Dark Reign 2 - Single Player Demo

In theory, it shouldn’t be that difficult to come up with a successful RTS, since most of the great games out there seem to be using the same formula when it comes to it. However, there are a lot of hidden details you must pay attention to as well, otherwise the very same mechanics fail to work together and you end up with something cheap and expendable.

Dark Reign 2 is more or less a classic real-time strategy game, in the sense that it uses the usual gather-build-train-attack formula, just like Warcraft, StarCraft, or Command & Conquer. However, it also brings a bit of innovation when it comes to other aspects, which make the game more attractive, and it allows the players to experience an entirely new concept, at least in some regards.

As far as the story is concerned, the events take place somewhere in the distant future, with to factions disputing their claim over the planet: the Sprawlers and the Jovian Detention Authority. The main campaign allows you to experience the war from both sides, in order to take advantage of every unit and see the problem from both points of view, in case you happen to be the type to choose favorites.

Just like previously mentioned, the core gameplay is not very different from what you may have seen in the other RTS games. However, the actual combat is intense and somewhat unique, given the fact that lasers fly all over the place and there’s always something exploding. Unfortunately, the interface is not the best out there and you may have some trouble adjusting to the controls in the beginning.

From a technical point of view, the game excels when it comes to graphics and sound, although you shouldn’t expect too much nowadays, given its age. However, the units are nicely detailed and a lot of work went into the environments, which greatly improves the overall atmosphere. The voice acting is nicely done and a bit of humor was added for good measure as well.

In the end, Dark Reign 2 could have done a bit better, but it turned out quite nicely even so. Thus, if you happen to enjoy strategy and you also have a soft spot for science fiction, this should provide you with exactly what you need.