Blow away Chechens X-COM Style!

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2004-12-02 03:16pm

Linka

In the world of current events computer and video games, counterterrorist operations have become a goldmine for tactical-level war games. But even though they make for popular games, it's only inevitable that a discussion over the appropriateness of these subject matters will arise. From the Black Hawk Down episode to the war on terror in Fallujah, game developers constantly flirt with the gaming public's sensibilities and boundaries of good taste. Considering the recent Chechen rebel attacks, the new ALFA: Antiterror strategy game from Strategy First and Russian developer Mist Land may be walking into a firestorm. But let's first introduce the game.

ALFA is the first Western-imported game to portray conflicts from Russia's recent past. The game will recreate actual scenarios faced by ALFA, a special forces wing of the KGB, ranging from operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East to quelling rebel activity in Chechnya. The events, which take place between 1984 and 2001, are being recreated by the developers with the aid of veteran soldiers from the elite ALFA unit. The gameplay is turn-based, occurring at the squad level game - no doubt it was inspired by such classics as X-Com and Jagged Alliance. Players command one to 16 ALFA special operatives using a wide assortment of period equipment and weaponry.

The most unique feature in ALFA: Antiterror is its turn-based system, sprinkled with simultaneous resolution. Players first create a set of waypoints and fire orders for their troops, and those orders are carried out in 20-second spans against the opposing forces. Turns play out in real-time, but the player can then adjust their tactics for the next turn or carefully review the events of the most recent turn using a unique replay system.

The final touches include the graphics - which speak for themselves in the pictures below - and some interesting multiplayer options. Not only are special forces from other countries planned for inclusion, but Internet, LAN, hotseat, and even PBEM are planned for multiplayer gaming.

http://www.wargamer.com/articles/alfa_a ... lfa_08.jpg

Petrosjko · Post by **Petrosjko** » 2004-12-02 03:31pm

Hmm... I never played X-Com, but I did play Wages of War, which everyone tells me had an extremely similar setup to X-Com.

It was a great game, even if government contracts sucked. I lost half my team on a damn drop for the U.S. gov... bah.

Definitely be checking this out when it becomes available.

Tasoth · Post by **Tasoth** » 2004-12-02 04:03pm

Looks sweet, much like the remake of jagged Alliance in 3d and JA3. Have to keep my eyes open for this.

Post by **fgalkin** » 2004-12-02 04:11pm

Blowing away Chechens? That's my kind of game.

Have a very nice day.
-fgalkin

Post by **Vympel** » 2004-12-02 06:03pm

Muahahahahhaahha! Where do I sign up?

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2004-12-02 06:10pm

On one hand, WOO, X-COM!

On the other hand, errr...X-COM without the strategic elements that made it good... (SEE: UFO: Aftermath)