Domination: A Massive Follow-Up
Company: DreamCatcher Interactive
Domination, which was originally called Massive Assault: Phantom Renaissance before moving to new publisher DreamCatcher, is the follow-up to 2003?s Massive Assault, a good game that probably didn?t get the recognition it deserved. A throwback to the old Avalon Hill strategy games, Massive Assault was a little different from the complicated, slow-paced games that usually define the genre. It was fast and, best of all, easy to get into while still offering the genre?s deep strategic elements.
Domination pits two groups against each other: the Nations Union and the Phantom League. The how?s and why?s of the conflict are still a bit of a mystery, but I?m pretty sure they?re not fighting over the last slice of pizza or anything like that. However, that?s really not the point since all you really need to know is that they don?t like each other, resulting in a nice little war you get to control. Gameplay is a bit deceptive at first. What seems like an easy game of checkers can actually become a complicated game of chess. You?re given a handful of units that you can move around on a hex-based map. It all looks really simple; you move everything, then fire. It?s not until your opponent gets a turn that you begin to see how complex the game really is.
Action is really more for the strategy-minded gamer who is able to think two or three turns ahead rather than simply react. Every unit has its own role, from frontline to support. Building massive armies of one unit and sending them into battle isn?t the best of options. The game requires armchair generals to really know their troop?s capabilities, and effectively plan strategies around them. Because of this meshing of different troop types, battles feel a little more fleshed out. Strategies require you to think both offensively and defensively, making battlefield positioning a major element. Choosing to go completely on the offensive will only get you so far, as will playing complete defense.
Aside from the Campaign mode, Domination also offers a few one-shot scenarios. These are fun additions for when you want to play but don?t feel like getting tied up in a long campaign. Scenarios are usually pretty quick, but offer practice for when things really matter. So far the only downside to the game is the seeming lack of an editor mode, something that has become almost a standard in strategy games. Hopefully, one is either on the way or in the works since editor modes can sometimes make or break a game in the eyes of some strategy fans. Strategy games are hard to find; good ones are even harder. So far, Domination is shaping up to be just as fast-paced and fun as Massive Assault, and is one strategy gamers should keep an eye on.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: DreamCatcher Wargaming.net
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