Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter
- Platforms: Dreamcast
- Developers: Metro 3D
- Publishers: Metro 3D
Armada (1999): A Dreamcast Classic
Armada is a top-down space combat game developed by Metro3D and published by Crave Entertainment for the Dreamcast. It was released in North America on September 30, 1999, and in Europe on October 8, 1999.
Armada is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized several planets in the galaxy. However, a mysterious alien threat known as the Swarm has emerged, and it is up to the player to defend humanity from this new menace.
The player takes control of a spaceship and must travel to different planets to take on trade missions and tactical assaults. As the player progresses, they will earn money which can be used to upgrade their ship’s weapons, shields, and engines.
Armada features a variety of different missions, including:
- Trade missions: The player must transport goods from one planet to another.
- Tactical assaults: The player must attack enemy bases and ships.
- Escort missions: The player must protect a friendly ship or convoy from enemy attack.
- Search and rescue missions: The player must search for and rescue lost or stranded ships.
Armada also features a number of different ship types, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The player can choose from a variety of ships, including:
- Fighters: Fast and agile ships that are ideal for hit-and-run attacks.
- Bombers: Slow and heavily armored ships that can deal massive damage to enemy targets.
- Corvettes: Medium-sized ships that are well-rounded and can handle a variety of tasks.
- Cruisers: Large and powerful ships that can take on multiple enemies at once.
Armada was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and variety of missions. However, it was also criticized for its repetitive gameplay and lack of a multiplayer mode.
Overall, Armada is a solid top-down space combat game that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is a must-play for Dreamcast owners.
Tips for Playing Armada
Here are a few tips for playing Armada:
- Upgrade your ship regularly. As you progress through the game, you will earn money which can be used to upgrade your ship’s weapons, shields, and engines. Be sure to upgrade your ship regularly to stay ahead of the enemy.
- Choose the right ship for the job. Different ship types are better suited for different tasks. For example, fighters are ideal for hit-and-run attacks, while bombers are better suited for taking down enemy bases.
- Use cover to your advantage. The environment can be used to your advantage in Armada. Use asteroids and other objects to block enemy fire and protect yourself from attack.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your radar to track enemy movements. This will help you avoid ambushes and stay one step ahead of the enemy.
Armada Legacy
Armada was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best top-down space combat games ever made. It has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, stunning graphics, and variety of missions.
Armada has also been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including:
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- Star Wars: Battlefront
- Freelancer
Armada is a classic Dreamcast game that is still enjoyed by many today. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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