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REVIEWS

UltraCorps is Microsoft’s foray into the on-line 4X (exploration, exploit, expand, exterminate) genre of space strategy games. Others in this series includes VGA Planets, Stars! and Space Empires III.

To begin with, you need to set up a billing account. And do not be misled by the disclaimer that there is no software to be downloaded. After you have set up Microsoft’s Internet Gaming Zone on your PC, you are on your way to a main menu screen for UltraCorps. Here you will see a small number of games. Some ongoing, others soon to start.

The game is set up in a series of turns called Ticks. Ticks run once a day, for thirty days. You have that much time to conquer the most planets in order to win the game. To start off with, you need to pick a race. The variety to choose from includes the Arachnon’s (an arachnid, warlike race), Ectonian, Guir, Mah-Tog, etc. Each race starts off with their own unique fleet make-up (which is largely the only difference between the races). These range from the X-5 Destroyer and TK:Psi-Hauler to Power Suit Troopers and the mobile TK Bike.

After the race selection screen, you are brought through to the main command screen. Here any information required is available at your fingertips. From the background of all the races, to an encyclopedia of vehicles. There are links to newsgroups for your race, a message center and access to your star map.

When you begin your tick, you will notice a group of planets surrounding your own that must be quickly taken over. Each tick must be used to it’s maximum potential. You will break your main fleet up into groups and send them out to battle. You can click on planets within range and find out what resources and forces they have. You need Ultranium and Population in order to purchase units. Research comes in the form of simply purchasing licenses to build better vehicles.

Combat is handled in an abstract manner. When you log in the following tick, you will see the results, which are calculated by comparing your mixture of ground and space combat factors with those of the opposing enemies.

Strategy comes in the form of knowledge. You need to be fully aware of your combat potential versus that of your enemy. If you make a bad move, there is no going back as you watch your fleet become space debris. The time required to build it up again is enough to insure your loss. Unless, of course, you have made powerful allies.

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