Dreamcast

Armada

In the end, Armada is a phenomenal first effort from the crew at Metro3D, combining solid control and presentation with heavy plusses in the areas that count: gameplay and longevity. It is easily one of the most diverse titles in the Dreamcast line-up, and for that matter, is one of the most unique games to hit the console market in some time. When you put all of this in perspective, you'll get a good picture of why Armada is my runaway pick for sleeper hit of the year. If you've had enough fighting and racing, it's high time you added a bit of spice to your DC library and picked this title up.

If you think Star Control, Starflight and Sinistar combined into one game would be good, then look no further. Armada features missions, power-ups, melees, and non-stop shooting action. Get something different, get Armada!

Armada is a Dreamcast shooter fan's dream, and it recalls the classics of the genre, like Asteroids, Xevious and a touch of R-Type. Hardcore shooter fans might be put off by its wide-open, non-level-based structure, but anyone who likes a little bad-guy-blastin' action should at least give Armada a rent

On its own, Armada is a good, albeit short, game. But if you have friends with Dreamcast's, especially if they have other copies of Armada, this is absolutely worth your time and money.

So, the Armada is threatening the existence of humanity . . . should you help? The answer is a resounding YES. Although it does have its fair share of problems, the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Play it alone or, even better, invite a few friends over and save the universe with the ones you love. Just remember to keep track of the time, this game sucks you in.

Armada arrived on store shelves without a lick of good press. Some hailed it as the Dreamcast's worst game, while others mockingly called it "Asteroids RPG" and ignored it. Armada was supposed to be an online multiplayer game. When Sega didn't have the gaming network ready, Metro3D was forced to cut all multiplayer aspects of the game and adapt what it did have into a good game. While Armada isn't for everyone, it is unique, fun, and original.

If you are willing to give the game a chance to get going, you will find that it is pretty fun and addicting -- I was surprised that I liked it as much as I did. It is not the type of game that will appeal to every gamer out there but if you enjoy space combat games, you should have fun with it. I recommend getting a couple of buddies together and playing, because you can team up on the aliens and do more damage. Trying to play through the game alone in single player is one tough assignment. Good luck.

It's taken me nearly an eternity to review Armada, mainly because this stupid game can't even maintain my attention long enough to write one. It's that bad! I've tried to get some friends to help me with it, but after a few minutes of pointless shooting, they're all like "hell with this!" And who can blame them? The game makes no sense at all.