Spacecom
Simple, boring 2-D space conquest weak on heroes, visuals.
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Spacecom
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Spacecom is a downloadable point-and-click strategy game that features two single-player modes and multiplayer accessed through a game lobby. The concept is simple, as are the commands, making it easy for younger players. Spacecom feels and plays like a board game, with the goal being to defeat all other players (or computer opponents). Battles are frequent, but there's no visual violence, and the only clue as to whether players are winning or losing battles comes via text messages that might say "winning slightly" or "victory is at hand."
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What’s It About?
SPACECOM has a very simple, 13-mission-based scenario: You move from solar system to solar system and attempt to defeat the enemy forces to become ruler of the game's universe. There are 31 optional objectives, a skirmish mode against the game's AI (artificial intelligence), and multiplayer. This is a strategy game, reduced to its simplest form. You build ships (there are three main types) and defend supply routes; you also try to conquer worlds (for resources, to repair ships, and to build new ones) and destroy the enemy by marching systematically across the map. The skirmish mode has five difficulty settings, ranging from trivial to expert.
Is It Any Good?
Spacecom takes the entire genre of strategy game; combines it with the flat, 2-D feel of a board game; and cuts out complex elements like building, colonizing, harvesting, or even micromanaging combat. This is purported to be a 4X strategy game (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate), but gameplay is actually a question of simply throwing enough units into battle and protecting supply lines during each encounter. The game lacks visual appeal, and replayability (in the mission modes) isn't really high unless players are intent on achieving each optional goal.
All of that said, what's left is a nice, simple, introductory-type strategy game that has some depth and requires some forethought, although it's otherwise devoid of the complexity that can strengthen other RTS titles. The game might appeal to some players, but hardcore RTS fans probably won't linger in this universe for long.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the lack of visual violence in Spacecom. Does the lack of seeing space combat make the game less immersive, or does it help you focus more on your strategy?
Discuss the game's tactics. Are they too simple? Too difficult? Which tactical methods work best?
Game Details
- Platform: Windows
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: 11 bit Studios
- Release date: September 17, 2014
- Genre: Strategy
- Topics: Adventures, Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: NR
- Last updated: August 25, 2016
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For kids who love strategy
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