Incoming (1998 video game)

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Incoming
multiplayer

Incoming is a

campaign modes, the arcade mode, and with or against another player.[4][5][6] Some levels include brief real-time strategy segments.[4]

Praised for its then-advanced graphics and sound, the game was generally well-received on the PC, though the critical response was less positive for the Dreamcast version. A sequel entitled Incoming Forces was released in 2002 exclusively for the PC.[7] An arcade version of the game, utilising a unique hardware interface, was released in 2003.[8]

Gameplay

Screenshot of the Arcade game mode

Primarily a

life" system.[9]

There are three different game modes. The

campaign mode follows the main storyline, in which the player must complete a series of objectives to neutralise the alien threat. Typical goals include transporting cargo and defending allied convoys.[5] Two variants of the campaign exist: "campaign action" purely consists of the simulation missions; "campaign tactics" features the same main missions as campaign action, but with some extra sub-missions. These sub-missions take place in the "tactical display", where the player controls several vehicles and gun emplacements in a similar manner to real-time strategy games.[4]

Either campaign consists of ten

split-screen mode on both platforms, in addition to networking and Internet options on the PC version.[4][6]

Plot

Acknowledged by critics for having a simple storyline,

lunar base and other locations on Earth; and the construction of a base in the Arctic. Secret work is started on an "ADATA" (Anomaly Detection And Tracking Array) near Mount Kilimanjaro
. The events of the game take place after an attack on the ADATA facility is initiated by alien forces.

The game is set in six locations: Kenya, defending the ADATA facility; the Arctic, attacking an alien base while defending a human one; the North Atlantic Ocean, where the player must defend oil rigs and attack a second alien base; Florida, where parts of a fleet to invade the alien's Moon base must be defended; the Moon, attacking a further alien base; and a planet in the Crab Nebula, assaulting the planet from which the alien attackers came.

If the player has completed these in the Campaign Action mode, then in addition to these ten missions in each location, there are bonus "virus" scenarios, with one level in each location. Shortly before these missions, the aliens launched four virus bombs which impacted in the four location on Earth the player had previously visited. All buildings in these areas must be destroyed by the player to prevent the virus from spreading further.[4]

A cutscene using the main game engine.

Development

Rage Software, developers of Incoming, were known for their cutting-edge graphics and effects.[5] The game utilized the 3dfx technology,[11] and was included in some retail versions of the Voodoo2 graphics card.

While exhibiting the PC version at the September 1997 European Computer Trade Show, Rage Software stated that they were considering a Nintendo 64 version of the game.[12] However, none was ever released.

An arcade version followed in 2003, running on the Vortek V3

interface.[8]

Critical reception

The Windows version of Incoming was generally well received.

Dolby Surround-encoded sound was a further source of acclaim.[10][9] British magazine PC Zone described it as "bloody good", with "some modest simulation elements". The magazine praised the setting of the game, commenting: "A refreshing change from the deep space of most futuristic combat sims, and something which definitely has a positive effect on gameplay". The review concluded by saying that "it's as fun as it looks. Just for once, all those people who don't read reviews and buy games purely on the strength of pretty pictures on the packaging are gonna find themselves playing a very, very enjoyable game".[9] Edge highlighted the game's efficient gameplay mechanics, giving it eight out of ten and stating that designers "managed to produce something more than a lightshow, taking care to fine-tune a design that, if not exactly original, at least does its thing with flair and solid understanding of gameplay".[29]

Next Generation said the game was "definitely an improvement to the action/arcade genre, as well as a visual improvement to the 3D market as a whole. The amount of varied units and different setting give Incoming the commendable originality and replay value that make it a title worth checking out".[26]

Though considering the game "pretty darn tough", IGN praised the game's variety and length. It also praised the sound and graphics, though the latter was a source of criticism: "Incoming's got it all... but it all comes at a high price: getting this game to run on our PCs was one big pain in the butt". Despite calling it "an outstanding-looking and great playing game", IGN only gave the game a "decent" review score because of the system problems.[5] Conversely, GameSpot's review noted none of these hardware issues, praising the visuals as "some of the finest... of any action game". The reviewer, however, described the game design as "strong yet slightly flawed... [it] definitely pulls you in, but leaves a little to be desired as far as keeping you there", complaining that "what [the developer] have presented gets tiresome quickly". The publication summarised the game as "a fine game and a definite must-have for arcade fans... What it lacks is a realization that computer games have moved beyond this simplistic style of gameplay".[10]

The reception was less positive when the game was

split screen mode as "lame" and the objectives as "mundane". The reviewer also noted graphical issues, clipping problems and poor controls. Though dismissing the graphics as "a bit dated", the reviewer did acknowledge the "nifty special effects" and admitted that "Incoming may be worth a rental... [it] is only slightly better than mediocre".[25] In a rare positive review for the Dreamcast version, Game Vortex described the visuals as "some of the most breathtaking visuals you'll find in any game". Though describing the multiplayer as "fun", it considered "by far, the best [mode to be] Campaign mode". The review concluded by describing the game as "lots of fun and highly recommended".[31] In Japan, where said console version was released under the name Incoming: Jinrui Saishū Kessen (インカミング 人類最終決戦, Inkamingu Jinrui Saishū Kessen, lit. "Incoming: Humanity's Final Showdown"), Famitsu gave it a score of 27 out of 40.[19]

References

  1. ^ GameSpot staff (June 29, 1998). "New Releases". GameSpot. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on March 2, 1999. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Anoop Gantayat (September 2, 1999). "U.S. Release Date for Incoming". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Incoming: The Final Conflict (1998) Dreamcast Release Dates". MobyGames. Blue Flame Labs. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Rage Software, ed. (1998). Incoming game manual. Rage.
  5. ^ a b c d e Craig Harris (August 13, 1998). "Incoming (PC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d Anoop Gantayat (December 3, 1999). "Incoming (DC)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  7. ^ "Incoming Forces". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  8. ^ a b "IGN: Incoming (Vortek V3)". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved October 12, 2007.
  9. ^ a b c d Warren Christmas. "PC Review: Incoming". PC Zone. Dennis Publishing. Archived from the original on March 4, 2007. Retrieved October 7, 2007.
  10. ^ a b c d Tahsin Shamma (July 16, 1998). "Incoming Review (PC)". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  11. ^ EGM staff (September 1997). "Arcade Games at the E3? You Betcha!". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 98. Ziff Davis. p. 76.
  12. ^ Blade (December 1997). "Europe Turns Out". GamePro. No. 111. IDG. p. 81.
  13. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original
    on May 5, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  14. ^ a b "Incoming for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 30, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  15. ^ John Marrin (March 3, 2000). "Incoming (DC)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 23, 2000. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  16. ^ Tom Chick (July 30, 1998). "Incoming (PC)". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on August 16, 2000. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  17. ^ Scott A. May (November 1998). "Gloss in Space (Incoming Review)" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 172. Ziff Davis. pp. 264–65. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  18. ^ "Incoming (PC)". Electronic Gaming Monthly. Ziff Davis. 2000.
  19. ^ a b "インカミング 人類最終決戦 [ドリームキャスト]". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  20. ^ Erik Reppen (March 2000). "Incoming (DC)". Game Informer. No. 83. FuncoLand. Archived from the original on June 1, 2000. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  21. ^ Jason "Fury" Weitzner; Anthony "Dangohead" Chau; Eric "ECM" Mylonas (March 1999). "Incoming (DC; Import)". GameFan. Vol. 7, no. 3. Metropolis Media. p. 15. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  22. ^ Lou Gubrious (January 22, 2000). "Incoming Review for Dreamcast on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG. Archived from the original on February 12, 2005. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  23. CraveOnline. Archived
    from the original on September 16, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  24. ^ Jeff Gerstmann (January 14, 1999). "Incoming Review [Import] (DC)". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  25. ^ a b Fragmaster (January 25, 2000). "Incoming". PlanetDreamcast. IGN Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 12, 2007. Retrieved October 7, 2007.
  26. ^ a b "Incoming (PC)". Next Generation. No. 46. Imagine Media. October 1998. p. 124. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  27. ^ Dan Egger (September 1998). "Incoming". PC Accelerator. No. 1. Imagine Media. p. 84. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  28. ^ Stephen Poole (September 1998). "Incoming". PC Gamer. Vol. 5, no. 9. Imagine Media. Archived from the original on December 25, 1999. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  29. ^ Edge staff (June 1998). "Incoming (PC)". Edge. No. 59. Future Publishing. p. 92. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  30. All Media Network. Archived from the original
    on November 15, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  31. ^ Ashley Perkins (1999). "Incoming (DC)". Game Vortex. PS Illustrated. Retrieved June 7, 2019.

External links

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