60 Second Preview of...

Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

The Specs

Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel is a squad-level turn-based strategy game with an overhead view similar to Jagged Alliance, X-COM, and the Fallout RPGs. It's 25 linked missions take place in a graphically sharp post-apocalyptic North America of blasted landscapes and leveled cities. Random encounters are also included. You will create a main character and then control a squad of up to six characters taken from a pool of about 30 available recruits as you direct them to scout, patrol, ambush, defend, and otherwise cause mayhem. There are even vehicles you can use. Though not an RPG like its forbears, Tactics will have RPGish character development and offer multiple solutions to goals based on the character's abilities. Game environments will range from tribal villages and fallen skyscrapers to robot factories and Brotherhood of Steel fortresses. Finally, Fallout Tactics will also feature a strong multiplayer component with games of up to 18 players.

The Speculation

Tom's comments: Fantasy Games Unlimited's Aftermath and TSR's Gamma World. The Road Warrior and A Boy and His Dog. X-Com and Jagged Alliance. These are the things that go into Fallout Tactics. But there are a hundred ways to screw up the pace and interface of a squad-level tactical game. Just ask Hasbro and SSI. Let's hope one doesn't worm its way into Fallout Tactics.

Mark's comments: Game companies like to flirt with us and tease us with hints of sequels (Hasbro, where's that X-COM game?) or whispers of games based on hot licenses (Sierra, care to explain about Lord of the Rings and Babylon 5?). Interplay's a bit of a flirt too. Who among us has played Fallout and not said, "They could make a cool strategy game from this engine"? Yeah, me too. The difference is that with Fallout Tactics, the flirting's over. Get ready for a hot and steamy clinch with your favorite mutants when this game is delivered. I know better than to get excited about a game I haven't played yet, but I've got a serious jones for this game. If there was one tactical game I'd like to have with me in a fallout shelter….