Myth: The Fallen Lords - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Myth: The Fallen Lords

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Play It Online, Or Don't Play At All
Although the story is well done, most players will discover the true value of Myth when playing online. Myth features more multiplayer options than any game since Twister. There are several different games to choose from, including Capture the Flag, Body Count, Territories, and Myth King of the Hill. Because Myth only allows a set number of units, games are relatively quick, and to ensure this, a time limit can be set by the host.
Myth's unique approach to team play is also impressive. Up to 16 people can be divided into teams, and leaders are chosen to dole out troops to their teams. If the leader sees something wrong during the battle, he or she can take control of the troops at any time. The absolute coolest multiplayer feature, however, is the whiteboard, which players use to draw and share battle plans with their teammates. The potential for interaction is stunning, and I see why bungie.net is often packed. Another reason bungie.net is so compelling is the caste (ranking) system. Performance during games is tracked and players' scores translate into an icon displayed prominently beside their name. Aside from the standard lag, the only two improvements I would like to see are a "ready" button so that hosts can't suck me into a game without approval and individual ping times for the other players in a game.
Real-time strategists who still believe in Santa should ask him for a copy of Myth this year. My biggest concern is that a lack of unit types might turn this game stale quicker than it deserves (like Grandma's fruitcake). But bungie.net is the best game-sponsored matching service going, and it should keep Myth playable for many months into the new year. Even action fans might enjoy the quick playability and variety of games that Myth offers. In fact, if he was still around, I bet even Mikey would like it--just don't pour soda into the CD-ROM drive.
Tips
-Group like units together (using ALT+ 1-0) and move them independently. For example, you don't want to mix Dwarves and Warriors together when you attack or you'll blow up your own troops.
-The true key to success is learning what units work well against your enemy's units. For example, Trow work great against Fetch, and use archers to pick off Wights from a safe distance.
-Use the terrain to your advantage. Place Soulless in locations that only they can reach (like a cliff). Then they can shoot their enemies without fear. Also, an Archer can easily pick off a number of Dwarves if he's standing in the middle of a lake.
-On bungie.net, highlight a player and type ".score" to see their rank and points.
If you like this type of game, you might want to check out Dark Reign.

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

Myth: The Fallen Lords
Bungie, 800/295-0060
Price: $45.00
Power Macintosh or compatible PowerMac clone, 4X CD-ROM drive, System 7.5 or higher
Pentium-133, 16MB RAM, 50MB disk space, SVGA, 4X CD-ROM drive, Windows 95; Sound Blaster or compatible sound card

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Myth: The Fallen Lords

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