Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Microsoft Research
- Publishers: Microsoft, ZapHop Games
Allegiance (2000): A Space Combat Sim Classic
Released in 2000, Allegiance is a multiplayer space combat simulator that pits players against each other in massive interstellar battles. Developed by Microsoft, Allegiance was one of the first games to offer a truly immersive and realistic space combat experience, with fully 3D graphics, real-time physics, and a variety of ship types to choose from.
Gameplay
Allegiance is a team-based game, with players divided into two factions: the Allegiance and the Resistance. Each faction has its own unique ships and weapons, and players must work together to achieve their objectives.
The game features a variety of different game modes, including:
- Team Deathmatch: Two teams compete to see who can get the most kills.
- Capture the Flag: Two teams compete to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their own base.
- Domination: Two teams compete to control a series of capture points on the map.
- Escort: One team must escort a convoy of ships to a destination, while the other team tries to stop them.
- Boarding: One team must board an enemy ship and capture it, while the other team tries to defend their ship.
Ships
Allegiance features a wide variety of ships to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular ships include:
- Scouts: Small, agile ships that are perfect for recon and harassment.
- Fighters: Fast, heavily armed ships that are ideal for dogfighting.
- Bombers: Slow, heavily armored ships that can deal devastating damage to capital ships.
- Corvettes: Small capital ships that are armed with a variety of weapons.
- Destroyers: Large capital ships that are the backbone of any fleet.
- Cruisers: Massive capital ships that are armed with powerful weapons and can carry a variety of smaller ships.
Real-Time Strategy Elements
In addition to its ship-to-ship combat, Allegiance also features a number of real-time strategy elements. Players can build and upgrade their own bases, research new technologies, and manage their resources.
This adds a layer of depth and strategy to the game, and allows players to tailor their playstyle to their own preferences.
Legacy
Allegiance was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered to be one of the best space combat sims ever made. The game’s realistic physics, immersive graphics, and deep gameplay have kept it popular with fans for over two decades.
In 2015, a group of dedicated fans released a free, open-source version of Allegiance called Allegiance 2.0. This version of the game is still under active development, and features a number of new features and improvements.
Conclusion
Allegiance is a classic space combat sim that offers an immersive and realistic experience that is still unmatched by many modern games. With its deep gameplay, variety of ships, and real-time strategy elements, Allegiance is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art

Screenshots




