Game Review: Grey Goo

Grey Goo is a science fiction real-time strategy RPG game produced by Petroglyph Games. In this none Blizzard RTS players are given the chance to draw on their inner strategic command general as they take control of one of the struggling factions fighting for survival and control of the resource rich expanse of Ecosystem Nine.

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Welcome to Ecosystem 9

In the story’s opening cinematic sequence players are introduced to the Beta faction who has crafted a settlement on Ecosystem 9 out of the remains of an old star ship. The Beta are met in the process of testing the “Keyhole”, which seems to be a wormhole meant for space travel, as their intention is to “return home”. As the Keyhole is opened the Beta come under attack by an enemy assumed to be “The Silent Ones” who begin to rain destruction on their settlement, thus setting the stage for the war that has only just begun.

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The Battle of E9

Grey Goo applies all the classic RTS game mechanics to which gamers familiar with this genre have become accustomed. Players are tasked with constructing buildings, collecting resources, and producing units, all to aid in their progress throughout the nice maps that make up Ecosystem 9. The game makes use of an innovative ‘QWERT’ hotkey system which allows players to easily maneuver through selection menus and drastically eases gameplay and limits the need for using the cursor to navigate the interface.

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Throughout the campaign players are introduced to the three main playable factions. The Beta, the Humans, and the Goo, who are all accessible for competitive multiplayer games. Throughout the main story players are also introduced to The Shroud, who were unplayable, but as of the latest expansion on January 31st 2016, have been released for free to all players as part of the Decent of the Shroud DLC pack.

Each faction is unique enough mechanically to provide players with some variation from faction to faction while further allowing players to apply their own strategic play style to each individually.

Multiplayer mode grants the opportunity to pit their skills against each other in various matches of competitive strategy in 1v1, 2v2 or free-for-all play modes where players can select any of the available 4 factions.

The Factions

The Beta Faction

The Beta also known as the Morra of Ecosystem Psi value mobility in their military force. They make expert use of vehicles piloted by individual units and the construction of scattered outposts to mount powerful defenses territory on the battlefield.


 

Human

The Humans, the once great explorers of the galaxy are a technologically advanced to the point of being unmatched by the other races whilst remaining sub par in brute strength. The human units consist of unmanned more easily expendable forces.

 


game-info-goo-factionThe Goo is a self replicating race of creatures made up of nano machinery which was originally engineered to explore the vast expanse of the galaxy before it developed a consciousness of its own. Unlike the previous two factions the Goo are unique due to not being bound by a central base of command, instead making use of their own mobile hub and “proteans” along with various tech upgrades. The Goo are a self sufficient faction that can be found scattered across any map farming resources and spawning units.


GG_Artwork_ShroudThe Shroud, are a faction that brings a new element to the game, which is only emphasized by their notable role in the game’s original campaign mode. Not much is known about the shroud that I’m willing to spoil in this review, but one thing is clear, they are a friend to none, and enemy to all.

 

 

Just a few thoughts

One of the few challenges I found while playing the game was the control offered over units, as I personally have found it limited. It is quite easy to lose track of units in transit as they strictly follow  commands and do not deviate even when coming under attack. The game also attempts to make itself “new user” friendly by incorporating a series of helpful hints and tutorials which even include little video clips. While helpful to some it can also be bothersome to more experienced RTS gamers. That being said, there is the option to turn off the hints early on, though it is not recommended as there are play features unique to Grey Goo that you may find a helpful. The game does attempt to make up for this however by implementing an in game mission system for the campaign to provide side goals but some missions may at times come across as a chore.

 

The Verdict

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Grey Goo is a strong contender to be a top tier RTS RPG. It’s unique, and deep science fiction story is immersive with enough going on to keep you interested for a while. The game also has some beautiful cinematic sequences that are never wasteful, and with the addition of the Emergence DLC set of missions, the story lacks for near nothing. The multiplayer, while limited to only nine maps does its part and proves to be a fun way to challenge your friends.

While Grey Goo may not be my first choice for someone new to a RTS games, those that love this genre of gaming, and are looking for that next Sci Fi adventure, or know someone who does, feel free to dash over to the Steam store and pick it up for USD$29.99. It does not disappoint. You can even take some friends along for the ride. I mean what fun is concurring another planet if you can’t rub it in your friends’ faces afterwards?

Adrian Moses

A massive biggest One Piece fan who just wants to spend his days on a world adventure.