Where to get it

1996 · Accolade · Science · Strategy

Deadlock: Planetary Conquest

In Deadlock, an intense turn-based strategic simulation, seven races colonize a virgin planet, but only one will survive. Build your province’s structures. Conduct research to advance your race. Devise the perfect strategy of diplomacy, intimidation and warfare. Every decision you make will determine the ultimate fate of your people, your empire, and your survival.

Released: 22 July 1996
Platforms: Windows macOS
Genres: Science Strategy Turn-based strategy
Developers: Accolade
Publishers: —
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Themes: Science fiction 4X (explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate)
Country: United States
Age ratings: USK 12 ESRB T
Languages: English, German
Time to beat: 10hmain story11hcompletionist

About

Deadlock: Planetary Conquest is a turn-based strategy computer game by Accolade. The game was officially released in 1996. The story revolves around eight races' struggle for control over the planet Gallius IV, which came to a deadlock.

Tommo purchased the rights to Deadlock in 2015, and has since published it under the Retroism brand.

›Story

Beneath you floats magnificent, untamed Gallius IV, a terran world newly discovered in this disputed part of the galaxy. Your colony ship is ready, equipped with all the basics you need to settle this planet. The select group of colonists orbiting with you are prepared both to build a strong colony and to defend it to the last stone. Other ships are also scanning the planet's surface, choosing the landing site for their colony. All past allegiances have been cast aside in the fever for this world.

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The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Story

Expeditions sent by the governments of eight races came to orbit around Gallius IV. An armed conflict ensued as each race was determined to capture the planet for its own purposes. To avoid an intergalactic war, as well as to prevent the disputed planet from being accidentally destroyed by the space fleets battling around it, a treaty called The Compact of Gallius IV was signed by seven of the eight races. Each of the seven would deploy five hundred lightly armed colonists to the planet, who would then each begin developing a colony.

No restrictions were put on weapons developed and used by the colonies, as opposed to the colonists only being allowed to bring laser pistols with them. The colony to drive all others off the planet's surface, or to construct a pre-set number of cities, would claim the planet for its leaders. The recently discovered and neutral Tolnans serve as advisers to everyone, while the Skirineen operate the local black market.

Reception

Deadlock sold above 100,000 units in its initial two months, and was a commercial success. The game ranked fourth on PC Data's list of Top Retail PC Games for September 1996.