in the Traveller universe, and are planning to launch a surprise attack.
The player’s mission is to uncover the Zhodani conspiracy and stop them before they can attack. The player will travel across the star map, investigating leads and gathering evidence. The player will also have to fight their way through Zhodani forces in order to reach their ultimate goal.
Reception
MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its deep and engaging gameplay, its detailed and immersive setting, and its challenging difficulty. The game was also praised for its innovative use of artificial intelligence, which allowed the Zhodani to adapt their tactics to the player’s actions.
MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy is still considered to be one of the best space strategy games ever made. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by many fans today.
Legacy
MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy has had a lasting impact on the space strategy genre. It is credited with popularizing the use of turn-based gameplay and detailed settings in space strategy games. The game also helped to establish the Traveller universe as a popular setting for science fiction games.
The MegaTraveller series has continued to grow and evolve over the years, with new games and supplements being released regularly. The latest game in the series, MegaTraveller 5: The Third Imperium, was released in 2018.
Conclusion
MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy is a classic space strategy game that is still enjoyed by many fans today. It is a deep and engaging game with a detailed and immersive setting. The game is also challenging, but fair, and offers a rewarding experience for players who are willing to put in the time to learn it.
If you are a fan of space strategy games, or if you are looking for a classic game to play, then I highly recommend MegaTraveller 1: The Zhodani Conspiracy.
Review Score
8/10
Art
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