Edge of Chaos - Independence War 2

Published by Infogrames
Designed by Particle Systems
Platform: PC CD-ROM
Price £9.99
Released: Out Now

There have been quite a few space 'simulation' games over recent years. It all started with games such as Elite, and recent times have brought us titles such as Freespace, Freespace 2, Independence War and X beyond the Frontier. Independence War or I-War as it known in some countries, stands out from these titles because of it's in depth control system. The skill needed to navigate your spacecraft was akin to what you would expect in a flight simulator. Would be space pilots loved it though and what we have here is the sequel re-released on Infogrames Best Of range.

Edge of Chaos puts you in the role of Cal Johnston. The beginning of the game sees Cal as a 12 year old. The game begins with Cal's father being threatened by the extortionate Caleb Maas. When Cal's father refuses to pay a debt to Caleb, that he has already paid for multiple times, Caleb attempts to kill him. Cal's father decides to take Caleb down with him. Fifteen years later and Cal is out for revenge. With his father gone Cal is instructed on how to control space craft and trade etc., by the computer simulated Jefferson Clay that was the last gift from his father.

The game was originally released last summer and has aged incredibly well. Graphically it still looks superb and the cutscenes also look fantastic although it is a shame that they are unsubtitled. Whilst in game though, text provision is much better. All of Clay's comments are fully subtitled and all the information you're going to need is given in text.

The only thing that let's Edge of Chaos down, apart from the unsubtitled cutscenes, is the complexity of it. Keyboard control is offered but totally impractical as there are far too many keys to learn, although mercifully Infogrames have included the original manual and control guide so you won't have to agonisingly print out an Acrobat file. A good joystick, one that has a hat, is essential, especially if you want to do well at the game. With over 50 missions, a skirmish and multiplayer modes the game is certainly worth the asking price.

Recommendation: Recommended. Complex but highly engaging.
Suitability for deaf gamers: Unsubtitled cutscenes but otherwise OK.

Overall Game Rating: 4/5