Nuclear Dawn Review

Combining the best of worlds is the ultimate purpose for any hybrid, may it be a chicken or a video game. This is what happened with the post-apocalyptic setting video game, Nuclear Dawn. The game is both a first-person shooter and real-time strategy, which is a first from Valve Corporation, developer of the legendary Counter-Strike series. Like its previous offerings, Valve intended Nuclear Dawn to be an amateur mod, but the winds of change pushed the project to be a commercial venture.

Fusion of the two genres did not dilute one with the other, but produced a combination that is revolutionary and stimulating at the same time. The presentation is maybe wanting, but seasoned players who do not have a problem working in a team will benefit most from the experience. Even with the absence of interactive tutorials and single player modes, the tactical depth of the multiplayer mode proved that the game has something the video game community will talk about.

While sophistication is the mark of the game's genre, its plot is the Classic war of two factions in a post-Apocalypse setting. After the world was devastated by weapons of mass destruction, two rival groups emerged from the chaotic remnants. The blue team represents the Consortium, and the red team symbolizes the Empire. The lone mode is the Warfare option wherein 16 players from each team battle for the control of resource points. This precious resource is crucial for the energy commanders need to build structures. A team is triumphant if enemy lines are penetrated and the bunkers are annihilated.

There is a touch of craftsmanship and flawlessness in the design, together with the four distinct classes possessing specific vulnerabilities, as well as skills. The cloaked and swift operatives are fitted against your exo that is armored with stunning firepower. There are assault troopers that have sharp eyes, which easily spot those operatives. Medics come in the form of support soldiers that heal and repair. You can further specialize with the kit distinct in each class. With it, your support soldiers can transform into engineers, medics, or flamethrowers. Exo can choose the siege rocket launchers to destroy enemy buildings, or just the standard chaingun. Stealth can replace arm knives with sniper rifles and assault for sniper rifle or grenade launcher. The commander must orchestrate the attainment of these weapons in the length of the game.

You might get shocked with enemy grenades thrown at you without even a click or a sort of warning. The stealthy operatives are like ninjas that can instantly kill you with knives. You will not have to worry about mercenaries or special weapons that can get the game out of hand. To put buildings out of commission for a longer period of time, the engineers' EMP grenades are the kind of weapon that must be thrown. With this device, you can take on a team and stop its troop from spawning back into matches, as well as shutting down spawn points. On your part, counter the same strategy by scattering spawn locations. If you fail to check the EMP strategy of engineers who could infiltrate your lines, you are headed for disaster. New players will find that they could not be able to spawn because the EMP grenade has been used to them.

Mastering the maps can decide victory or defeat. In the game, there are six locales ruined by the earth-shattering war that happened. There is an Arab city engulfed by the sand, the cityscapes of New York and London, the Japanese subway system, and a cold military base. They are truly crafted for heavy fighting than appeal. The focus is on keeping the ideal flow during fighting and pinpointing choke points that wise commanders can capitalize on. There are no real spots to camp, and if you decide to have one, choose a strategic with matching deployment of snipers. Aim to control the center of the maps where the primary resource points are located to gain an edge on your opponent.

The RTS element is highlighted in this phase of the game when the commander is seen managing the whole war business from a bunker. Just like a true blue RTS, the commander gives offense and defense orders. He also has the authority to signal the construction of structures like turrets, spawn points and supply stations. One of his crucial tasks is to order a research for gaining access to fresh weapons and new buildings. In connection with this, one key decision that you should not miss is to select an alert and wise commander. He must adept with all aspects of the above-mentioned responsibilities. A good commander will match you to victory and following his commands most of the time ensures a smooth flow of fighting. He will give an intel of the opponent's massing up position, ideal spawning locations and timing of blitz attack. Ineffective commanders can be dumped because they can not organize troops into one single-minded and cohesive unit.

The part that can be challenging and disappointing at the same time is getting your way around the match. With only some primer that shows only the basic, you will rely on instinct and initiative as you begin to fight in online matches. Enjoying the game rests on you team's smooth execution of tactics. If you get involved into one chaotic group that does not know what to do, you might get disappointed. This is partly the reason why early feedbacks are not encouraging. At this point, the servers are not yet overheating with professional matches that are breathtaking. As more FPS and RTS fanatics dissect the game, more players will learn from their experience and will follow their lead.

For a joy ride, enter the game like a war correspondent and you will get all sorts of beatings. If you have the attitude of a Royal Marine Commando, you will juice up the dry primer and pick the right men before dominating the ruins of urban jungles where other vicious players are your enemies. Being more prepared than them will guarantee you and your men of a sure win.

Final Verdict: 7/10.