Codename: Rogue Fleet

One common complaint with space games is that they usually have a pretty steep difficulty curve. It takes a lot of work to learn every command, not to mention the disorienting movement system due to the fact that there is no ground to serve as a reference point. However, there have been a few games that managed to simplify the formula just enough to make it fun for everyone.

Codename: Rogue Fleet is a multiplayer action game that allows you to take control of a variety of ships and use them to destroy the enemy team. Unlike most shooters, your role and your impact on the battle are entirely dependent on the type of ship you choose in the beginning. Hence, whether you have to harass the enemy troops or play as defensive as possible, each experience is unique.

The game can only be played in multiplayer at the moment, which means that you also have to rely on teammates for your tactics to succeed. Each player can choose a ship class in the lobby before the match start, but there a set number of each kind. Some are unique and extremely powerful, while others like small fighter ships are more numerous and easier to play with.

The fighters are a lot more agile and mobile than larger carriers or battleships, which means that they can sneak around the battlefield and choose their target with ease. However, it’s important to know where to strike, otherwise your efforts might be in vain. Larger ships come with engines and various parts that can be destroyed, but a single fighter might not be able to do it in time.

There are various other gameplay problems that need to be fixed soon as well, such as the fact that there is barely any HUD to let you know stuff like enemy HP, weapon cooldown and various other important statistics. The controls are not very intuitive either, and you cannot really change them at the moment, although that is bound to change in later patches.

Although it may have its flaws at the moment, Codename: Rogue Fleet is certainly engaging enough to make you forget about control and gameplay issues. The freedom to approach combat as you want makes every match unique.