PC: Space Hack

Ratings

Graphics:7.00 [Bar of Width 70]
Sound:8.00 [Bar of Width 80]
Gameplay:7.25 [Bar of Width 72.5]
Replays:7.50 [Bar of Width 75]

Our Take

Space Hack is the first game to come out from newer publisher Meridian 4, a Montreal based studio. Right off the bat, the easiest way to describe the game would simply be "Diablo in space." And while Diablo is arguably more complex in terms of gameplay, Space Hack proves to be a satisfying experience nevertheless. While there are issues that pop up while playing, the game is still a fun romp that is worth the $20 price tag.

Graphically the game isn't going to compete with mass published productions, but the engine that Rebelmind has produced is certainly a solid one. System requirements are relatively low, meaning that more people will be able to experience the game. While Space Hack is a point and click game such as Diablo, the environments are presented in isometric 3D. While the character and enemy models could benefit from a greater level of detail, the environments have a very nice look to them. As with other games of this type, players can rotate the view using the mouse and using the mouse wheel. If there is one flaw though, sometimes the game is a little too touchy when it comes to changing you to a top down view, sometimes obstructing the view of the world around you. This isn't a big issue, but could use just a bit more work (the camera is a bit too spastic when it comes to moving it around with the mouse). However, while the graphics obviously pale in comparison to some higher budget titles, I give the team credit for creating a fine looking game that can be played on most PCs and that has fast loading times.

Gameplay is similar to any Diablo style games that you may have played on your PC lately. You move your character using the mouse and clicking to a location, and you also attack enemies by clicking on them. Unfortunately, unlike other games of this type, it isn't possible to lock onto an enemy. This makes it hard to move and hit an enemy at the same type, which can often be a problem. Space Hack also tries to offer up a ton of different weapons, including guns, ranged weapons such as bows, and melee weapons. Unfortunately, while the melee weapons were a nice inclusion they never really fit in with the scope of the game. Quite a few of the in-game enemies fire projectiles at you, making close combat a very hazardous proposition. In the end, players will probably stick with the plethora of ranged weapons and guns, as they will prove to be the most effective ways of defeating strange alien creatures.

Another element that makes gameplay a bit difficult is how weapons deteriorate over time. Often throughout the course of one area your weapon of choice will break and no longer be usable. At this point, you must either equip a weapon that was picked up from an enemy corpse, or go and buy a new one (which is a very expensive proposition). In order to re-equip your character, the player must open the inventory menu and select what they want to use. While doing this, the game can be paused using the spacebar so that you don't get massacred while switching weapons. This element isn't bad, but some players will wish weapons didn't break quite so easily.

Space Hack is a fairly difficult game, made harder by the lack of healing items and expensive cost of weapons and other equipment. It is possible to buy bio chips and other unique items that will enhance the abilities of your character and increase his stats, but they are all very expensive and will take awhile to get. Health is also handled in a similar way. While there are several areas where one can restore to full health for free, these areas are far and few between, and health packs are often too expensive for the player to buy more than one of. Your character does regain health by standing still, and this will lead to a lot of dead time as players leave their character in one spot to regain health. Combine this with the fact that enemies can often down your main man in three to four hits at times, and you have a game that will require frequent saves. Don't get me wrong, once you get involved in it Space Hack is a fun and engaging experience, but it is going to take some initial investment for that to happen.

One area that was surprisingly impressive in Space Hack would have to be the music and sound effects. The music has a somewhat industrial vibe to it, but never intrudes on the player. For an independent title, the music is a lot more immersive than one would expect it to be, and it really pulls you into the whole "biosphere" world. Some people may complain about the lack of any kind of voice acting, but I'll overlook this since this is not a big budget production.

Your character can be upgraded according to stats, but this still feels somewhat limited compared to Diablo's class system. Yes, it is possible to change stats according to your playing style and also enhance his abilities using various bio chips, but some sort of class system that rewarded you for playing a certain way would've added just a bit more variety. Also, there is a story in the game, but most of it is just background. This title is much more action focused than story, and because of that some people might not like it.

Despite the criticisms I have, Space Hack was still a very enjoyable title that was a very impressive effort for an independently produced project. Although there are some areas I would like to see worked on if the team develops a sequel (such as adding lock on targeting, some sort of class system, and making the difficulty a bit more forgiving to new players), many people will still get a lot of fun out of Space Hack. And at a price of only $20, Diablo fans should snatch this one up. Everyone else, try the demo first and see if it suits your gaming preferences. While it may not be perfect, Space Hack is an impressive debut for a newer company, and I can't wait to see what they release next.

http://www.meridian4.com/

Overall Rating: 7.50

Chris Dahlberg
January 18, 2006