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> Results: Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators
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Fans of role-playing games for the PC have complained loudly about the dearth of high quality games in recent years, but also react with wild enthusiasm when a great game is released. Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators was released in Europe in late 2005 and greeted with an enthusiastic response, leading many throughout the world to buy import versions. The game is now available in North America, allowing a broader range of gamers to experience one of the best role-playing games of the year.
Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators is a turn-based role-playing game where you take on the role of a Space Ranger. This group of pilots is responsible for protecting the galaxy from a sentient planet producing robots called the Dominators who are bent on galactic domination. But that doesn't mean that you need to save the galaxyﾗindeed there is little that you are forced to do within the game once the tutorial is complete. This works because the Space Rangers as an organization don't force you into a formal structure, allowing you to use your own ship to help out however you choose. If you want to follow the main story and thwart the Dominators, you can do that. However, if you want ignore them and exploit the trade-lanes to become a rich trader, or investigate different solar systems for planetary conflicts to resolve and uncharted worlds to explore, or become a pirate and reign terror on the helpless travelers and traders, all of those options are open to you.  Gameplay is open and varied. In the main space-based mode, everything is ﾑreal-time turn-based', meaning that while you can just click and go for travel, pursuit and combat, the turn-based and scheduled game mechanics are all going on behind the scenes. If you want to manage your turns you can do that as well, as the interface always shows what is possible to do within a day. This mode serves as the central hub of activity, from which you land on planets, travel to other systems or engage in combat. The game fluidly changes from a space based strategy to role-playing game. Visiting planets provides you with a variety of options. You can take on quests from the government, trade for items or parts to upgrade your ship, accept local quests which are text adventures, or engage in planetary combat. Planetary fights are a real-time strategy mode where you build and battle with robots against land-based enemies. Each mode works very well and although the real-time strategy and text-adventure mini-games are not on par with full games from those genres, they are entertaining within the larger context of this one. The depth and breadth of Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators is amazing. You start in the home solar system for your race, take on some quests there, and then extend to other systems. Each planet in each system has fully realized worlds with active markets, different political systems and interesting problems. While in space you meet up with interesting characters, each of whom seems to have a well-developed personality. You meet pirates, traders, and pilots more and less experienced. There are over fifty Space Rangers across the galaxy, and you can check your ranking to see how your progress stands up to theirs. The major problem is the English translation, which is acceptable but inferior to the standard of quality set by the remainder of the game. There are also occasions when more flexibility in the combat system would have helped, especially in battles within black holes, but in general the combat is very satisfying. Given the high quality of the main game, tons of gameplay available through mini-games and side-quests, and the fact that the original Space Rangers is also included on the DVD for a fairly low price, this is something that gamers should add to their collection. Coming to grips with the scope and sheer amount of freedom may take some time, but that time is well spent.  
The life of a Space Ranger is tough, and there are elements that Rangers encounter on a regular basis that earn this a T-rating. From enjoying a refreshing beverage (or more) at the local pub after a mission to the use of colorful adjectives scattered through the game, this is an experience aimed at those in their teens or beyond. None of it is particularly offensive, in fact the overwhelming majority of the game deserves an E-10 rating, with occasional elements that deserve the T.
The other consideration in age appropriateness is the type of content. The game is very open and free, full of text and dialogue and game types that they might not find appealing. Whereas many games for consoles force the player down a strict and linear path, the plot in this game is not so heavy-handed, which could appeal to some kids but others will find it confusing. 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 Home > Review Archive > Video Games > Results: Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators |
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