REBELLION IS UPON US
LucasArts
Introduces the First
Real-Time Strategy Game Based on Star Wars
by Tom Byron
When you think of LucasArts and Star Wars, what comes to mind? Chances are you think of games like Dark Forces, Rebel Assault, TIE Fighter and X-Wing. To date, LucasArts has produced Star Wars-based titles primarily in the action and space-combat categories. But part of the advantage and the beauty of the Star Wars universe is the incredible latitude it gives LucasArts to develop a wide variety of games in different genres.
Which is precisely why LucasArts is creating Rebellion, the first strategy game based on the Star Wars universe.
"Rebellion is a game of real-time strategy and galactic domination. Players get to take the role of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire," says Wayne Cline, the game's production manager at LucasArts. "The possibilities for a game like this are tremendous."
Rebellion: The Star Wars Game of Galactic Domination takes the Star Wars gaming universe in an entirely new direction. In a rich strategic environment, players are thrust into a grand battle for control of the known galaxy. Rebellion will be a single or two player game and will include network and modem play (for two players). It is scheduled for release in Fall 1997 initially for the Windows 95 (Pentium) platform and is being developed by Coolhand Interactive of Palo Alto, Calif.
"The Star Wars universe is a natural for a game like Rebellion," says Wayne. "When Coolhand came to us with a really great idea for a strategy-based title, we just couldn't pass it up."
Loyalty isthe Key
Domination of the galaxy is the primary objective in Rebellion and it's a goal not easily attained. The universe is divided by sectors and systems (or planets) and can be tailored by size for longer or shorter sessions, from 100 to 200 systems (10 to 20 sectors of 10 systems each).
Digging a little deeper, Rebellion isn't just about domination. "Rebellion is really about loyalty," explains Wayne. "Part of the way a player wins the game is by building a strong loyalty base of planets, which translates to control of the galaxy. Players can win a planet's loyalty through either diplomacy or force. It's a real balance. For instance, the use of force can be very effective, but you run the danger of having a resentful planet under your control. It's not hard for a resentful planet to shift its loyalties to the other side.
Real-Time Play (Really)
Complex strategy games like Rebellion are often referred to as "turn-based," that is, Player 1 makes a move and then upon completion, Player 2 takes a turn. In the meantime, Player 1 has no choice but to sit and wait for Player 2 to finish the turn.
"Rebellion changes all that," says Wayne. "In the game, everything happens in real-time. Events occur whether the player is ready or not. There's no time to run and make a sandwich, because you're liable to come back and find you've lost a planet. My advice is eat well before beginning a session."
Gameplay :Two Major Components
Rebellion gameplay breaks down to two basic parts, strategic and tactical. The strategic component is where players make the majority of decisions, including manufacturing, resource management, fleet deployment and mission assignments. Players are updated on events by their "agents" (C-3PO for the Rebellion and IMP-22 for the Galactic Empire).
When two opposing fleets meet over the same system, the tactical component kicks in. This is a separate game element where players can take ships that have been deployed, join them in "task-forces" or "fighter squadrons," and assign orders or targets. All of this takes place in a real-time 3D engine that is moving as soon as the battle is joined, so while the player is making decisions, so is the computer or opposing player.
"The strategy component of Rebellion is exciting, but the tactical side takes this game over the top," says Wayne. "The 3D engine is really spectacular, and gamers will be hard pressed to find anything like it in any other game."
A Questionof Character
Rebellion is heavily character driven. Each side has several characters at its disposal. To win the game, a number of missions must be assigned to achieve specific goals, such as diplomatic missions to sway a system's loyalty, sabotage missions to drop planetary defenses (allowing for bombardment), or rescue missions if a character has been captured. By assigning a character to a mission that complements his/her attributes, the chances of that mission succeeding increase.
For example, if a player wishes to send a diplomatic mission to a planet to convince it to be loyal to the Rebellion, assigning Mon Mothma, who is a diplomat and the leader of the Alliance, will greatly increase the chances of the mission succeeding. At the same time, it may also leave her vulnerable to capture, which would give the opponent one of its "win factors." Of course, the player may then mount a rescue mission.
"Characters are drawn from all over the Star Wars universe, from the films and novels" explains Wayne. "Players and fans should expect to make use of the talents of characters like Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Darth Vader and Admiral Thrawn (from the Timothy Zahn novels)." There are 55 characters in all, 28 from the Rebel Alliance and 27 from the Galactic Empire.
Credible Creators
Rebellion is being created by Coolhand Interactive, a games developer based in Palo Alto, Calif. Coolhand brings a real credibility to the Rebellion experience. The group is led by Doug Mogica, a veteran of the legendary strategy-game developer Three-Sixty Pacific and former head of Paramount Interactive. Rebellion's director and main designer is Scott Witte, also a Three-Sixty alum, and the primary mind behind the AI in the classic game Harpoon II.
"Coolhand is a top-notch developer and, like LucasArts, a strong believer in quality," says Wayne. "Their experience in strategy-based games is exactly what we needed for Rebellion."
A Little Something for Everyone
Rebellion promises a little something for everyone. Veteran gamers will spend hours vying for domination of the universe, while newcomers will feel welcome in an accessible and undemanding interface. And, of course, anyone who's ever been a fan will finally be able to fulfill the ultimate Star Wars fantasy: the chance to run the galaxy.