Most popular on the PC format, the real-time strategy game has been developed greatly in recent years. As a consequence, games of this type have become more and more complicated, forcing the player to approach many a training mission before beginning the game proper. Dark Colony refrains from adopting such development strategies and therefore is much simpler and more accessible to players.
Set in the 22nd century, Dark Colony tells the story of two races, Grays and Humans, in a race to colonise the lonely planet, mars. Typically, the Grays watch and wait while we Humans struggle to colonise Mars. At this point, you get to choose your side, be it Human or otherwise, at which point you will find yourself battling against a fearsome opposition. Taking control of a group of four-limbed creatures is relatively simple and can be controlled with ease. As you begin your colonisation, Dark Colony’s initial levels are very linear and follow at set path. But as you become more deeply involved, playing environments become complex, forcing the player to adapt to an exploratory method of gameplay. Ridding your land of the opposition will win you the level. To make matters more interesting, Take 2 has developed a multi-player mode over the Internet, in which up to eight players can participate. Playing with your friends, you can either choose to play co-operatively or just go head to head in a one-man battle.
Other than in plot lines, Dark Colony offers little originality, but as a complete game it is easy to learn and easy to play, while ironically challenging at the same time.