Space Sim First Look: Evochron Alliance (November 30, 2005)

[ChrisReid]

It's been a while since our last
Space Sim First Look, so here's a glance at Evochron Alliance. Although there are many dire predictions about the simulation market, this is the twentieth new space combat game we've highlighted since last year. The Alliance is suffering from the Vonari onslaught, and merchants and mercenaries have been asked to join the fight to undermine the advancing alien forces. The sequel to Evochron puts each character in the role of privateer fighting the invading menace. Players can explore, trade, mine, transport, escort and engage in combat in order to earn funds to customize their ship. Even the HUD can be reconfigured. Achievements that are made in single and multiplayer modes are combined, and voice chat is integrated into the interface to talk to fellow pilots. Like its predecessor, Evochron offers both Newtonian and Wing Commander control schemes, and joystick control is augmented by force feedback effects. There is also a 25 megabyte demo which can be fully unlocked once the $25 registration key is purchased.

Evochron Alliance offers many unique space combat and trading elements, including a real-time dynamic changing economy, seamless environment transitions, multi-level threat system, commodity/item trading, ship-to-ship trading in all gameplay modes, planetary descents, diverse control support (Mouse, Keyboard, AND Joystick control options), unrestricted open space jump drive travel and navigation system, realistic Newtonian physics, unified single player and multiplayer architecture, fuel resource management, per ship bribing, realistic revolving inventory availability, in-cockpit inventory and trade management, gravity effects, AI based trade negotiating, and more.

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The game is part of the Star Wraith 3D Games family. Other related titles include Evochron, Star Wraith IV and Riftspace.


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Original update published on November 30, 2005

 

[Unregistered]

This https://cdn.wcnews.com/newestshots/full/evochron6.jpg kinda looks like an Excaliber chopped in half.

 

[Sphynx]

I have to say, I've enjoyed the Star Wraith series. The textures on some ships may be a little weak, but the gameplay is really quite enjoyable. I recall having a bandit on my tail, so I skimmed the atmosphere of a planet. He followed me and didn't pull out at the right angle like I did, so he got toasted by slamming too hard into the atmosphere.

In a lot of ways, it has captured a part of that old Elite feeling. I'd say it's worth giving it a shot, if you're thinking about it.