1990 Winners
Dragonstrike
SSI, © 1990
Wings
Cinemaware, © 1990
Wing Commander
Publisher: Origin Systems
Developer: Chris Roberts/Origin
Original PC Platform: Intel/DOS PC 5.25 LD, 5.25 HD-3.5 LD, 3,5 HD
Ported Platforms: Amiga, SNES
Collecting Fact: The original package came with an advertisement for a
Wing Commander hat. Fewer than 500 were sold, making this the ultimate Wing
Commander collectible.
Summary: "...in the distant future, mankind is locked in a deadly
war..." These were the words that first introduced us to the world of
Wing Commander. This epic space shooter was the most challenging, and
engaging game to come out of Origin since Ultima. Written by Chris
Roberts, a relative newcomer to the computer game industry, this action-packed
thrill ride drew us into the war between the human Confederation, and the evil
empire of the cat-like Kilrathi. Being a conquering race, the Kilrathi
have violently and maliciously attacked the human outposts and thrust the
universe into a bloody war, in which you must succeed or see mankind
exterminated.
To aid you in your fight are a host of ships at your command with which you
fly patrols, perform all-out attacks, and defend your carrier from wing after
wing of Kilrathi fighters, destroyers, and cruisers. One of the most
amazing features of the game is the cockpit. A full view of your
pseudo-surroundings is viewable on screen as you careen your way through enemy
space,, and when you move your joystick, the hand on the screen mimics your
movements precisely, drawing you ever closer into the action. Get damaged,
and your cockpit shows the wear, with sparks, loss of scanners, and hanging
wires. In contrast, when you score a hit on an enemy, you actually see
pieces breaking off of your target, and ending in some of the best explosions
seen in 1990. Push the view keys, and you can actually turn your
head--looking out the left, right, or rear windows to see who might be on your
wing, or on your '6'! The enemy AI was very good for a game of this era,
with enemies jinking and tailing at every turn. Missions only ended when
you asked for landing clearance, giving an even closer feeling of 'being there'.
The soundtrack to the game is also worthy of note, being not only spectacular,
but truly dynamic. Written by the infamous 'Fat Man', the music actually
changes depending upon your situation. From the desperate sounding score
when you're trying to 'shake' an enemy, to the victorious salutes when you've
defeated your foe, the music transitions smoothly from one situation to the
next.
In addition to the action, Wing Commander was one of the first games to add
between-mission plotlines. You talk to people on the ship, and they convey
information, unfolding the storyline, or just give you a pep talk (or a dressing
down if you flew poorly). Mission briefings give you more information on
the state of the war. After which, you are treated to a cinematic cut
scene as you and your fellow wingmen race to your fighters for another round of
combat! After playing for a while, you start to become emotionally
attached to the characters--their feelings about the war and about each other
all aid in endearing you to their various personalities. From Paladin, the
Scottish father-figure, to Maniac, the crazy hotshot, all of the characters make
you WANT to help--and WANT to win!
-- Joe Garrity
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