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The sequel to Elite, undeniably one of the best space/trade/exploring games ever created. Frontier had some big shoes to fill, with more sophisticated technology at David Braben's fingertips. Frontier has all the potential and expectation to deliver. Let's get one thing out the way first. A powerful Amiga is really needed to get the best out of Frontier. Ever tried playing Frontier on an Amiga 500? Put it this way, you can count the frame rate on each of your fingers it gets that bad! Even on the lowest graphical setting. I recommend that Frontier should be played on a Amiga 1200 or higher.
Graphically the game is eyecandy YUMMY! You can really appreciate the work that has gone into this game, from space stations, ships, and planet detail. Just watch the introductory demo and be amazed. A true work of art if you ask me, pushing the Amiga to its limits. As I have briefly mentioned early you can adjust the options for graphical detail within the option menu to suit ones needs. Lots of detail has been put into practically everything from lighting to that little radar dish on the back of your ship.
Now for the juicy part of the review, the gameplay. I'd like to consider Frontier like marmite. Some may be disappointed about the changes as they are VERY drastic from the original Elite. More dynamic physics have been introduced. This can be incredibly off-putting at first as controlling you craft can be pretty difficult, especially when docking or landing on a planet. Autopilot FTW!... Anyways, the use of keyboard and mouse is the logical way forward, although Joystick can be used, the keyboard and mouse route is a lot more intuitive. What Frontier offers is up to the player. The game itself starts at a pretty slow pace, just enough to get your toes wet. Soon as you gain confidence and obtain decent knowledge of good trade runs your credit balance will soon skyrocket. You can buy numerous ships from Vipers (Police use these) to heavy duty trading Pathers. You could be a law abiding trader selling robots and computer parts. OR you could be a badboy space pirate, buying and selling slaves, drugs and animal skins for big cash with the police hot on your heals! Save often because if the cops get you you either get blasted to spacedust, or get your ass thrown in the slammer.
The open ended gameplay is what makes Frontier so great and fun to play, relive those star trek fantasies! There are some niggles however regarding bugs, such as crashing into space stations when you speed up time even during autopilot, and some just bizarre glitches sometimes. Save often as these bugs may happen sooner or later and can wreck your progress. However, I believe there are numerous patched versions out there that correct this. The most famous bug was the wormhole bug, which enabled you to hyperspace across the universe hundreds of light years away from your destination... nifty.
The games music is really well composed. Often taken from famous classical compositions. But that intro music.... jeez it really hits home :D. Music can be enabled or disabled. The default setting is music to be played after a hyperspace and by docking which really adds to the mood and feel of the game. The games sound effects are not spectacular but do the job. Lasers make 'AIIIIRAAA' noises that's the best way I can describe them. *ahem*
In conclusion, Frontier packs a punch and offers new features that the original did not have, such as landing on planets, new physics and gorgeously produced graphics. As mentioned earlier a beefed up Amiga will enhance your experience.
SIDE NOTE: Braben stated there was a black hole in the middle of the galaxy... and it is yet to be found... is this true? Play it and discover all sorts of weird stuff in the wonderful universe that is Frontier.
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SUPERB in every single way. The ships, planets, asteroids and clouds... a hell of a lot of detail has been put into this game. Lower Amiga models will struggle to maintain the highest graphical setting though!
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Beautiful opening music, and some epic battle music too. Space Stations also have a weird electronic humming sound to them when your docked. Just a damn shame about the 'AIIIIRAAA' laser noises that really bug you after a while.
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Father Time himself will not stop you from playing this game. Masses to do, lots of missions, exploration and trading to be done. You know you want that panther clipper baby! Flying around the moon and docking on Mars and shooting at the suicidal police could not be more fun!
Patience is needed however!
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| On the whole Frontier delivered an untouchable concept. Many game developers have tried to replicate this formula. Many have failed. Beating a classic game that is Elite. Frontier holds its own very well and is somewhat better in many aspects. A rewarding experience for any gamer. |
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