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| I wouldn’t wanna see the energy bill | It’s yours too mould |
The majority of all strategy games involving base building are identical in principle and pretty much in execution too. Now, here enters Perimeter with a very different way of doing things.
First of all the storyline is erm, well it’s best you don’t try to think about that as I don’t believe K-D Labs did either much. At best you’ll be left confused and a little more scared of the big wide World, so for your own sake just smile and nod.
With that out of the way I can say this is a visually pleasing game. The graphics when kicked up full throttle are darn impressive and with the unique way bases are constructed, it really shows off. The reflections underneath your buildings with all the beams firing about are a sci-fi (nerdz) dream.
But enough of pretty shiny things, what is it that makes Perimeter so unique? Well, you’re limited to build within your ‘frames’ energy pylon network. Yes I’m sure you understood that, but just in case I’ll explain a little more. Your main building is a floating block; the game refers to this as a frame. It’s to do with the storyline so like I said earlier, just smile and nod. From the frame you must build what are essentially power pylons, logic deducts therefore that these will provide power to nearby buildings.
The pylons are critical to your expansion and more importantly your protection. Cramming in as many defensive turrets as you can on your borderline is a very good idea. If things are going badly and you need some breathing space then they also double up as a protective shield, while incredibly draining on your energy supply, it can save you from utter annihilation.
Of course the other critical point to make it that is one of the power pylons goes down in one of your chains, and then you’re in for a rough ride. The games name is the big clue here as you must build up and enforce a perimeter for yourself; it’s the only way to ensure you’ll be able to hold out.
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| The frame brain thingy | Ewww gross |
Now let’s throw in some nanotechnology. All units in the beginning are pretty lame compared to the latter additions you can have access to. The weird and again unique way is that in order to ‘build’ better units you must transform a number of lesser ones; this is where the nanites come in.
Still there’s one more surprise left in Perimeter and that is terraforming. The whole landscape can be levelled flat and developed into a giant energy network. This opens up great strategic moves, as you can build around an enemy and attempt to enclose them, choking off their expansion. Terraforming is done by simply dragging a peg like marker around the ground you want modified, small little black things will whiz about at like piranhas, chomping or spitting out ground to be levelled.
Energy is your primary and only concern, run out of it and you’re finished. Striking deep into an enemy ‘frames’ network to knock out energy generators isn’t too bad an idea; they’re large so you can’t miss them.
The scourge (no nothing World of Warcraft related) are insects that for some reason are about, and provide a mild irritation. Perhaps put in to keep us entertained or to challenge us more on levels, I’m not entirely sure. The enemy themselves aren’t too bright, basically they attempt to take out power pylons at weaker points but often stray into harms way during their journey. AI is a let down, they tend to forget it’s better to avoid mountains and go for quicker routes, and the scourge bugs seem to like water even though it kills them.
All new scores of music have been made for Emperor’s Testament, which is quite upbeat and good to listen to. Voiceovers are tinny and robotised but they still seem a bit cringe worthy at times. The user interface could use some work, and I do mean it. It looks rough, as if they were nearly finished and then quickly just shoved it along the line. I didn’t notice any tutorial here either; some people might not have the patience for a trial and error approach.
Multiplayer is naturally an option here with a variety of maps available. As terraforming is a large game mechanic, map designers have greater freedom on wonderful looking land creations. It may be best to play with at least two other players to keep things fresh, and to avoid getting bored as maps are big.
Sadly Perimeter: Emperor’s Testament suffers from a lack of passion about it. Yes a lot of hard work has been poured into the game, but the story is too abstract and confusing to let gamers get sucked into its universe. Take a series like Command & Conquer; it has a very rich and deep background so people feel happier clicking away for hours.
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| The terraforming peg | Can’t touch me! |
Unique and fresh strategic approach, but it lacks a compelling creamy plot centre that would make Perimeter an instant classic.
Top Game Moment:
TOP GAME MOMENT
Playing about with the cool shield protection system.
