Crash Force

Crash Force is a sci-fi vehicular combat simulator where players pilot hovercrafts through diverse environments. Combining action-shooter mechanics with RPG elements, it offers third-person vehicular battles with upgradeable vehicles and a campaign-driven experience. Despite some control and UI issues, it provides a unique spin on the combat sim genre.

Crash Force: Review

Introduction

In a gaming landscape dominated by AAA titles and blockbuster franchises, Crash Force emerges as a passionate indie endeavor seeking to revitalize the vehicular combat genre. Released in 2017 by Ascanio Entertainment, this unique blend of action, RPG, and simulation elements offers a nostalgic throwback to the heyday of hovercraft-based warfare. However, significant technical and design flaws temper its potential, leaving players with a mixed yet unforgettable experience.

Development History & Context

Ascanio Entertainment, a small indie studio, undertook the ambitious task of developing Crash Force. Their vision was to create an immersive vehicular combat simulator that combined the fast-paced action of shooters with RPG progression systems. Working within the technological constraints of the Unity engine and a limited budget, the team aimed to deliver a fresh take on the genre that had been absent from the market for years.

The gaming landscape in 2017 was highly competitive, with major releases like Horizon Zero Dawn and Persona 5 capturing global attention. Crash Force’s niche appeal and early access release model meant it risked being overshadowed by more established titles. Despite these challenges, the developers pressed on, fueled by their love for the genre and a desire to innovate.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Crash Force’s narrative revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where hovercraft are the primary means of transportation and warfare. Players assume the role of a skilled pilot thrust into a escalating conflict between rival factions vying for control over scarce resources. The story is told through a series of missions that blend racing, combat, and exploration elements.

While the plot doesn’t delve deeply into character development, it effectively sets the stage for high-stakes missions and moral dilemmas. Key themes include survival in a harsh environment, the consequences of unchecked technological advancement, and the power dynamics between opposing forces. The dialogue, though simplistic, captures the gritty tone of the setting, immersing players in the world’s struggles.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At the core of Crash Force lies its innovative gameplay loop, which combines vehicular combat with RPG-style progression. Players pilot customizable hovercrafts through diverse environments, engaging in both linear missions and open-world exploration. The mechanics include:

• Hovercraft Controls: Players navigate using a combination of throttle, steering, and boost. Handling physics are intentionally arcade-style to maintain accessibility while allowing for advanced maneuvers.

• Combat System: A mix of ranged weapons (like lasers and missiles) and melee attacks (for ramming enemies) provides varied combat strategies. Weapons can be upgraded or swapped out to suit different playstyles.

• Progression & Customization: As players complete missions and earn experience, they unlock new vehicles, weapons, and upgrades. This progression system adds depth and replayability to the game.

• UI & HUD: The user interface displays essential information like health, ammunition, and mission objectives. However, critics have noted that the UI can be cluttered and unintuitive, leading to moments of confusion during intense combat.

Despite these mechanics, some flaws become apparent. The control scheme can feel unresponsive at times, especially during high-speed chases. The combat AI, while adequately challenging, doesn’t exhibit the strategic depth seen in modern AAA titles. Additionally, certain systems like cover mechanics feel underdeveloped, limiting tactical options.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Crash Force’s art direction blends post-apocalyptic desolation with futuristic technology, creating a visually striking world. The environments range from desert wastelands to neon-lit cityscapes, each with their own unique aesthetic. The hovercraft designs are imaginative, combining sleek lines with an industrial ruggedness that suits the setting.

The sound design effectively reinforces the game’s atmosphere. The rumble of hovercraft engines, the whine of laser weapons, and the ambient hum of future cities create an immersive auditory experience. The soundtrack features a mix of electronic and orchestral tracks that perfectly complement the game’s pacing.

However, technical limitations are evident in some areas. Texture resolution can be low when viewed up close, and frame rate drops occur during intense combat sequences. These issues detract from the overall visual fidelity but don’t break the immersion entirely.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, Crash Force received mixed reviews from critics. Link Cable Gaming praised its unique premise and vehicular combat mechanics, awarding it a 68% score. Meanwhile, Cultured Vultures highlighted its controls and UI issues, giving it a 65% score.

Commercially, Crash Force struggled to find a large audience, possibly due to its indie status, early access release, and competition from major titles. Over the years, its reputation has remained steady among niche audiences, with fans appreciating its unique blend of genres and creative design, while others lament its technical shortcomings.

In the broader gaming landscape, Crash Force hasn’t had a significant impact on subsequent releases. It stands as a testament to the indie spirit and the power of passion-driven development, even if it didn’t achieve commercial success.

Conclusion

Crash Force is a game that succeeds in offering a fresh and engaging take on the vehicular combat genre, hampered by technical and design flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Its blend of action, RPG elements, and unique setting creates a compelling experience for fans of the genre, despite the challenges posed by its controls and UI. Ultimately, Crash Force earns a place in video game history as a bold experiment that reminds us of both the possibilities and challenges facing indie developers in today’s market.