So, yesterday was a big day for GameTap, with the release of Sam & Max Season 2 Episode 1, the fixed release of Pirates!, and a game called Shadow Watch.
When I first downloaded Shadow Watch, it had a 6.3 rating. It's been slowly climbing ever since, largely because it deserves an 8 or a 9 and players recognize that.
It says quite clearly in the extras that Shadow Watch is a tactical game that "is often compared to X:Com: UFO Defense and Jagged Alliance". Well, shit, no wonder people were giving it low scores. That's like comparing Weird Adventures in Infinite Space to Galactic Civilizations. "This orange doesn't taste anything like a goddamn apple!"
Shadow Watch is the only truly casual tactical game I have ever played. It's the only game in that genre, but that's okay, because it is quite good. At times irritating, but infinitely replayable and very, very solid.
The plot is interesting: you're defending the international space station. Not from aliens, and not by being ON the space station. No, you're a UN task force that runs around kicking corrupt countries trying to sabotage the project. Usually by killing people.
Also, the art direction is unique for its era, although these days it looks a bit more mainstream. I guess you could say it was ahead of its time.
Go play it, see whether it deserves an 8 or a 9.
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