If you are into online play, just skip this review and go buy Allegiance. I’m a way huge fan of multi-player games, and this is the first game that I give the go ahead and say BUY IT. Now don’t get me wrong, Allegiance will not satisfy everyone's thirst for spectacular gaming because there are a couple of issues one should be warned about. This is going to be a bit lengthy, but a game as great as this one needs an in-depth look that is worth taking a view. “That’s why you’re here!”

Let me say that Microsoft has done a fabulous job on this one. This game is bound to capture some awards, and I expect to see it in a few  computer gaming magazines as game of the year. If not, it will be in the running. Gorgeous graphics accompanied with great sound add to the realism that engulfs you while learning this game. I say learning as opposed to playing, because the first week or so that’s what you will be doing. Granted that you will be engaging the enemy and doing your share of handing out some bad news, but get used to handling what you dish out. The learning curve here is quite steep. But the more time you devote, the better you will become. 

Six training missions (what I like to call boot camp) will get you prepared for online play. This is the only place you will find solo play. After the hour or so you spend here, it's time to take your newfound knowledge and spread your wings a bit. After your training, it is all online play from here. Get your modem connected and put real life beside you because now you are stuck in endless space, and Earth as you know it has been destroyed by a massive asteroid! (Hmmm sounds like a movie……doesn’t it?) Thank your creator, because by this time we have already colonized some planets and stars. Now the hard part is, who will rule!

Currently there are a few factions your team will be a part of. Each will pose its own pros and cons to its technology and ability to harbor its resources. Each faction also has its own type of starbases, ships and weapons. As the development from the Allegiance team continues to grow, we will see more factions and technology in the months ahead. But what a great start!

Most online players will find themselves behind the flight stick of one of the well rendered space craft engaging in mostly dog fights trying to gainsectors. While the heavy battle is taking place, one lucky/unlucky individual will be the mastermind behind the outcome of the events that are about to unfold. Most of us have played strategy games where we deploy said guy/tank/plane to go do battle and the AI takes over and some calculated result happens. Here the Commander directs you, the pilot-gunner, to carry out a mission. It might be simple like scouting a new sector, or much more advanced like piloting a capital ship or bomber to take out an enemy garrison. These bigger ships are so big that you actually take on other real players to man your turrets (WAAY COOL) to destroy other ships that are hell-bent on sending you into your escape pod for an uneventful trip home to get a new ship. The result…true real time strategy combined with a heck of a lot of action.

Most games like the above are labeled conquest. Destroy or take over, all of the other teams' garrisons to win. There are some others like death match and capture the flag for shorter gameplay. (Conquest is where it’s at!) While playing conquest, you will see that you are always donating your hard-earned paycheck to the commander. This is A-OK because the more money your commander has, the more technology he can buy for your team. Those who want to keep the money (for what, I have no idea) will most likely find themselves booted because they are not being a team player. Don’t be pouty just yet. If you ask nicely, chances are the commander will loan you the dough to fly a bigger ship. My advice…Kill 'em with kindness or risk getting booted from the game!

There are so many paramount attributes that this title possesses. Voice comms are just plain sweet. There have to be close to 100 pre-recorded messages that you can send out to let your players know your intentions, or simply taunt the enemy. Of course, you can always type a more personal response. The auto pilot feature rocks, as well. You can put your ship or pod on AP and go grab your favorite beverage or throw some pizza rolls in the microwave when the battle isn’t too hot. The in-game help menus definitely score big points for having valuable information available at your finger tips.

The multiplayer capabilities are fantastic. At time of review I played in a game with 80 players without a hitch. I did take part in an experimental game with 120 players that did boot everyone out. MS made everyone full aware that this could happen, but wanted to see if it would actually happen so they could fix the problem. I expect to see bigger rooms once this title takes off and MS licks these minor setbacks. MS is dedicating a lot to this game so that it will run smoothly. The top thing that I liked best actually had nothing to do with the game. It was the support. MS has done a wonderful job having techs available to answer questions in a chat room set up at the zone. They answered all my questions or directed me where to find the answer. More games should follow their lead when a new title is released. Way to go Microsoft!

Ok let's answer a few questions that are sure to arise……. Free Zone vs. Premium ($10 a month).

You can get a ton a fun out of the free zone. Players' stats do not carry over and you are limited to factions and other type of factors that make up the big picture. Should you pay the 10 bucks? Well, that’s a question only you can answer. If you get the free month with the retail version, by all means check it out. The Allegiance zone is so cool, you really have to experience it. But you have to do this AFTER you have given up a few nights on the free zone. Personally I had to try both. I love the game so much I have to stick with AZ. Not to say the free zone is bad, but more dedicated players are on AZ, which makes the games way more intense. Any 12-year-old can end up as the commander, which can prove to be devastating on the free zone. Then again, players’ stats don’t count either so no harm no foul. AZ provides what I believe to be what the developers had in mind. With stats carrying over, you are more apt to play more seriously like it was the real thing. AZ also offers events that take place at a given time and day where the action is excruciatingly intense... GOD I LOVE THIS GAME! But being on a budget, 10 bucks might as well be 100…. I guess we will see…..LOL

One drawback was the lack of documentation. You will need to do a bit of research. Check out some web sites or join a newsgroup. It sounds a bit much, but so much can be gained from the information found here. TRUST ME, IT’S WORTH THE INVESTMENT! Also, I am not a fan of any commander being able to boot you out without warning. 99.9% of the commanders don’t, but you may come across some holier than thou type of fella that thinks he's just the cat's meow. (Well, when they play 40 hours a week, maybe they are.)…..NOT

Allegiance has me setting aside real life, flying white-knuckled through the universe trying to fight for the good of all mankind. Once this game really takes off, expect to see more and more squads and allegiances developing. My prediction is that this is going to be bigger than what MS has predicted. But a conglomerate like MS should be able to handle it. The site is just plain AWESOME. Two thumbs and two big toes up. Nice job MS!!! You will find me there on many evenings (biffasaurus Rex). Hope you don’t find yourself in my turret site…..

Installation was a breeze, but you do have to sign up to the zone before you begin to enjoy the game. Takes a sec, but not too bad.

Gameplay - 8 Loss of points here for what I believe to be an unfriendly interface. The game rocks, there is no doubt about that, but the interface is a bit tough to get used to. Average at best documentation will find the true addicts searching for information that WILL BE FOUND at web sites and newsgroups. This is so important to enjoy the game to its fullest.

Graphics - 9 Gorgeous is an understatement! The ships, bases and the universe as a whole, are beautifully rendered. Alephs (wormholes), nebulas, planets, asteroids were beautifully rendered with detail in mind Definite eye candy here.

Sound - 9 Missile launches, cannons, explosion shields taking fire, and the list goes on. Nicely done, especially the voice comms. ROCK ON. Issue with the Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live card, but patches are up on the Allegiance web site. Personally I do not have a live card, so mine played without a hitch.

Difficulty - 10 No Artificial Intelligence here. As you would expect in any multiplayer game, the more you play, the better you get. Well.... so does the enemy so watch out!! Steep learning curve may discourage some younger gamers, but overall not too terrible.

Concept - 10 What a fantastic idea. One commander, countless battle units, all with different attributes they bring to the battle field. No predictable AI here……AWESOME!

Multiplayer - 10+ What a blast. Each person providing action that you can never predict. If you head into battle, there will not be the calculated AI that you can become accustomed to. True team play. Those who do not play as a team will find themselves floating helplessly in space. “ Never ever leave your wingman” (hmmm... another movie ya think?)

Overall - 9 Could have been a 10, but interface, learning curve, documentation, and the 10 bucks a month brought it down a bit. In short… Thumbs and big toes up on this one!