Good but not great (Total Annihilation (PC))

Member Name: lyster101

Product:	Total Annihilation (PC)
Date:	15/01/01 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: addictive

Disadvantages: sides are too similar

I have read many different reports about this game. It has received many different accolades for being so good. I have my reservations. I had thoroughly enjoyed Red Alert and is one of my very favorite games because it was great to play, had an interesting twist to one of the most influential and tense time of the 20th century. In short, for a game to be better than Red Alert would take a hell of a lot, at least in my mind.

There is no take on a previous time in history as Total Annihilation is set in the future with two sparring sides - Arm and Core trying to take control of the universe (sound familiar?). You can control either of these sides and must first remove them from your home planet and gradually work your way towards theirs. Building bases, different types of buildings and many types of military unit, either for land, sea or air combat. The interface is fairly simple but instead of there being a gentle curve of skill and experience there is a relatively steep one which is somewhat frustrating.

I started off a few weeks ago (I bought it cheaply off replay for a tenner) with high hopes and after a good start I have gradually got bored as it has become far too difficult. This started off being a minor irritation because there are plus points for the game, like its graphics, its playability or its simplicity but the few problems it has are crippling.

One good improvement on its predecessors is its use of terrain. If you are on top of a hill you have a certain advantage over those below you and hills and valleys play an important role in the story.

I cannot comment on the multiplayer feature because I have not tried it but I have heard it to be better, and more epual against other humans than the game itself.

Summary: