In the near future, America is in crisis... In the midst of a worldwide energy crisis that has pushed gasoline prices to over $7 per gallon, worldwide economy is in a tailspin. Terrorists have taken advantage of this instability to inflict heavy losses.
The US Army, with the task of ensuring homeland security, has created a new direct action operations group known as Task Force TALON. Armed with the latest technology and tactics, and lead by the controversial Brigadier General Jason Richter, TFT will perform whatever missions necessary to restore order.
In their way are the terrorists, elaborately financed and backed by a group only known as "the Consortium". Who is the Consortium, and why are they doing what they are doing? And most importantly, can Task Force TALON stop them?
Act of War: Direct Action is a modern real-time strategy game based on the novel and background by Dale Brown, noted techno-thriller author. The player takes command of Task Force TALON in its battles against terrorists across America, from the oil fields of Texas to streets of San Francisco, and even in other places around the globe with missions in the deserts of Middle East or cities like London.
Money is the only resource in this game, but unlike in other RTS games, it can be generated in many ways. For example, one way is to build an oil derrick in an oil-rich area and protect it, or another to capture and hold prisoners. When trying to take back a city from the terrorists during some missions, the player can also raid banks and treasury buildings for quick funds.
Buildings play an important role in Act of War, as infantry units can be sent inside to hold them against all intruders. A couple anti-tank teams strategically placed in a few buildings, and the enemy will be forced to waste time blasting these into rubble, or send in their own assault teams to root the occupying forces out. The environment is fully destructible.
Dale Brown, noted techno-thriller author, came up with the backstory for this game. The main character, as well as Task Force Talon, will be featured in several of his future novels. A tie-in novel was released in May 2005.
If the name sounds familiar to gamers, Dale Brown's Flight of the Old Dog was the basis for Megafortress, a futuristic B-52 bomber sim from 360 Pacific way back when.
Awards
PC Powerplay (Germany)
Issue 04/2006 - #4 Strategy Game in 2005 (Readers' Vote)
