Crystal War Review

Crystal War by GNC INTERACTIVE has taken its basic inspirations from obvious sources and brings their own spin to the Trenches style of gameplay with a touch of Warcraft to create something truly fascinating.

Opponents are placed at either end of the screen, often requiring some scrolling to reach the other side, while crystals (the game's form of currency) fill the land between. Harvesters can gather the crystals, which then goes towards purchasing units in order to push back your enemy and hopefully crush their leader. Extra cash and mana for special attacks can be earned from defeated foes, while tapping your units gives them a quick boost in speed at the cost of a little of their health.

Players will need to manage their income carefully, pushing out new units to counter the incoming horde while ensuring that new harvesters are produced to replace any that have perished, while units and skills can be purchased or upgraded between battles. Modern 16-bit inspired pixel-art is used for the humans and goblins, each looking absolutely fantastic set against the various backdrops found in the game.

It's so disappointing that you can't play as the goblins or against other players in a multiplayer match, especially as the campaign mode varies so little once you've unlocked most of the units. Crystal War is a unique strategy title with familiar elements that only slightly misses the mark without additional features, but for most action/strategy fans it's still a must try title.