> I've learned that each mission in the game will be different every time it's played because of unique enemies, different challenges, and inhabitants who remember your past deeds.  In addition to weapons storage, the VMU can save the skills you've earned -- all of which can be exchanged with a friend's VMU.  Every time I learn something new on Armada, the excitement continues to build for me... 

09.07.1999

     > Many Sega Fans will remember the first ever 12 megabit cartridge (a Genesis exclusive)...  none other than Accolade's excellent Star Control.  Well, after all these years we are finally getting a game which gets its flavor from that great Genesis Strategy/Shooter. 

     > Metro3D's Armada features up to four players in cooperative mission-based stages.  You'll battle to defend motherships, destroy ground targets and defeat waves of airborne enemies.  The mission locales range from deep space to low altitude battles over cities.  Add some quests and the need to set up trade routes and you have a nice combination of strategy, shooter and RPG.

     > Your successful completion of the various missions rewards you with enhanced leadership abilities, a better reputation, new offensive technologies and ship types.  Upgrading your ships is a matter of purchasing new devices and hardware which can be integrated via power-up slots.  New technology can also be gained by salvaging your defeated foes.  Armada also features the choice of six races, each having its own technological or personal advantages and disadvantages.  Various attacks are unleashed by assigning them to the A, B, X and Y buttons.  To top it off, VMUs can be used to store your ships and weapons for trading and/or use on a friend's Dreamcast.

     > If you ask me, Armada seems like a sure fire sleeper.  Hardly anyone is talking about it...  probably because there are so many great games to choose from in the Uberconsole's library right from the start.  At any rate, you can count on me giving this one a go.