The Starship Troopers franchise began life as a Robert A Heinlein novel. Some years later, it exploded onto the big screen with the kind of cheesy all-American antics we've come to expect from Hollywood. Then there was the TV series, which took the vomit-inducing group-hug syndrome to spectacular new heights. Despite this, all these offerings have managed to provide moderate entertainment without causing the judges at this year's Oscars ceremony too much consternation. It's uncanny, therefore, that Hasbro's PC adaptation of the franchise evokes the same kind of response that of a semi-entertained, mildly impressed, indifference. It's one of those games that isn't bad at all but just doesn't do it for you in a big way.

The now familiar story begins in the year 2369. Buenos Aires has been flattened by a guided meteor sent from the Arachnid planet Klendathu, and it's your task to get even. In charge of the eponymous troopers, you play your part in an all-out invasion of the Arachnid headquarters, controlling up to three squads of troopers and specialists as you wage war across three different terrains. From light rifles to plasma guns, nuke launchers and flame throwers, there's no shortage of heavy weaponry to help invoke the bloodlust. Having said that, there are times where subtlety and planning are necessary, and specialist units such as the stealth infiltrator and combat engineer come into play.

Starship Troopers actually uses the contemporary 3D real-time strategy format that was first tried in Warzone 2100, and gradually honed through Force Commander and Ground Control. All of the standard features we've come to know and love are included - as well as a few interesting
new touches. For example, you begin the campaign with limited numbers of troops who gain experience as the campaign progresses, adding a touch of role-play to the game. Also, the ability to save the game mid-mission has been replaced by three retries. Fail the third time and you have to restart the mission, putting an abrupt halt to the constant 'save game' antics that often take the suspense out of a mission.

Overall, while Starship Troopers is well written and presented. It simply doesn't storm the fortress of classic-dom, spraying bullets everywhere. Victory or death? Well, neither really.

Star Rating: HHIII

Producer: Hasbro

Required Spec:

PII 233

64Mb RAM

DX7

4Mb 3D card

Keyboard