Some could grumble concerning the current glut of HD updates and remasters which have been bulking out launch schedules the previous few years, however when it implies that a brand new era can expertise joys like 1999’s RTS/tank-combat hybrid Battlezone 2: Combat Commander, then I’m all for it.
Following up from the marginally wonky re-release that was Battlezone 98 Redux, Big Blue Boat (beneath Rebellion’s publishing banner) have poured much more effort and time into the sequel’s enhancement, which launched by way of each Steam and GOG at this time.
Were it not for some dated trying particle results and barely over-compressed audio hiding behind the cheap pretense of radio distortion, Battlezone: Combat Commander (for some purpose, they dropped the two from this launch’s identify) might move for a decently pretty-looking trendy indie title, although among the unique recreation’s quirks stay, comparable to aiming and taking pictures on foot having a heavy, semi-vehicular really feel to it.
Under the gloss and polish lies the very same recreation that I performed and beloved all these years in the past, and have often dusted off each couple years to see simply what the fan-patching and modding group have been doing with it. While slightly clunky in locations, Battlezone 2’s first-person command interface nonetheless holds up properly, largely, and the hovertank fight feels weighty and satisfying nonetheless. Multiplayer and all its modes are current and proper (even supporting LAN play and cross-play between Steam and GOG homeowners), and the branching single-player marketing campaign is absolutely intact.
From the I’ve performed of this enhanced version, it looks like a important enchancment, and appears very scaleable. I’ve admittedly acquired a reasonably beefy GPU (A laptop computer Geforce 1070) however I’m capable of constantly run this at 1080p, most settings at a locked 100fps (my monitor’s restrict). Hardly stunning, however good anyway. Visually talking I might have preferred the view distance prolonged, with fog results purely beauty, however it might admittedly throw a spanner into the works in some eventualities; simply climb the closest hill, spot the enemy base and go from there.
So far the one technical concern I’ve encountered is a short stutter when taking part in any sound for the primary time on a mission that appears enormously diminished if I transfer the sport over to my SSD. A caching concern, then, and maybe later patches can pre-cache the audio to scale back this downside. Ironic, contemplating that the audio appears untouched since 1999.
Battlezone: Combat Commander could also be closing in on twenty years outdated, but it surely’s as compelling a recreation now because it was again within the day, and we’re nonetheless ready to see what the outdated modding crew can do with this polished-up model of the engine. If they’ve managed to elevate among the outdated limits holding again growth, there may but be a brilliant future for this one.
Battlezone: Combat Commander is out now for Steam and GOG for £13.49/$18, a ten % low cost off its RRP.
