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![[Reviewer!]](../graphics/noxi01.gif) One of the largest problems with the Real Time Strategy category is that these types of games can take a large amount of time to play. In the single player missions in Total Annihilation alone I've played up to a 4 hour long game, and in multiplayer mode Fuse! and I have abused the game for over 9 hours one night/morning. I've got a few more record times in TA, but I think my point is made. If I get the urge to play TA during my lunch break, I am usually late getting back to work, and the game is still probably saved unfinished. To keep from getting back to work late I usually play something less time consuming, such as slapping a cartridge in the N64, or booting up a quick game of Quake. So, any TA urges I get have to wait until I'm off work and/or know I have nothing to do for the next hour, or five.
Battle Tactics changes that. How does it do that? It has 100 missions, broken into 4 categories: Very Short 5-10 minutes, Short 10-20 minutes, Medium 20-40 minutes, and Long 40+ minutes. If you have not heard by now, there are also 6 new multiplayer maps, and 4 new units to play with. I've always enjoyed the missions because it gives the computer a slight advantage: It has a fully armed force ready to take you down, and you have got to build a force before that happens. I enjoyed Total Annihilation's first 50 missions (25 Arm/25 Core) and The Core Contingency contained an extra 25 missions, but 100 new ones... I was not sure weather or not to be overwhelmed or completely joyous.
The missions in Battle Tactics do follow a theme though, they teach. I've heard complaints from people not used to the VAST amounts of Units found in TA on more than one occasion. I personally relished the diversity, and amount of units in the game, though with as many units in TA as there is... It can be a little confusing. Part of what Battle Tactics does is teaching you how to use units more effectively.
From the AK to the Zeus, Battle Tactics teaches in short or long missions exactly how to use specific units to their fullest potential. And while it does this, it teaches... Battle Tactics. Sure, you might have had a few game tactics up your sleeve, but this I think covers quite a few more. Not to mention, it's fun.
Ever played a Core mission where the Commander is dropped onto a map, which has at least 3 Big Berthas already built? It tells you how to get past them. How about a mission where all you have is about dozen Brawlers and a couple Eagles? Beware the Cobras... Think you know how to use the Commander properly? It has lessons in D-Gunning things. Some of the missions at any setting are a breeze, and others no matter what are difficult. One of my favorites (Capture Hanan Base) is has a rather simple goal: Survive for 40 minutes. It sounds much simpler than it is.
The Good - The Arm. This is Total Annihilation, so it is automatically good. The missions teach things about the game I never knew, and you'll never learn out of the manual since the game has come a long way since v1.0b when the game shipped. Hours upon hours of gameplay. If you can play all the missions and come away saying you knew everything in there; well you're probably working for Cavedog.
The Bad - The Core. I really missed the narration's for each level, but 100 narration probably would be more than one CD could hold. Total Annihilation, TA:The Core Contingency, and TA:Battle Tactics now take up over 500mb of my hard drive. I think it is worth it though. There is also this "uncommitted" feeling to the short missions.
The Ugly - The moon and ice levels really let the fact that this game is only 256 colors show through. Still the atmosphere this sometimes provides adds to the gameplay, and if you don't like the scenery, redecorate. The hulking metal carcass of a Goliath here, a Defender there, and you'll soon have your base looking lovely.
So what is the bottom line? If you like the Total Annihilation missions, for another $20 you can't go wrong here, even if you think you know all there is to know about each unit. Most games you can only get an unofficial expansion pack for $20, and this one is from the creators. Why not go buy it... You need something to hold yourself over until TA: Kingdoms comes out.
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