Descent 3 for Windows

Back when the internet was still young and my computer sported the new powerful 486sx33 processor I was first drawn to the Decent series. The effects were spectacular for the time period. The game never really made the mainstream as fast paced shooters like Doom and Rise of the Triad (which had its own problems) entered the scene and took control of an industry. A few years later the same trends and problems exist but Decent has grown into a graphical masterpiece.

How come nobody plays this?

OK this game has been out since before Christmas and only 19 people have reviewed it?? This game is indeed very different and one of the most neglected games currently out there.

Basis

The basis of the game is perhaps a bit on the simplistic side. You pilot a single seater ship and fly into abandoned mines that have mysteriously become infected with a strange virus, causing the robotic miners within to destroy everything around them. Of course you've been trusted with this lovely *coughsuicidecough* mission. You must blast your way through the robots and destroy the mine's reactor. After this you have around sixty seconds to escape through the one exit on the elaborate level. Needless to say, locate the exit before you destroy the reactor. Anyway after Decent 2 you were almost killed and float almost lifeless in space. You're rescued (space seems to be getting smaller every day!) and luckily you've got a new job doing the same old same old. After a little refresher you're ready to go again! Cut scenes really add something to the story and give you the will to fight as well as some laughs at ignorant scientists (hey its coming through the glass.. ARGH!).

What they continued to use

The game is really the same framework as before. That unconventional full 3d movement that made the game what it was is unchanged. All of the normal weapons that I can recall are also included. Old users can jump right in and start blasting while new users can begin to enter this strange new world. Almost all of the power-ups remain unchanged.

The new stuff

The major change is the addition of new weaponry. The nice little balance that existed in the previous games still exists but is slightly weakened. I don't want to ruin the surprise; lets just say Interplay satisfied both the pyro and suicidal nuclear freak in me. Graphics have also tweaked to perfection. A detachable bot has been added as well and seems to be pretty well done (although not very helpful). AI has really been strengthened for this game although it is scalable.

So what is the appeal?

I've got to admit the single player aspect gets old pretty quickly. Decent still, however, represents a wonderful uniqueness that existed from day one. Graphics as well play a nice role and very few games offer a reasonable 3D multiplayer experience.

Controls

Game controls are virtually unchanged from the original and very easy to learn. You aim your ship using the directional buttons and fire, thrust and secondary weapons are all a simple keystroke away. The major problem is using them in a fast paced combat encounter. It took me a while to get good at blasting again and a while to use the more advanced control functions effectively (A must for a chance in multiplayer).

Graphics

Graphics have always been a major high-point to the Decent game and Decent 3 does not disappoint. Lighting is exquisite and detail levels can be changed to work with your computer. In some of the highest resolution modes this game is absolutely breathtaking as ships weapons and backgrounds really make you feel like you're there. If you bought that overpriced fancy smansy system this game will allow it to show its stuff. Resolution can go up to insanely high levels (as well as processor and graphics card usage). I'd almost buy this one for the graphics alone.

Sound

The sound on this game was pretty nice. Weapons sounded about like one would expect them to and background sound was pleasant but also nothing extraordinary.

Multiplayer

The best aspect of the whole game has to be the multiplayer system. They support all of the standard connection types but the only one I've used is the internet connection. They offer around 10 different modes of play (although some require special levels). Classics like capture the flag meet up with a zone control type game. Robots can be added to make the game more fun (and dangerous) and team play can be set and there's even an arena style game called "monsterball". They really gave the user a ton of variety in game choice. Map selection is actually fairly deep; I believe that around 25 large well-done maps can be played on with more downloadable. Players can come and go in games as they please. I've been fragged a whole lot in this realm of play (luckily for me they keep stats.. heh) but even early on I was able to get a few kills.

*New Multiplayer feature discovered!*: Audio taunts. They have some great preselecteded ones. Some of my favorites include "you are now dead" (which is spoken like a status message), "Kaboom! heheh" from Homer Simpson, "Impressive" from Vader and that lovely point blank missle lock sound from the game. Shesh! This game just keeps on giving!

In the end

This game, especially in multiplayer, can be a challenging experience and welcome change from the norm. It takes a while to get used to your new surrounding but superior graphics and great weaponry ideas make this one a winner. Users will spend several hours just exploring the game and all that it offers. I'm not sure how long the campaign style single player goes but there are two CDs in the set and it looks like it'll keep you playing for long enough. This really is a hidden jewel and wonderful game for people looking for something a little different.