DarkStar One - Broken Alliance
Score: 75% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Kalypso Media Developer: Gaming Minds Studios Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Action/ Flight/ Strategy
Graphics & Sound: DarkStar One - Broken Alliance blindsided me. I grew up on games like Wing Commander and Descent, and only now do I realize that the space shooter genre has been M.I.A. from the console gaming market for years. Sure, it's not the most up-to-date space shooter, and it's not the kind of game you can play for hours on end -- but if you are interested in revisiting this kind of gameplay, DarkStar One is your best (and only) option. This is a port of a PC game that launched in 2006. The fact that it's been remastered in 1080p is front and center on the box, but nobody should be expecting a technical tour-de-force. The same goes for the game's artistic vision (or relative lack thereof). Each system is basically identical; space only comes in a few flavors, it seems. Subtle color scheme tweaks only go so far in giving this universe its own identity. Furthermore, character models look like they've been pulled out of a random stockroom full of science fiction characters. DarkStar One's soundtrack deserves credit for trying, but it can't stack up to the greats. It's a bit overzealous in its attempts to instill a sense of wonder; it fails largely because the story and universe aren't very interesting to begin with. Voice acting isn't so great. Several of the performers don't seem to know how "normal" people talk. It doesn't take a linguistics expert to know where certain syllables are most commonly stressed and emphasized. None of this breaks the game in the slightest, but it makes the universe seem too alien.
Gameplay: DarkStar One - Broken Alliance opens with an act of deadly space sabotage that results in a death. You play as Kayron Jarvis, the son of the deceased. He is understandably confused and vengeful. Fortunately for him, he is given a prototype starship of his own, the eponymous DarkStar One. It's built from advanced technology that actually allows the ship to evolve itself. And so Kayron sets out on a quest for answers, revenge, and ultimately the salvation of the entire galaxy. The characters and storyline are drab as far as space opera goes, and they invite unflattering comparisons with the Mass Effect franchise. Technically, DarkStar One came first, so I'm inclined to look away from the considerable narrative shortcomings. DarkStar One is a 360 degree space shooter with strategy and role-playing elements. You will fly around the galaxy in first person, following the main campaign while carving out your own identity in the universe. There are choices to be made in this game; you can err on the right or wrong side of the law, and there are real consequences that affect the way you play the game. During your time with DarkStar One, you'll always be looking for ways to improve your ship. Weaponry, shielding, and mobility upgrades are almost always available, and they don't come cheap. You'll have to go on sidequests if you want to get anywhere. This is where the game struggles a bit. These diversions don't offer much in the way of variety. Most of them involve shooting down enemy ships, escorting valuable cargo, and spying on a rival organization. Credits are a must, however; if you want to upgrade your ship and complete the campaign, you will have to bite the bullet and bear with the tedium.
Difficulty: DarkStar One - Broken Alliance isn't a demanding game on its default setting. Granted, there are more difficulty settings for this game than there are for most others; it actually uses a five-point slider. The true challenge in DarkStar One is in learning how the game works. The game does a decent job of teaching you the basics of ship combat and customization, but the interface can occasionally be a bit clunky. This is especially true of the radial wheels. Opening the Target List occasionally drops your cursor away from where you want it to be. This is inconvenient because you'll often be trying to hail a Trade Station or pinpointing a specific location. Combat is simplified by the clever use of a targeting reticle that leads whatever enemy craft you are targeting. If you capture and keep that lead reticle in the DarkStar One's sights, you'll lock onto that ship. Every now and then, you will jump into a cluster that you are very clearly not ready for. The rate at which certain enemies tear through your defenses and send you to the Load Game screen will occasionally drop your jaw, but as long as you pay attention to your mission parameters, you can trust the game to steer you in the right direction.
Game Mechanics: The dual-stick movement controls aren't difficult to master, but learning to pull off advanced maneuvers in the heat of combat takes patience and time. If DarkStar One - Broken Alliance didn't invest so heavily in the ship's primary and auxilliary functions, it probably would have been a lot simpler. I consider it a fair trade, because without those functions, the game would have been quite shallow. Trade Stations are where you'll do most of your business. Everything is handled with a simple interface that allows you to smoothly navigate a number of different screens. Going to the Dockyard will allow you to fit the DarkStar One with new equipment, and you can also choose to play the market with a selection of minerals and assorted commodities. News headlines will always keep you updated, and the Terminal will allow you to take on odd jobs. Every now and then, a new screen will pop up, but these are usually situation-sensitive and always easy to understand. If you've ever played a 360 degree space shooter, you may want to look into this game. The presentation leaves a lot to be desired and the gameplay gives way to repetition too quickly, but the mechanics are sound and the combat system is easy to enjoy. It may not be for everybody, but DarkStar One - Broken Alliance proves that the space shooter is far from dead.
-FenixDown, GameVortex Communications AKA Jon Carlos
Related Links: Official Website of DarkStar One - Broken Alliance Game Vortex's Review of Descent 3
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