In the suffocating grip of resource scarcity, the galaxy teeters on the brink of war. Marlowe, a jaded mercenary yearning for bigger bucks, stumbles upon an offer he can’t refuse: Helena, a mysterious figure tied to the ruthless IPEC overlord, promises regular work, a cozy base, and enough cash to make Scrooge McDuck weep. All she needs is a little protection and, maybe, a few “borrowed” trade convoys. But this isn’t a simple paycheck gig. Helena guards the Ares Project, an alien artifact brimming with power and the potential to tip the galactic scales. Marlowe’s choices will echo through the cosmos, each ally shaping the fate of humanity itself.
So, is Ares Rising a supernova or a sputtering space rock? Let’s blast off:
First Impressions:
Installation and setup are a breeze, even for space noobs. No navigating nebulae of menus here.
A killer intro sets the stage, plunging you into the heart of the galactic conflict.
Your space base becomes your haven and command center, offering news updates, employer emails, mission selection, and even ship customization.
Taking Flight:
Training exercises kick off your journey, easing you into the intricacies of space combat. Simple tasks like ring-flying and satellite blasting test your piloting prowess.
But don’t get cocky, pilot! Asteroids become shields, turrets demand tactical thinking, and staying alive hinges on stealth and maneuvering, not just firepower.
AI that Impresses:
Forget predictable drones. Ares Rising’s AI rivals are cunning beasts. They dodge, shield, and weave through space like seasoned space pirates, forcing you to adapt and strategize.
Multiplayer – A Double-Edged Sword:
Smooth 33.6 modem play for those lucky enough to find fellow adventurers. No lag, just pure space-combat adrenaline.
But finding those adventurers can be a cosmic quest. Unless you have friends already traversing the Ares universe, online battles might remain a distant nebula.
Final Verdict:
Ares Rising is more than just a space combat sim; it’s a galactic tapestry woven with moral dilemmas, tactical depth, and a captivating story. While multiplayer access might be limited, the single-player campaign shines with stellar AI, a thought-provoking narrative, and the freedom to chart your own course through the galaxy’s treacherous currents. So, buckle up, space cowboys. Ares Rising is a journey worth taking, even if you have to navigate the multiplayer void alone.
The Review
Ares Rising
A compelling single-player campaign with exceptional AI overshadows limited multiplayer access, making it a spacefaring adventure worth docking with.
PROS
- Engaging storyline
- Variety of activities
CONS
- Limited multiplayer availability
- Dated Graphics