Summary

Release Year: 1998
Genres: Simulator
Platforms: Amiga, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Hyperion Entertainment, Volition
Publishers: Haage & Partner, Interplay Entertainment

Descent: Freespace – The Great War (1998)

Introduction

Descent: Freespace – The Great War is a space combat simulation game developed by Volition and published by Interplay Productions. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 1998. The game is set in a distant future where humanity is engaged in a war against an alien race known as the Shivans. The player takes on the role of a pilot for the Galactic Terran Alliance (GTA), and must fight against the Shivans in a variety of space battles.

Gameplay

Descent: Freespace – The Great War is a six-degree-of-freedom space combat game, meaning that the player’s ship can move freely in all three dimensions. The game features a variety of different ships to fly, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player can also upgrade their ship with new weapons and equipment.

The game’s combat is fast-paced and intense. The player must use their ship’s maneuverability to dodge enemy fire and position themselves for attacks. The game also features a variety of different enemy ships, each with its own unique attack patterns.

In addition to the main campaign, Descent: Freespace – The Great War also features a number of multiplayer modes. These modes allow players to compete against each other in a variety of different game types, such as deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag.

Story

The story of Descent: Freespace – The Great War is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized a number of star systems. The Galactic Terran Alliance (GTA) is the governing body of these colonies, and it is responsible for maintaining peace and order in the galaxy.

However, in 2335, a new threat emerges. An alien race known as the Shivans emerges from subspace near Earth. The Shivans are technologically superior to humanity, and they quickly begin to conquer human colonies.

The GTA is forced to mobilize its forces to fight against the Shivans. The player takes on the role of a pilot for the GTA, and must fight against the Shivans in a variety of space battles.

Graphics and Sound

Descent: Freespace – The Great War was one of the most graphically impressive games of its time. The game’s graphics engine allowed for large-scale space battles with detailed ships and environments. The game also featured a number of advanced graphical effects, such as real-time lighting and shadows.

The game’s sound design is also top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is composed of a mix of orchestral and electronic music, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere of war and danger. The game’s sound effects are also very well done, and they help to create a realistic and immersive experience.

Reception

Descent: Freespace – The Great War was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its intense gameplay, beautiful graphics, and gripping story. The game was also nominated for a number of awards, including Game of the Year.

Descent: Freespace – The Great War is still considered to be one of the best space combat games ever made. It is a classic game that is still enjoyed by many people today.

Legacy

Descent: Freespace – The Great War has had a lasting impact on the space combat genre. The game’s innovative gameplay and beautiful graphics set a new standard for space combat games. The game also spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, including Descent: Freespace 2 and Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War: Open.

Descent: Freespace – The Great War is a classic game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a must-play for any fan of space combat games.

Conclusion

Descent: Freespace – The Great War is a classic space combat game that still holds up today. It has intense action, beautiful graphics, and a gripping story. If you’re a fan of space games, you need to check this one out.