Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!wuarchive!usc!rutgers!att!pacbell.com!ames!uhccux!uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu!jimmy From: jimmy@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Jimmy Chan) Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.games Subject: Buck Rogers (semi-review) Keywords: SSI, RPG Message-ID: <10527@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu> Date: 7 Dec 90 02:45:32 GMT References: <27582a2e-339comp.sys.amiga.games@tronsbox.xei.com> Sender: news@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu Organization: University of Hawaii Lines: 55 Well, since I haven't seen anyone posting about this. Buck Rogers, Countdown to Doomsday has been released for the Amiga. I placed my order last week with Briwall for Buck Rogers since they said it would be in on Monday 12/03 and when I called on Tuesday they had already shipped it to me on Monday and I received it on Wednesday. (Review) The game comes on two disks, included on the disks is an installation program that will allow you to install the game either on your harddrive, ramdrive or on 3 3-1/2" disks. The only copy protection is manual lookup, though if your band of adventurers are all killed and you decide to play again you will have to look up a word in the manual again. Also included in my box was a Buck Rogers in the 25th Century book to help get you settled into the game, it is the first part of a trilogy. (Game Play) If you have played any of SSI's Pool of Radiance, Champions of Krynn, or the newly released Curse of the Azure Bonds (a friend just ordered it from Safe Harbor), the style of game play is just like that. You have to assemble 6 characters which can be chosen from six different races, 4 of which are human types and 2 of which are gennies (genetically engineered): Terrans, Martians, Venusians, Mercurians, Martian Desert Runners, and Tinkers. There are 5 careers/jobs that you can choose for them: Rocketjocks, Warriors, Engineers, Rogues, and Medics. While the standard stats are available to your characters: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma; there is also one extra stat called Tech (Technical Knowhow). The hardest part of creating your character is that there are now skills that each character can attribute skill points to. These skills range from acting to operating or fixing mechanical or electrical appliances. Also allowed within the game is the option to modify your characters stats to match those of the Buck Rogers XXVC role-playing game. Some of the skills that are included are not used in this game but is to be used in any sequels to this game. The combat options are pretty much the same as SSI's AD&D RPGs though some of the options have been renamed making it a little confusing at first but you get used to it real fast. Combat is now mostly shooting your opponents from range since you now have guns, xbows, rifles, pistols, grenades, stunners. There are also melee weapons such as swords, knives, polearms. Another change in the combat is that the nature of NPCs has changed a little. Your party does not include NPCs as you move around in the solar system but as you enter a battle, some NPCs may accompany you into battle and depending on a character's leadership skills they may be able to control NPCs just as regular PCs for the duration of the battle. Battles are resolved very quickly and easily. (end of review) Sorry, I couldn't give a more thorough review since I have only played it for about 2-3 hours, as far as I can tell it is a great game.