Act: Dark Horizons: Lore Invasion [by Max Gaming Technologies]

Game Review:  Dark Horizons: Lore Invasion
Release Date: March 2005
Developer: Max Gaming Technologies
Genre: Action: FPS
System Requirements: P3 733 MHZ, Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, Open GL Video Card
Players: 1-32 players 
Price: $29.99


Max Gaming Technologies' Dark Horizons: Lore Invasion was previewed before its release, and the game seemed pretty fun even then. Post-release, this multiplayer Mecha battle game features more maps and effects, which means that there is even more fun to go around.

The DH:LI universe involves a world war fought by two factions: the Federated States and the Eastern Confederation. In this war, your battles are fought in Mechanized Assault Vehicles, or MAVs. Each faction has similar MAV types, such as Scouts or Tanks, with similar weaponry, but there are special weapons for each side as well. The Federated States specialize in laser weapons while the Eastern Confederation has advanced rocketry.

Essentially you pilot your MAV and use jump jets to get to elevated areas quickly. Scout MAVs have the ability to cloak and drop mines, whereas Tanks have higher armor and can leave automated turrets in strategic spots on the map. There are two other MAV types that can call air strikes or use flame throwers. Each MAV has a standard weapon and a missile launcher, each of which can be configured before entering battle. They also come equipped with a zoom function, so you can make precision strikes or otherwise check in on the far off action.

Maps cover many types of terrain and weather. You can shoot between trees in the mountains, fire on your enemies between buildings in urban warfare, sneak an attack from the sea, or even cover vast distances in desert environments. Weather can range from sunny and clear to dark and rainy, with snowfall making an appearance as well. When the MAVs blend in with darkened mountains, your visibility is adversely affected, so you need to make good use of your radar.

You can play in Team Deathmatch, Capture the Core, Assault (where you need to control waypoints on the map), and other types of games. Certain MAVs might be better for defensive positions, such as the tanks with their automated turrets, while other MAVs are better attackers, such as the assault MAVs, so you definitely need to work together with your team to succeed. DH:LI is played best with teams.

One of the cool things about the game, as I mentioned in the preview, is the use of Comcent, which allows individual battles to have an actual effect on the war. You can see as parts of North America switch hands between the two factions from one battle to the next. I saw the Federated States control everything but the East Coast, only to login the next day to find that they not only lost ground but had a second front open up on the West Coast. You can join a faction and the clans available, which further demonstrates how important teams are in this game. You can also play on your own, choosing sides as you deem appropriate.

The single player aspect is seriously lacking. While you can play Instant Action, bots aren't nearly as fun to play with as human players. Their AI seems to be either incredibly dumb or incredibly clairvoyant. There isn't really a range in between. Still, it does allow you to practice maneuvering in your MAV on your own. On the other hand, the controls are fairly simple, and you can probably pick up the game much faster if you play online with other people to aid you.

Dark Horizons: Lore Invasion is primarily a multiplayer game, and a fun one at that. Some people might have fond memories of FASA's Mechwarrior games, and those same people will find DH:LI a great game. Max Gaming Technologies has plans to release updates to the Dark Horizons universe, so there is even more in store.

Graphics: 9
The visuals are professionally done, although there is sometimes quite a bit of fog. It is amazing to watch a battle between a dozen MAVs erupt into fireballs and laser shots. You can switch to a 3rd-person view as well as use the standard first-person view, but only the latter has the HUD.

Sound: 8
The music can get you really pumped up to play and the sound effects are good but fairly standard. 3D sound gives you clues as to where your enemies are.

Game Play: 9
The controls are fairly easy to use, although the keyboard default for twisting the MAV's torso seemed a bit awkward at first. I never felt like I was scrambling for the correct key press and so was easily immersed in the game.

Value: 8
The lack of a decent single-player campaign might turn off some players, but this game shines when it comes to multiplayer. Each gaming session coupled with Comcent provides a massive multiplayer experience but without the subscription fees. Also, there are modes and expansions in the works, so it isn't likely to get old anytime soon.

Concept: 7
Mechwarrior fans can find much to like about this game, but FPS fans in general will be pleased.

Fun: 8
Featuring non-stop action coupled with team-based gameplay, DH:LI is a blast to play.

Overall: 9
Dark Horizons: Lore Invasion provides hours of mech-based, online fun. It isn't a simulation so much as an arcade game, so die-hard fans might be turned off at first, but there are plenty of options to tweak to make it more or less realistic. In any case, this Independent Games Festival finalist is competitive and fun.
Added: May 24th 2005
Reviewer: Gianfranco Berardi
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