Evochron Mercenary
- January 16, 2012
- StarWraith 3D Games LLC
- 13h median play time
A slow-burning but compelling universe in which to indulge your trading, mining and mercenary fantasies.
Get on SteamIn Evochron Mercenary, become an independent mercenary and roam the Sapphire star system, seeking your fortune through various activities like trading, racing, and mining. Experience true freeform gameplay with no plot restrictions, allowing you to form clans or work alone, making choices that suit your skills and interests. Engage in diverse tasks, including combat, exploration, transportation, and more, to build your reputation and wealth.
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Great open world space sim with a vast universe to explore and no loading screens.
- Offers a unique blend of mining, trading, and combat with realistic Newtonian physics.
- Highly customizable ships and gameplay that allows players to choose their own path.
- Steep learning curve with a confusing interface and lack of clear tutorials.
- Repetitive missions and a static economy can lead to boredom over time.
- Graphics are dated and may not appeal to players looking for modern visuals.
- story158 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story in Evochron Mercenary is minimal and largely serves as a backdrop for its sandbox gameplay, with players primarily engaging in generic missions such as mining, trading, and combat. While there is a main storyline and various quests available, many players find them repetitive and lacking depth, leading to a sense of emptiness in narrative progression. Overall, the game emphasizes player freedom and exploration over a compelling story, making it less suitable for those seeking a rich narrative experience.
“There's a main story, an economy, factions fighting for control of sectors.”
“You can do whatever you want, but for a little guidance there's a story mission line that will take you through most of the universe and into some expensive secrets!”
“It's mostly a sandbox that gives you an option to follow a storyline of missions that will lead you in the general direction of a reward.”
“If you are looking for a sci-fi story game, this isn't for you.”
“There is little in the way of story to knit it together (being more of a sandbox sort of environment) and so right off the bat even the very first 'mission' you are put on isn't really clear on how you get it done.”
“The 'main story' I guess you could say, just walks you through each type of quest they have available to you, not giving anything new or interactive besides revealing random caches for 'mercenaries only'.”
- graphics124 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the pleasing visuals and atmospheric design, while others criticize them as dated or reminiscent of older gaming eras. Despite the graphical shortcomings, many users feel that the engaging gameplay and immersive experience compensate for the visuals, making it a worthwhile experience overall. Additionally, there are mentions of potential updates and mods that could enhance the graphics further.
“Great graphics, absorbing gameplay, realistic physics and yes, full transition from space to atmospheric flight.”
“Featuring gorgeous graphics for an indie game, and a great gameplay experience.”
“For what the game is and what it costs, I think that the graphics are quite pleasing.”
“From the moment the game loaded, the graphics I could already tell that this wasn't the crisp-looking game it appears to be in the screenshots.”
“The somewhat pixellated graphics are reminiscent of something I'd expect to see on a Mega Drive era game.”
“The only downsides are the lack of a good tutorial or manual, the despicably ugly graphics and the botched controls.”
- atmosphere80 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its immersive and seamless transitions between space and planetary environments, allowing players to experience realistic flight dynamics and explore diverse planetary terrains without loading screens. Reviewers highlight the attention to detail in flight mechanics, including the need for careful speed and angle during atmospheric entry, which enhances the sense of scale and freedom. Despite some criticisms regarding graphics and interface complexity, the overall atmosphere is described as captivating, evoking a strong sense of adventure and exploration in a vast, dynamic universe.
“The atmosphere, the feel, the freedom and sense of scale - really succeeds in giving the feel of a lone wolf mercenary with the vastness of space just outside his cockpit.”
“The actual concept of being able to fly from outer space, into the planet's atmosphere, and right down to the tree line is brilliant and the mechanics of it work really well.”
“Having said that, the game oozes atmosphere; it just nails the big picture thing.”
“You can't just slam down into the atmosphere and survive.”
“The planets vary in type and in atmosphere; some even have hostile weather systems or visibility conditions that make atmospheric flight very difficult, which I found really cool.”
“You cannot just drop through an atmosphere without burning up, so you have to approach at the correct speeds and angles, and flight controls shift from atmospheric to space seamlessly.”
- gameplay74 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this space simulator is characterized by its complexity and depth, offering a wide range of options for players, from combat to trading and exploration. While the mechanics are engaging and the flight system is praised for its realism, the steep learning curve and lack of direction may deter some players. Overall, it provides a unique freeform experience, though it may feel repetitive over time for those seeking more structured gameplay.
“The design and gameplay is both relaxing and exhilarating at times.”
“Great graphics, absorbing gameplay, realistic physics, and yes, full transition from space to atmospheric flight.”
“The actual concept of being able to fly from outer space, into the planet's atmosphere, and right down to the tree line is brilliant and the mechanics of it work really well.”
“I feel intimidated by its complexity and have not invested the time necessary to understand the mechanics, and I don't think I care as there are countless other games that are better in almost every way, better graphics and simpler design with better story too.”
“The tutorial is 10 minutes of rapid fire hotkeys, and then you're unleashed into the universe with almost no understanding of the game mechanics.”
“It's okay, but that's it... quite realistic in terms of physics and fuel usage, but I quickly got bored of the gameplay as it gets a little repetitive.”
- music20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising the orchestral sci-fi soundtrack that enhances immersion and complements the visuals. However, some players find the soundtrack too relaxing or repetitive, leading to potential fatigue from prolonged listening. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the experience, it may not hold up for everyone over time.
“It is a game that makes you think and feel like you are immersed in this world, added with a backdrop of stunning nebulae and planets with a swelling orchestral sci-fi soundtrack.”
“The graphics are actually pretty good (obviously not AAA-quality) and the sound/music is great.”
“Combine that with good graphics, a fantastic soundtrack and a true sandbox feel... what more do you need?”
“The downside is that the soundtrack can be a little too relaxing to listen to.”
“You're going to get sick of the music pretty fast when you're listening to it this much.”
“Music and sound 5/10”
- grinding14 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game can be extremely tedious, with players often feeling bogged down by lengthy instructions, uninteresting missions, and cumbersome interfaces. While some find satisfaction in the exploration and the game's premise, many express frustration over the excessive grind required for combat and economic progression, suggesting that it may only appeal to dedicated fans of space simulation games.
“After 10 minutes of tedious instruction, I had managed to move pretty much nowhere, and if I had, there was no way of being sure.”
“Run, run, run, shoot, shoot, shoot... everybody has too much shield (including you), and it became very tedious. I wish the guns were more lethal, so the combats ended more quickly or, at least, required more tactics and skills than just managing shields and weapons. This could be fun in a capital ship simulation, but not in a fighter.”
“The graphics aren't bad and the premise has promise, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. Landing/docking is tedious (particularly on planets), the missions are uninteresting, and the economics are a joke.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is significantly compromised by numerous bugs and crashes, particularly when selecting incompatible options during setup, which can lead to crashes without any error-checking mechanisms in place. Additionally, issues with flying mechanics and item replenishment after dying further highlight the game's incomplete and unstable state. Overall, while there are promising elements, the execution is marred by persistent technical flaws.
“The game, while it may have had good intentions, was utterly flawed and buggy. Options had to be selected with particular care at the start of a game. If you inadvertently selected incompatible options, it would crash to desktop, but there were no error checking routines in place to warn you about potential problems. Instead, it gave you the freedom to choose whatever options you want, regardless of the outcome.”
“Flying on planets seems incomplete and buggy, but is a step in the right direction.”
“Station items seem to be really buggy when you reload after dying; they don't replenish, and it's like you just bought them out. You can also save and reload or exit the quadrant and return to it to get a new set of items.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is characterized by a heavy-handed approach to player mistakes, often making players feel as though the game is mocking them for their errors, such as crashing into planets. Despite its unforgiving interface and complex controls, the humor adds a layer of charm to the experience, encouraging players to persist through the challenges. Overall, the blend of comedic frustration and epic visuals creates a unique and engaging atmosphere.
“The game is hilariously heavy-handed with its smackdown if you make even a small mistake, but it makes up for it by having a huge world that seems to go on forever, and without a single loading screen or transition...except for the one between the game and the menu.”
“It's got an unforgiving interface, more controls than you'll remember after taking a break, and you might even get the feeling that it's laughing at you when you accidentally come out of warp inside a planet's atmosphere and shear your wings off.”
“The gently swelling, epic score punctuated by radio static and laser blasts against that gaseous nebula, backlit by the bright white glare of a dwarf star, will lead you back in despite the game's challenges.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, achieving impressive frame rates of 60 to 75 fps without requiring additional file unpacking, despite its small size of only 240MB. Users feel that the optimization showcases the potential of the genre effectively.
“At only 240MB, this game definitely shows what the genre can do with very good optimization.”
“You can choose to 'unpack' graphic files to your disk for better performance, but I'm already getting upwards of 60 to 75 FPS without any need for unpacking.”
“You can of course choose to 'unpack' graphic files to your disk if you want 'better performance', but I'm already getting upwards of 60 to 75 fps without any need for unpacking graphic files.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the concept of "free form" play is appreciated for its creativity, many users feel that the lack of external cues can lead to an emotionally flat experience, as players struggle to generate their own narratives without sufficient guidance.
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's extensive universe and numerous exploration opportunities, contributing to its high replayability. The friendly community further enhances the experience, encouraging players to return for more adventures.
“This game was a great deal of fun; the universe is big and full of things to explore. There's a lot of replay value, and the community itself is quite friendly.”
