Game Review (written by Delta264) Added on: 04/21/2007
Graphics:
Graphics are reasonable. Some of the ships (notably Drones) look quite ugly, but the explosions are good-looking, as are the shots fired from the guns. The missiles are also quite detailed. The turret itself is quite good, with plenty of helpful displays in reasonable detail. Detail on the Dirian ships is mostly good, possibly excluding the Bomber. The shots look awesome though. Another good thing is that when you are hit, you see blue flashing on the screen as your shields take damage, which also looks pretty nice. (For the enemy that is...)
Overall, I would say 3/5 for graphics. You won't be nitpicking them in the heat of battle.
Sound:
I have not heard much of the music in the game. The gunshot sounds are ok, and there is a good sound for when you release a missile. The shield-impact sound is good, as is the noise for enemy shots.
I give it 2/5. Not bad, could be better.
Gameplay:
As with most old games, this is where Backlash really shines. It is quite simple to play and great fun. The shooting interface is based on a simple left click guns, right click (or Enter) missile. You can hold racks for several missiles types, switching them as you please with w. A Joystick can also be used. The radar system is good, telling you when enemies fire, and if they are in front or behind you. (As you are a front or rear turret you cannot hit what is behind you).
The game uses the Function keys a lot for regulating shield/weapon power ratios and switching displays between scanner, waypoints and objectives. The scanner is helpful, as it tells you enemy shields, or if you have damaged their hull. It also helps to identify them from beyond visual range. The targeting system is pretty good, putting four green dots at the corners of your target, which really helps when lining them up with the gunsight. TAB is used to change targets.
The tutorial mission is slightly tedious, but it’s very helpful in explaining all the functions and systems. After that, it can get quite difficult quite quickly. Saying that, some missions are MUCH harder than others. Generally, you need to remember to upgrade your ship after each mission. If you are stuck, try using a different missile, for example.
There is a great range of missions, from escort, mine clearing, convoy raids, search and rescue, covert strike on listen posts, and even tracking, the Dark Star flagship.
5/5
Longevity:
There are more than 40 missions, so this will last for a while. In the past, when I was bored, I have always turned to Backlash, and I never got bored, even when playing the same missions over and over again.
So, it has to be a 5/5.
Overall rating: 4/5
I highly recommend this game.
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