Machines (video game)

Machines (also known as Machines: Wired for War) is a 3D real-time strategy game released for Microsoft Windows. Published by Acclaim and developed by Charybdis. As a 3D game of this genre. Machines also allowed players to directly control units with both a first and third-person view.

Machines
Developer(s)Charybdis
Publisher(s)Acclaim Entertainment
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
Genre(s)Real-time strategy
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

Machines uses a 3D polygonal landscape, which players can use to their advantage, attacking from or hiding behind hilltops. The viewpoint can be switched between a default isometric, strategic 'zenith' camera, and first person perspective; the latter typically being used to explore buildings during espionage missions.

50 different machines can be researched and built, characterized by a plasma-based techtree and a projectile-based techtree combined with different methods of movement (Examples: 4 or 6 Spider legs, Wheels, Tracks, Hover-engines, Flying, 2 Legs). Furthermore, battalions can be developed with specific strengths to support a personalized fighting strategy. The game also includes 25 different weapons, including Flame-throwers, Vortex Singularities, Plasma Rifles, Mini-guns, Ion Cannons and Nukes.

Sabotage and espionage missions allow units to deposit mines inside enemy buildings, steal research, and pass back vital information.

Machines is multiplayer over a LAN or the internet.

Legacy

The game's source code was released by the new rights holder Nightdive Studios in October 2020.[2] The source code is available under the GPLv3 license on GitHub.[3] The game's assets are also available from the original developer's webpage.[4]

Reception

The game received above-average reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.[5] GameSpot praised the impressive graphics and camera modes but highlighted the poor unit pathfinding and unoriginal gameplay.[13] Steve Butts of IGN said, "I'm sold on the different views in the game. That alone makes it stand out enough to be noticed. In addition to that however, Machines is a pretty solid strategy game."[14] Next Generation said, "At the end of the day, Machines doesn't really add anything to the RTS genre, but it's a well-crafted, solid game that's original enough to keep your attention for as long as it takes to beat the game."[15]

References
  1. "Acclaim's Machines Ready for Battle". Acclaim Entertainment. 12 April 1999. Archived from the original on 26 August 2004.
  2. Dawe, Liam (22 October 2020). "Classic 3D RTS 'Machines: Wired for War' goes open source under the GPL". GamingOnLinux.
  3. "Machines". GitHub. 3 January 2022.
  4. "Machines - play one of the first 3D RTS ever". LordOverVolt.com. 29 July 2019.
  5. "Machines for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 11 May 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  6. Woods, Nick. "Machines - Review". AllGame. All Media Network. Archived from the original on 16 November 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  7. Schuytema, Paul (15 April 1999). "Machines". Gamecenter. CNET. Archived from the original on 16 August 2000. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  8. Chong, David (3 May 1999). "Machines". Computer Games Strategy Plus. Strategy Plus, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 May 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  9. Larka, Lance A. (July 1999). "Robots 'n' Russkies (Machines Review)" (PDF). Computer Gaming World. No. 180. Ziff Davis. p. 165. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  10. Edge staff (June 1999). "Machines". Edge. No. 72. Future Publishing. pp. 82–83. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  11. Strauch, Joel (1999). "Machines Review for PC on GamePro.com". GamePro. IDG Entertainment. Archived from the original on 9 November 2004. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  12. Monster (April 1999). "Machines Review". GameRevolution. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  13. Radcliffe, Doug (17 April 1999). "Machines Review [date mislabeled as "May 1, 2000"]". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  14. Butts, Steve (15 April 1999). "Machines". IGN. Ziff Davis. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  15. "Machines". Next Generation. No. 55. Imagine Media. July 1999. p. 95. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  16. D'Aprile, Jason (June 1999). "Machines". PC Accelerator. No. 10. Imagine Media. p. 92. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  17. Poole, Stephen (July 1999). "Machines". PC Gamer. Vol. 6, no. 7. Imagine Media. p. 120. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
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