12th March 2005, 12:27 AM
The main gameplay of Megal Gear Acid is a strategy game. All hands-on previews attest to this fact. Thus, naturally, the best comparisons would be other strategy games. Given the focus, it's clearly a small-unit tactics title. So other such games are the basis for comparison.
What is X-Com? Yes, half of the game -- the base management and world defence part -- is substantially different from anything in MGA or most other console tactical strategy games (just like how the story half of Metal Gear Acid is unique). But the other half -- on-the-ground combat missions -- is the part I had in mind. You go in with a small team (four, if I remember right). You carefully move them turn by turn and try not to draw enemy fire. You consider your options and give orders, turn by turn, based on what you think they could best accomplish with where they are or can get that turn and what they have equipped. And you get the baddies. What do you do in MG:A? You see a situation. You consider your moves list ("Cards"). You make a choice, or you sacrifice cards to be able to make a move (kind of like how if you move in X-Com your sacrifice time units, meaning you can shoot less once you stop). Then you move on to find the next enemies... hopefully before they find you. (cover is essential, in both games!)
The same? No, of course not. There are significant differences. But there are also enough similarities to definitelsy say that they are in the same genre and share clear common themes.
What is X-Com? Yes, half of the game -- the base management and world defence part -- is substantially different from anything in MGA or most other console tactical strategy games (just like how the story half of Metal Gear Acid is unique). But the other half -- on-the-ground combat missions -- is the part I had in mind. You go in with a small team (four, if I remember right). You carefully move them turn by turn and try not to draw enemy fire. You consider your options and give orders, turn by turn, based on what you think they could best accomplish with where they are or can get that turn and what they have equipped. And you get the baddies. What do you do in MG:A? You see a situation. You consider your moves list ("Cards"). You make a choice, or you sacrifice cards to be able to make a move (kind of like how if you move in X-Com your sacrifice time units, meaning you can shoot less once you stop). Then you move on to find the next enemies... hopefully before they find you. (cover is essential, in both games!)
The same? No, of course not. There are significant differences. But there are also enough similarities to definitelsy say that they are in the same genre and share clear common themes.
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