Savage: The Battle for Newerth
Sep, 2003
| Linux Rating | |
|---|---|
| Install | 5/5 |
| Graphics | 5/5 |
| Sound | 5/5 |
| Network | 4/5 |
| Overall | 4.5/5 |
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows ® 98,ME,2000,XP or Linux |
| CPU | 600Mhz |
| RAM | 128MBytes |
| Video | GeForce Series/Radeon Video Card |
| Network | Internet connectio required |
| Publisher | S2Games |
Savage: The Battle for Newerth, a S2Games game, is a new breed of game. Until now, if you wanted to pay a RTS (Real Time Strategy) game, you picked one of the numerous titles out there. Then if you were in the mood for the ever popular FPS (First Person Shooter) then you picked accordingly. Savage gives you the best of both worlds as a RTSS (Real Time Strategy Shooter).
As you can see from the screenshot, the 'Commander' who plays the game like a RTS, issues commands and builds structures. He can also give orders to other players in the game. However, since these are REAL people, often they do not follow your orders. While it can be said a good team helps, a good command will make or break your side in battle. The commander researches technologies, creates forward bases to deploy from, and overall has the best "top down" view of what's going on in the game.
Everyone else in Savage will be in the FPS mode. They are the troops who actually do the battle. While not as high-profile as a commander, they are still vital to the game. The commander can set Officers who can give out orders and heal near by troops as well. Most servers seem to have players who still try to run off as rambo and get the most kills. While this may work if the commander is very good, it sure doesn't make the game go faster.
The game has five ground units per side. First three are general units that can use hand-to-hand melee weapons, or they can opt for the ranged. However, something a bit different is siege weapons are available as well. This screenshot shows one of the two. These weapons are great for taking down buildings and towers but cannot take melee damage. This is were teamwork is vital. If everyone is in a siege weapon, the other side can just roll over you and destroy all your units.
Every so often, the network code seems to have problems. Packets are lost or a invalid packet is received and it disconnects. I expect this to be fixed in the next patch as it's still a new game. All in all, this game is a lot of fun to play. The game can be so much more fun if everyone on your team works together. While this may not always be possible, you can still have some fun with hand to hand combat. Who doesn't like getting out the old battle axes? See ya on-line - LinuxKernel.
Other Screenshots
