Real Time Strategy comes to Gamecube

[Gadfly2317]

Anyone heard of "Goblin Commander" yet? It's available for all three current consoles, but I'm posting it here in the GC forum since it has the highest composite gamerankings scores on the gamecube. It is the first RTS game designed specifically for consoles, rather than just being a PC port. The guy behind the game, Ron Millar, was the lead designer on Warcraft II, Star Craft, and Diablo. Here's a screenshot. If you like RTS, this looks like one to check out. I haven't played it yet, but I may have tried it before the weekend is over. I'll be back with more if I do.

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/screen1/589778_20030728_screen001.jpg

[no.1gamer]

Well, I like RTS games and I like my Gamecube, but will a RTS game work on the console front? We'll have to see...

[Gadfly2317]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Well, I like RTS games and I like my Gamecube, but will a RTS game work on the console front? We'll have to see...</div>

Let us know if you try it. I think the GC version comes out Dec 2. Check out some of the reviews on this. They vary, but it appears to have gotten pretty solid reviews. The guys behind this had worked on some big PC RTS like Starcraft, but wanted to focus specifically on making one for the console crowd. In that sense, I'm sure it is more simplified and streamlined than its PC cousins, which in my opinion is good. I kind of like games to be more fun rather than simply complex.

[no.1gamer]

Yes, I may well be the first to give this game a go, seeing as how I'm such a huge RTS fan. However, I'm a little skeptical because consoles can't handle the online capabilities of the PC, which is the best part of RTS games IMO. While my Gamecube plays all of my favorite "console style" games, my PC handles my "PC style" games. Of course we'll have to wait and see what these developers can manage to pull off with a "console RTS…"

[Gadfly2317]

I’ve gotten to spend a few hours with this game. Here’s initial impressions.

If you are big into PC RTS and love complexity and micro-management, this game may not be for you. But if you are looking for something different on your gamecube, like strategy games set in a fantasy universe, then you may really like Goblin commander. It is a solid, if not stellar game.

Goblin commander has a good learning curve—you don’t have to read the instructions as the initial stages train you on all the ins and outs of controlling your Goblin clans. The interface and controls are easy to use so it keeps the flow of the game going.

Unlike many RTS PC games, you don’t have to build mining and resource gathering facilities and then devote units to gather resources. You pretty much just take over existent facilities and then acquire their resources. This is the most simplified aspect of the game. You just need to gather “souls” to get more units, and “gold” to buy more armor/weapons upgrades.

The graphics are nice but not outstanding, and the music is pretty hypnotic and simple. The music and sound really added a lot to the atmosphere. I’m enjoying this game, though since I borrowed it, I’m not going to get to go further for now. I’ve only played with one clan. There are five clans to control and I understand that with every clan under your control the game gets that much more complex and intriguing.

This isn’t a review—I’ve definitely not logged enough time to decide on replay value. But my initial impression is that it is a fun, if simplified, console RTS game. While it is no Pikmin(which took some core RTS elements and turned them inside out and backwards into one of the most compelling console games of this generation), if Pikmin was a game you liked, you’ll probably enjoy Goblin Commander. Pikmin was a lot less linear (based on what I’ve seen so far) but Goblin Commander deserves to be played—at least rented.

While Goblin Commander isn’t a $44 dollar game (its current price), it probably won’t stay priced high for long. It’s definitely worth $29 if you are looking for something different to play on your ‘cube.

[E.T.]

So, has anyone tried this RTS?
http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21728.htm