Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Puzzle, Simulator
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST/STE, Commodore 16, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Commodore Plus/4, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Novagen
- Publishers: Datasoft, Inc., Novagen
Mercenary: A Space Adventure Classic
Released in 1985, Mercenary is a groundbreaking space adventure game that set new standards for graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. Developed by Novagen Software and published by Activision, Mercenary was one of the first games to use vector graphics, which resulted in a crisp and detailed visual style that was far ahead of its time.
Story
Mercenary puts you in the role of a lone mercenary who crash-lands on the planet Targ. Your spaceship is destroyed, and you must now find a way to survive on this hostile world. But Targ is not an ordinary planet. It is home to two warring races, the Terrans and the Draconians.
You quickly realize that you can use the conflict between the two races to your advantage. By completing missions for each side, you can earn money and upgrade your equipment. As you progress through the game, you will uncover the secrets of Targ and its inhabitants.
Gameplay
Mercenary is a first-person perspective game with a huge world to explore. You can walk around on foot or take control of airborne vehicles to reach elevated locations. The game features a variety of missions, including combat, reconnaissance, and sabotage.
One of the most unique aspects of Mercenary is its realistic physics engine. Vehicles handle realistically, and you must take into account factors such as gravity and inertia when flying. This adds a level of challenge and depth to the gameplay that was not found in other games at the time.
Graphics and Sound
Mercenary’s vector graphics were groundbreaking for their time. The game’s world is rendered in crisp and detailed lines, and the character models are smooth and fluid. The game also features a dynamic lighting system that adds to the realism of the environment.
The sound design in Mercenary is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is composed of atmospheric and immersive music that perfectly complements the gameplay. The sound effects are also realistic and add to the overall experience.
Legacy
Mercenary was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and immersive story. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gamers.
Mercenary had a significant impact on the development of the action-adventure genre. Its realistic physics engine and open-world gameplay set a new standard for future games. The game also helped to popularize the use of vector graphics in video games.
Conclusion
Mercenary is a classic space adventure game that still holds up today. Its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and immersive story make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, then Mercenary is the game for you.
Review Score
9/10
