Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Cavedog Entertainment
- Publishers: GT Interactive Software
Total Annihilation: A Real-Time Strategy Masterpiece
Released in 1997, Total Annihilation is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that set new standards for the genre. Developed by Cavedog Entertainment and published by GT Interactive, the game takes place in a distant future where a war between two factions, the Core and the Arm, has ravaged a million worlds.
Gameplay
Total Annihilation is a fast-paced RTS that emphasizes resource management, unit production, and tactical combat. Players must gather resources, build bases, and produce units in order to defeat their opponents. The game features a wide variety of units, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully consider the composition of their armies in order to achieve victory.
One of the most innovative features of Total Annihilation is its “metal extraction” system. Players must construct metal extractors on metal deposits in order to gather resources. However, these extractors are vulnerable to attack, so players must carefully defend them. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must balance the need to gather resources with the need to protect their base.
Factions
Total Annihilation features two playable factions: the Core and the Arm. The Core is a human faction that emphasizes technology and firepower. The Arm is a cyborg faction that emphasizes mobility and adaptability. Each faction has its own unique units and abilities, so players must carefully choose which faction to play as.
Campaign
Total Annihilation features a lengthy and challenging campaign that tells the story of the war between the Core and the Arm. The campaign is divided into several missions, each with its own unique objectives. Players must complete each mission in order to progress through the campaign.
The campaign is praised for its well-written story and challenging gameplay. It is considered one of the best RTS campaigns ever created.
Multiplayer
Total Annihilation features a robust multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against each other over a LAN or the internet. The multiplayer mode supports up to eight players, and players can choose to play as either the Core or the Arm.
The multiplayer mode is fast-paced and competitive, and it requires players to master the game’s mechanics in order to succeed. Total Annihilation is considered one of the best multiplayer RTS games ever created.
Legacy
Total Annihilation was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered one of the greatest RTS games ever created. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging campaign, and robust multiplayer mode have made it a favorite among RTS fans for over two decades.
Total Annihilation has also had a significant impact on the RTS genre. The game’s metal extraction system has been adopted by many other RTS games, and its focus on unit variety and tactical combat has influenced the design of many other RTS games.
Conclusion
Total Annihilation is a masterpiece of the RTS genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging campaign, and robust multiplayer mode have made it a favorite among RTS fans for over two decades. If you are a fan of RTS games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Total Annihilation.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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