Incubation: Time Is Running Out - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Incubation: Time Is Running Out

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On Your Face, Marine
Once connected, the multiplayer options continue to impress. Players can pick from preconfigured marines to save time or build a squad from scratch. The squad's strength can be set in the form of equipment points allowed, and slow play can be averted by setting a time limit per marine. For example, a restriction of 10 seconds per unit can be set, and a squad of 6 marines would have 60 seconds to take their turn. The biggest multiplayer feature missing is the ability to preconfigure and save squads for future use. It would also be nice to choose multiplayer victory conditions. Total annihilation always wins, but there are usually some less convincing paths to victory, which would be nice to change or turn off, especially when alliances are formed.
Graphically, Incubation uses the Quakelike 3D engine from Blue Byte's helicopter shooter Extreme Assault. Although Extreme Assault also looks good, the technology is put to better use in Incubation. Effects like vents opening and flying shell casings are excellent, but most impressive is the free-floating camera, which lets the player explore the battlefield at will. The camera can be zoomed or rotated, and several perspectives (i.e., overhead, three-quarters, and first-person) can be selected.
Here's Looking at You
Although the camera's freedom has little affect on victory, it goes a long way to setting the mood of the game. For example, when a Scay'Ger attacks a marine, the view may switch to the alien's perspective. When the marine fires in defense, the action might switch to his viewpoint. This cinematic approach, along with the detailed 3D environment and subdued music, really draws players into the game. Because Incubation is a turn-based game, I could walk away from the computer at any point without consequence; however, I found myself constantly hitting the "next turn" button, my eyes fixed on the screen in anticipation. In this respect, my only complaint is that I want more. A level editor would be a welcome extra, but in the meantime, additional single-player missions can be found on the limited edition CD that currently ships with the game or at Blue Byte's Web site.
Aside from some shortcomings in customization, Incubation has everything I want in a turn-based strategy game: a great interface, challenge, atmosphere, and yes, even graphics. As a bonus, it's one of the few Windows 95 games I've played that behaves itself. I can switch to another program at will, and it never crashes on me. Call it "Quake 'n Wait," or "Awesome," or whatever you like. Shakespeare once wrote, "That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Although he probably wasn't referring to Incubation, I personally believe that even Shakespeare (not known as a computer gaming fan) would enjoy blasting these mutated aliens into little Scay'Ger bits.
Tips
-Soon after your first mission, you are given a choice of going to the "Street Fight Area" or "Way to the Power Station." Choose the Street Fight Area because you will get a chance to gain two extra marines instead of one.
-If you're having problems finishing the "Escort Dr. Reich" mission, collapsing the dilapidated bridge might be the solution you're looking for.
-Like most turn-based games, more movement points mean more options. Therefore, a servo system should be a chief priority. Until then, stimulants can be very helpful, especially when fighting the poorly rear-armored Gore'Ther. An extra movement point can make the difference in successfully flanking to attack its vulnerable back.
-The Incubation CD is required to start the game. However, once loaded you can play without the CD. This is good for playing multiplayer games with one CD over a LAN or null modem cable.
-Don't hit the Esc key unless you mean it. The game immediately ends without warning.
If you like this type of game, you might want to check out X-Com Apocalypse.

Hugh Falk believes that all video games are really tests in which the best players will one day be swept up by aliens to fight for the freedom of the universe. He has dedicated his life to critiquing and hopefully improving games for the sake of Earth and the universe. Agree or disagree with the review? Let us know.

Facts

Incubation: Time Is Running Out
Blue Byte Software, 512/343-1099
Price: $45.00
Pentium-90, 16MB RAM, 65MB disk space, SVGA, 4X CD-ROM, Windows 95; Sound Blaster or compatible sound card

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Incubation: Time Is Running Out

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