EARTH 2150

Reviewed By: Rick Casteel
STAFF REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC
Produced by: SSI
Price Range: $25-40
Learning curve time: 60-90 mins.
Age level: 12+
ESRB Rating: Teen
Patches / Upgrades: www.mattelsupport.com
System Requirements: PII 233, 32-64 RAM, 451 HD, 3d Acceleration Required

Genre: Strategy
Christian Rating: 3 of 5
   (some objectionable elements)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

The 21st century didn't quite go as planned. There are 3 factions left of humanity after the economic collapse of 2012. The resulting wars divided the population and now all 3 are at war for their very existence. In 2150 scientists discover Earth has been affected by the wars that have raged for years. Atomic explosions used during battle on and around the North Pole have thrown Earth off its orbit sending it hurdling towards the sun. In approximately 180 days Earth will be uninhabitable for life. Sounds like end times, as described in Revelation "for the first heaven and the first Earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."

Box art for 'Earth 2150' This is the scenario the player must contend with in the new strategy game “Earth 2150” by Topware. The game was originally released in Europe to rave reviews. We in the States are now able to get our hands on the “English” version of this intriguing and complex game. A player is placed in command of one of the 3 factions. The three factions consists of the Lunar Corporation (LC), Eurasian Dynasty (ED), or the United Civilized States (UCS). The LC actually inhabit Earth's moon where they have avoided all the conflicts for many years but are now faced with being pulled into the sun with the others. They have a limited supply of resources but the best technology. The ED is the remnant of the USSR and other eastern hemisphere countries. They have the most firepower but are technologically inferior. The UCS is comprised of the US and its western neighbors. They are technologically advanced and primarily use robots in their excursions and battles.

Screen shot from 'Earth 2150' Each side is vying in an attempt to accumulate one million credits and send them to an orbital base. A credit is a representation of a natural resource required to create a fleet large enough to move the factions' population to Mars. The scenario is timed so the player must collect credits in a minimum amount of time per level. This is in addition to completing various objectives such as destroying enemy bases or finding artifacts that can improve or add weapons or defenses. This keeps the tension high and the game play moving along.

Screen shot from 'Earth 2150' The graphics are awesome in the game! There is a day/night cycling, weather effects such as wind, rain and snow are present and actually affect your units. The terrain is true 3d. Air units actually hover above the surface of the ground, and ground units must contend with hills and valleys. There is also a unique camera system. It allows you to view terrain in any angle imaginable. You can also set up a view of 3 different areas simultaneously. This way you can keep tabs on your main base as well as two outposts. This does affect game speed and can drag your system down, so have a peppy processor on board to take advantage of this feature.

Vehicles and robots carry out all action in the game so there is no direct violence against human characters. No adult language or situations are present in the game. Except for the theme of war and destruction of the units I found the game devoid of any questionable elements.

The final word is “Earth 2150” is a challenging and fun game for any strategy enthusiast and we highly recommend it.

Year of Release—1999

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.