Single-player has two main modes, campaign and custom skirmish, with only the latter allowing for player customization of the game’s scenario parameters. The biggest problems of single-player are the game’s terrible pace due to a lack of modern sensibilities, frustratingly tedious controls, and confusing information presentation (the latter issues also translate to multiplayer to a smaller extent). Yet such a focus on multiplayer and clear lack of attention and refinement to single-player raises serious questions about its inclusion and brings the entire experience down.
The developers make it very clear that the game is pretty much meant to be solely played cooperatively and in competitive multiplayer. However, the main issues arise from the implementation of Carrier Command’s modes, particularly single-player, drone controls, and the frustrating obtuseness of some of its systems. The simplicity of the premise is also appreciated as it sets the stage and doesn’t get in the way of the action with heavy exposition. Moreover, the potential for light role-playing is also present, given the immersive UI, especially in multiplayer. There really is no other game out there like this.įrom a mechanics standpoint, there is also plenty of content on offer, such as the procedurally-generated map alongside the excellent variety and depth to drone command and customization.
Conceptually, the game is incredible, ambitious, and innovative with its focus on team-based strategic decision-making and coordinated tactical action, as well as the inclusion of a logistics system and supply lines. From an audio design standpoint, Carrier Command 2 fares better with impactful weapon effects, satisfying hum of jet engines and whirring propeller blades, and decent, albeit repetitive, setting-appropriate music.Ĭarrier Command 2 is the most perplexing and lop-sided game I’ve ever reviewed. Graphically, the game uses a voxel approach to evoke the old minimalist pixel art style of the original games, which certainly gives this updated vision of Carrier Command a smoother visual style, but it’s not breathtaking by any means and has plenty of jank, especially when it comes to water. However, as far as wider presentation goes, Carrier Command 2 is a mixed bag. The benefit of this approach is a greater sense of immersion compared to games with more abstract and functional UI, making this feel novel and fresh. The game barely has a narrative, though this neither adds or detracts from the experience, only serving to set the stage for this abstracted sci-fi setting.Ĭarrier Command 2 also continues MicroProse’s unique brand of introducing a new strategy sub-genre to the market: the diegetic strategy game where players must interact with the physical in-game UI elements designed to simulate the bridge. In Carrier Command 2, players act as a crew member on a sci-fi assault carrier plotting out courses, launching drones, setting up supply lines, capturing islands, and ultimately facing off against another carrier.
Can Geometa’s Carrier Command 2 bring back good memories of the original, uphold MicroProse’s promising return, and begin a revolution? Highfleet was a solid return to form for the dormant publisher and showed exactly the required potential for creative game design in the current franchise and license-dominated strategy market. Since its revival in 2019, MicroProse has been back with a vengeance by lining up a slew of innovative and funky strategy and simulation-lite games.
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