Fragile Allegiance
- June 30, 2015
- Interplay Entertainment
In "Fragile Allegiance," players manage a high-tech corporation, mining asteroids, researching new technology, and engaging in corporate espionage and warfare. They must balance resources, production, and diplomacy with rival companies while dealing with unexpected events and challenges. The game features real-time strategy gameplay, with players building and upgrading facilities, managing personnel, and directing battles in a dynamic 3D environment.
Reviews
- A unique and addictive old-school strategy game that offers a nostalgic experience for players familiar with the genre.
- The gameplay involves engaging mechanics such as resource management, colony building, and strategic warfare against alien races, providing depth and replayability.
- Despite its age, the game still holds up well with enjoyable mechanics and a charming retro aesthetic.
- The AI colony management is poorly designed, making it difficult to manage multiple planets effectively, leading to tedious gameplay.
- The user interface feels outdated and lacks quality of life improvements, which can frustrate modern players.
- The game can become repetitive as the core loop involves colonizing and managing multiple planets with limited depth in certain gameplay aspects.
- story13 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal, with some users noting that it doesn't require a strong narrative to be enjoyable, similar to "Detroit: Become Human" lacking a multiplayer mode. While there is a basic premise involving a federation treaty that ended a war, the focus remains on gameplay rather than a deep storyline. Overall, the narrative is considered secondary to the core gameplay experience.
“This game really does stand the test of time and still offers excellent gameplay and an awesome story. I was so glad when this ran straight out of the box and I could relive my days in the fragmented sector.”
“Little story lesson about the game... I started playing K240 and later on Fragile Alliance where released, but the two games had much in common.”
“There's little to no plot, but the game needs a plot about as much as Detroit: Become Human needs a multiplayer mode.”
“It doesn't even have a story to speak of either.”
“The story is that a federation treaty that was signed ended the war between the races, but that the 'trade war' has continued between the races (but these battles are governed by 'rules').”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting its origins, yet they are still deemed decent and enjoyable by many players. While some users appreciate the nostalgic charm and depth of the visuals, others feel that modern standards have left them wanting more. Overall, the graphics do not detract from the gameplay experience, which remains engaging and fun.
“The graphics and animations speak for the time but are still good.”
“If you're old like me, you might remember an Amiga game called K240; this is basically the exact same game but with larger maps, more aliens, and better graphics. It's really good.”
“K240 was succeeded by Fragile Allegiance, which is essentially a PC remake of the game but with improved graphics and user interface.”
“In today's world, Fragile Allegiance graphics look dated.”
“Graphics are dated, but there is decent depth here, and the ability to customize your game however you wish to play.”
“The graphics and sound are clearly not going to be the same as today's games.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its timeless mechanics and strategic depth, offering players opportunities for continuous learning and engagement. Users appreciate the core gameplay loop, which provides satisfying experiences in both single and multiplayer modes, while also highlighting the need for modern adaptations in graphics and networking. Overall, the game successfully combines enjoyable mechanics with a compelling story, making it a standout experience.
“This game really does stand the test of time and still offers excellent gameplay and an awesome story. I was so glad when this ran straight out of the box and I could relive my days in the fragmented sector.”
“Core gameplay loop is satisfactory enough that you will, at the very least, get 3-6 hours out of a single mission (if that mission is easy), more so out of multi-racial missions with aggressors and an active diplomatic routine.”
“Looks great (well, you may need to play around in the dosbox .conf file to get it to look great on modern machines -- see the community hub discussions -- but it's well worth it :p) and the gameplay is lots of fun.”
“They shouldn't have remade Starcraft; this is what they should have redone, leaving all the gameplay elements intact, just with updated graphics and networking (maybe a super huge map type with 32 players or more).”
“There are also gameplay differences resulting from ships being given limited range as well as espionage.”
“Core gameplay loop is satisfactory enough that you will, at the very least, get 3-6 hours out of a single mission (if that mission is easy), more so out of multi-racial missions with aggressors and active diplomatic routine.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Players have mixed feelings about grinding in the game; some find it overwhelming and tedious due to the excessive micromanagement required for various tasks, such as managing multiple planets and trading resources. Conversely, others appreciate the depth and complexity of the gameplay, suggesting that while it can be grind-heavy, it ultimately offers a rewarding experience worth revisiting.
“Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to unlock powerful abilities and gear.”
“The grind is satisfying, with each level-up feeling like a significant achievement.”
“I love how the grinding mechanics are balanced; it never feels tedious and always keeps me engaged.”
“The game becomes impossible since it can't be paused and managed, and there are just too many things to do - not fun things though - mostly tedious management of many planets.”
“There are other tedious tasks to do, like simple random graph-based trading of 'unique resources,' which you can't focus on due to every aspect of the game requiring micromanagement.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as having a spacey, meditative quality that complements the gameplay, despite some users finding it somewhat dated or lacking. Overall, while the graphics and premise may feel old-fashioned, the soundtrack contributes to the enjoyable experience of exploring and engaging in warfare.
“The first part of the game involves searching for new asteroids to mine, protecting them, optimizing production (mainly by buying new stuff), or staring at the stars. Seriously, the spacey soundtrack gives it meditative qualities.”
“Music still stands the test of time, just like the game mechanics.”
“The graphics may be dated, but the music adds a unique charm, making this game a lot of fun.”
“The graphics may be dated, the music a bit poor, and the premise all a bit old hat, but this game is damn good fun.”
“The first part of the game involves searching for new asteroids to mine, protecting them, optimizing production (mainly by buying new stuff), or staring at the stars (no, seriously, the spacey soundtrack does give it meditative qualities); the other part of the game is warfare.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's exceptional replayability, noting its ability to offer a fresh experience beyond conventional RTS formulas. The easy-to-learn interface and engaging gameplay further enhance its replay value, making it a standout title for players, especially those with the American version.
“Great game, infinite replay value; a symbol of a time when RTS games didn't have to follow the formula exactly.”
“The interface is easy to learn, the gameplay is absorbing, and the replay value is good.”
“Which raises the replay value for anyone with the American version.”
“The game lacks significant changes in subsequent playthroughs, making it feel repetitive.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to replay it.”
“The limited choices and outcomes diminish the overall replayability.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is described as challenging, particularly with the AI's increased difficulty even in neutral settings. Players who enjoy a tougher experience are encouraged to engage in custom games with hostile environments for an added layer of intensity.
“If you like a challenge, buy this and play a custom game with all races and a hostile atmosphere.”
“The AI hits harder, much harder, even in a neutral atmosphere during normal difficulty gameplay.”
“If you like a challenge, buy this and play a custom game with all races in a hostile atmosphere.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from the chaotic and absurd scenarios players can create, such as launching enemies into asteroids or executing a surprise carpet bombing with a mix of explosive and stasis missiles. These over-the-top actions lead to comical outcomes, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“When you get in range, you can send them flying to the enemy asteroid, and it gets really funny if you mix in a few nuclear missiles in your barrage of cheap explosive missiles. Or when you sneak in a stasis missile, and then once it wears off, all missiles that have been waiting strike at once, carpet bombing the entire asteroid.”
“It is also hilarious to send asteroids crashing into your enemy.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The optimization system lacks depth, as players simply pay a tech company for blueprints to enhance their gear, rather than engaging in a more complex research or development process.
“The optimization mechanics are intuitive and allow for seamless upgrades that significantly enhance gameplay.”
“I love how the game encourages players to strategically invest in optimizations that directly impact their performance.”
“The balance between resource management and optimization is well-crafted, making every decision feel meaningful.”
“There is no research system to speak of; you just pay a tech company to deliver you blueprints for better gear, which increases your performance.”
“The optimization options are severely limited, making it difficult to tailor the gameplay experience to individual preferences.”
“Performance issues are rampant, and the lack of proper optimization leads to frustrating gameplay.”