Pacific Storm

E3 2006 First Look Preview

New units, new technology and even a new nation is pushing Lesta Studios and Buka Entertainment's Pacific Storm to the next level with Allies. The game is billed as an add-on with the major new addition being the introduction of England into the fray, according to Buka's Ivan Bunakov. But if you think that one country is the major addition to the game, think again.

There are other new features to the game, which was demonstrated at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) in Los Angeles Wednesday. Bunakov discussed the new features while an extended trailer of the game played, underscoring key points in the presentation.

The controls have been tightened up as well as the battle dynamics to make a faster and much more stable game experience.

While the game maybe an adjutant to the Pacific Storm title, it is very much a stand-alone title.

Players will have to pay attention to allies to manage resources, there are approximately 15 new units introduced to the game and, for the first time in the series, players will be able to take control of ships and submarines. Hit points have been altered with critical places on units that will enable one-hit kills.

The game's strategy interface has been reworked and an arcade mode has been introduced that will have the computer AI managing resources.

Graphically, some improvements have been made as well, with more polygons added to the mix to create a more vibrant visual effect.

As with the previous title, every scenario and map has been based on history. Multiplayer will allow up to eight gamers simultaneously in the simulator mode.

With a variety of combat units, Pacific Storm Allies looks to be a solid entry into the real-time strategy/action/tactics genre.

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