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> Results: Rebelstar Tactical Command
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The X-Com squad-based tactical strategy game series from the early nineties built a large and loyal fanbase because of the excellent gameplay and combat system. While recent attempts to revive the series met with lackluster reviews, several of the original developers are part of the team at Codo Technologies. Their new game Rebelstar Tactical Command is a true ﾑspiritual successor' to X-Com.
The gameplay is based on a flexible turn-based combat system teamed with dialogue and cutscenes that provide context and depth for the characters. The centerpiece is the combat system. The X-Com system has been effectively translated to the GBA and provides a very flexible and satisfying experience. You level up the character's special talents and see immediate results in effectiveness in battle. There are minor control issues that require excessive scrolling and menu navigation, but they are minor hassles that you will acclimate to during the tutorial. The game also provides a very unique line of sight mechanism. Most games in this genre allow significant leeway in spotting and tracking enemies, but Rebelstar is very strict in that anything outside of your normal cone of vision is totally invisible. That includes enemies behind the characters. It makes stealth and positioning very important strategic elements.  One of the best things about the game is how well it scales to handheld gaming. The graphics and menus fit nicely, as do the effects, and the save-anywhere feature makes it perfect for gaming on the go. Unfortunately, the only multiplayer modes require two gamers to share a GBA and just hand it back and forth. There are other elements of replayability though, such as a ﾑskirmish' mode in where you engage the AI in single battles by taking on the role of one of the four races from the game. Rebelstar Tactical Command is a rare game that is at once evocative of classic games from many years ago and thoroughly modern. There is no need to know anything about the games that came before, nor even about turn-based strategy games. The tutorial is thorough, yet the difficulty ramps very quickly so you never feel you are being guided after the initial missions. The way in which the story and characters are wrapped around the combat system is very effective and keeps you engaged throughout the fairly long campaign. The desire to do things better or try different approaches keeps you coming back for more.  
The story behind Rebelstar Tactical Command is fairly standard science fiction. Aliens have taken over the world, people are disappearing, parents everywhere die at 30, and it is up to a small band of brave rebels with nothing left to lose to save the world and set things right. That sets up the motivations for the characters, and the storytelling is often sad because of all the misery surrounding the characters.
The game mixes death and injury throughout the game. Early on, taking damage results in death and mission failure. Later, characters with no remaining hit points are simply disabled for the remainder of the mission and regain full health for the next mission. Since you care about every character, this can have a troubling effect, and is one of the reasons this isn't for the youngest of kids. It is also a very battle heavy game, generally against overwhelming odds. Solid reading skills, strategic thinknig and patience are all required in abundance. For kids who like strategy board games, this game is an excellent choice. The scale and scope are very different from the Advance Wars or Fire Emblem series of games, with this having a more intimate feel. It requires planning and a systematic approach to engagement, and rewards better tactics over brute force. It is also just a load of fun for kids and adults. This review edited by Dave Long Comments? Chat about it in our forums! Format For Printing | Tell A Friend | Digg | Slashdot | del.icio.us | Buy This Game Browse Amazon.com's selection of "rebel star tactical command" themed games Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Rebelstar Tactical Command |
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