Individual star system maps are connected by wormholes that all of the races in the game can pass through, defend, and even block. While setting up the game, the player can randomly generate an interconnected network of up to 16 star systems – basically a small galaxy to explore, expand into, and conquer. In CFW, the map is represented by a single star system. Imagine if you weren’t limited to only one map – if you could link several maps together to play the game on a larger scale. But imagine if you could play a game like Starcraft: Brood War on a larger scale. Aside from the usual options, you can choose the size of the map, density of resources, and other factors. In CFW, by contrast, the maps are procedurally generated under parameters set by the player. You choose the number of players, the faction/difficulty of the AI, whether there are allied teams or not, and so on. How many maps would you like? In other games, you pick which map you want to play on from a set of pre-generated options that came with the game (or user-created maps in some instances). Checking out the neighborhood If there’s one thing that sets CFW apart it is definitely the map. Here’s the thing about CFW, and the reason that eXplorminators everywhere should be interested in it: The game is basically a miniature 4X disguised as an RTS. CFW diverges sharply to allow for a much larger scope. Faction design aside, CFW is far more than one of the many Starcraft clones that plagued the PC gaming world at the turn of the last century. CFW has the traditional three race structure: the mechanized and martial Terrans the Celareons which are energy beings that wear robotic suits and the insectoid Mantis. It does some unique things when it comes to the maps the game is played on and unit management that aren’t just quality of life features they are intricately tied into the design of the game itself. For one thing, CFW isn’t the stereotypical RTS of the late 90’s and early 00’s.
But the game has a loyal, cult following to this day.
CFW is one of the true hidden gems of strategy gaming, overshadowed at release by heavy hitters like Starcraft: Brood War and the umpteenth iteration of Command & Conquer. The new editions also have some minor tweaks that can get you going on a modern machine. But the game has enjoyed a recent re-release on Steam and GOG.
Like a lot of PC games from that era, CFW didn’t get along well with modern iterations of Windows. What if I told you that there was a real-time space strategy game that allowed you to explore star systems, colonize planets, build fleets, recruit admirals, and fight against strange alien races? And no, I’m not talking about Stellaris … Conquest: Frontier Wars ( CFW ) is a real-time strategy space game from Fever Pitch Studios, originally released in 2001 for your Windows XP PC.
0 kommentar(er)
