Designer(s) Mark Hardisty Developer Charybdis Ltd. Genre Real-time strategy | Initial release date 1999 Publisher Acclaim Entertainment Platform Microsoft Windows | |
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Modes Single-player video game, Multiplayer video game Similar Machines at War 3, Ground Control: Dark Con, Tank Force, Metal Fatigue, Battlezone II: Combat Commander | ||
Machines (also known as Machines: Wired for War) is a 3D real-time strategy game released for Microsoft Windows. Published by Acclaim and developed by Charybdis, Machines was one of the first 3D games of this genre. It also allowed players to directly control units with both a first and third-person view.
Contents
Gameplay
Machines uses a 3D polygonal landscape, which players can use to their advantage, attacking from or hiding behind hilltops. The viewpoint can be switched between a default isometric, strategic 'zenith' camera, and first person perspective; the latter typically being used to explore buildings during espionage missions.
50 different machines can be researched and built, characterized by a plasma-based techtree and a projectile-based techtree combined with different methods of movement (Examples: 4 or 6 Spider legs, Wheels, Tracks, Hover-engines, Flying, 2 Legs). Furthermore, battalions can be developed with specific strengths to support a personalized fighting strategy. The game also includes 25 different weapons, including Flame-throwers, Vortex Singularities, Plasma Rifles, Mini-guns, Ion Cannons and Nukes.
Sabotage and espionage missions allow units to deposit mines inside enemy buildings, steal research, and pass back vital information.
Machines is multiplayer over a LAN or the internet.
Reception
GameSpot awarded the game 6.5 out of 10, praising the impressive graphics and camera modes but highlighting the poor unit pathfinding and unoriginal gameplay.
GameMonkeys gave it 4 out of 5, saying that the game had "great graphics, and totally in-depth gameplay".
IGN awarded the game 7.2 out of 10, with the reviewer opining, "I'm sold on the different views in the game. That alone makes it stand out enough to be noticed. In addition to that however, Machines is a pretty solid strategy game."