Star Wars Empire at War Review

Of the handful of strategy games set in the Star Wars universe it's hard to find a title that's been better than average. Rebellion fell apart in almost every aspect from resource management to combat. While Galactic Battlegrounds benefited from the excellent AOEII game engine, the storyline and units left something to be desired. With Star Wars Empire at War LucasArts has scored a hit. Robust game play, loads of units and a variety of game modes will keep even the most demanding gamers happy.

Pros

• Graphics, audio and game play are excellent.
• Lots of units and heroes from all of the Star Wars movies.
• Space battles are extremely detailed and intense.

Cons

• Land battles limited by low population cap.
• Slow development of Land battles, balance seems to be in favor of attacker most times.

Game Modes & Setting

Set a few years before the events of Episode IV, Empire at War enables you to play as either the Empire or the Rebel Alliance in one of three game modes; Campaign, Galactic Conquest and Skirmish Battles.

Galactic Conquest is an open ended, in depth mode that allows you to choose from a number of different starting options. These include the number of planets in the galaxy, starting credits, starting technology level and more. This game mode plays very similiar to the campaign mode but without the rigid objectives and storyline to follow found in most campaign modes. For those looking for a grand strategy game with interactive resource management and combat, then the Galactic Conquest mode is your ticket. There are 8 pre-made galactic maps varying in size from 8 to 43 planets, as well as options to create your own custom galactic map.

Skirmish mode enbables you to play out smaller, intense battles from any of the land or space maps. This mode is very typical of many RTS games, with resource gathering, unit creation and combat all occuring on the same map.

Resources for Empire At War is automatic and consists of credits only. In Skirmish mode you'll earn credits over time, this rate can be increased by capturing pads and mining facilities located on most maps. Credits in the Campaign and Galactic Conquest mode is done at a planetary level with each planet under your control earning credits. This hands off approach for resource collection works very well and gives you more time to managing forces and plan out your strategy.

Galactic Conquest

The galactic conquest mode begins the same for all maps, with a certain number of planets, some under the control of the Empire or the Rebel Alliance and some that are independent. It is from this galactic map where you'll plan your strategy for taking control of the galaxy. Using the zoom feature you can see that each planet you control is unique and can support limited number of buildings, ships and troops, so it's key that you have a wide variety of units spread across all of your planets.

Planets do vary depending on terrain and natural resources, but for the most part they can support up to ten ground units at one time, which can include Rebel troops, assault tanks, stormtroopers, AT-AT and AT-ST walkers and more.

In addition to the ground forces and buildings each planet supports up to three fleets of ships in orbit. Space ships such as X-wing fighters, Y-bombers, TIE Fighters, Corellian Gunship and more can all be created in the space zones at the same time ground forces are being trained and built. Advanced units and structures become available as your faction advances it's technology level.

Space Combat

Invasion of another planet is quite easy, a simple drag and drop of your troops from one planet to another will load them up on to transport ships and send them on their way. Transport ships don't have the best firepower, a couple squadrons of TIE or X-wing fighters can tear them to shreads fairly quickly, so it's a good idea to send escort ships into a planet that has a space zone occupied by enemy ships.

Space combat in Empire at War is amazing and easily the "star" of the game. All the thrills and exliheration of the movies come to your desktop with extremely detailed units and an easy to learn interface. Combat begins with a short cinematic cut scene of your fleet coming out of hyperspace which seemlessly turns into the battle. Units can be selected and ordered via the battle control panel or by clicking directly on a target.

One aspect of space combat that is very helpful are the status bars that provide information on sheild strengh and hull strength and more. You also have the ability to target different portions of larger ships. Imperial Star Destroyers, for example, will have multiple target points at various points on the ship. Each of these points has it's own health bar and control some aspect of the ship such as shield generators, engines, laser cannons and more. It's a great feature that allows you to focus your fleet or certain ships on one part of the enemy. Y bombers, for example, can be sent to destroy the sheild generator while you can have your X-wing focus on the laser batteries.