2001 · Kru Interactive · Massively multiplayer online real-time strategy · Real-time strategy

Shattered Galaxy

An MMORTSRPG with explosions, depth and a still solid community.

Released: 2001
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Massively multiplayer online real-time strategy Real-time strategy Role-playing Strategy
Developers: Kru Interactive
Publishers: Tri Synergy
Modes: Multiplayer
Themes: Action Science fiction
Age ratings: ESRB T

About

, after an extensive open beta period. In the US, it was published by Tri Synergy. It combines the attributes of a massive multiplayer online role-playing game and a real-time strategy game. Having won the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the 2001 Independent Games Festival and hosted through the Game Developers Conference, the game has been commercially unsuccessful due in large part to its dated graphics engine.

The game was published under the name Tactical Commanders in South Korea, published by Nexon until December 31, 2005. This game has also been serviced in Japan, Taiwan, and Germany.

Keywords

micromanagement
clan
bink video
non-player character
character creation
igf awards

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Shattered Galaxy consists of two interrelated and different gameplay aspects:

The RPG side has the player in control of an avatar which can buy units, upgrades, and special abilities as well as visit other provinces and buildings such as simulators, HQ's, and Portals to other planets. It is through this Avatar that the player joins or starts battles with other players, simply by walking into a province not controlled by the player's nation. As soon as the avatar enters any province controlled by an opposing faction battle is commenced and the "RTS" aspect of gameplay is engaged.

Story

Shattered Galaxy is set in a post-apocalyptic future. A teleportation device was found buried on Earth's surface, though scientists were not able to master its secrets. Various non-living substances were successfully sent through and retrieved, but when a common rat was inserted into the portal, it activated the artifact in an unexpected way: the device immediately teleported itself, as well as all matter in a 2000 kilometer wide radius around it, to the planet Morgana Prime. The player is one of the survivors of this incident.

The planet itself was devoid of sentient life, but robotic war machines were found on its surface, and humans have since learned to control them telepathically (allowing the humans themselves to stay out of harm's way). Humans have since expanded to another planet (server) in the Morgana system, Relic, where wars likewise rage.

Development

As of September 2008, the game can be played using a basic account at no charge with a few minor handicaps or upgraded to an elite account at a cost of US$9.95 per month to play with all limitations removed.

Nexon has closed Tactical Commanders' service in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. As of October 2008, the German service was closed due to lack of players.