[CP5670]

I picked up this game and its sequel from GoG last week for $2 each. They're in a post-apocalyptic setting where all civilization has moved underwater, and you pilot subs with 6DOF movement in typical space sim-style missions. It's like a cross between Freelancer and Descent. In the first game, the plot universe is nicely fleshed out but the story is largely told through numerous dialogues between the missions, which are often pretty random and make little sense. The story does get better as the game progresses though and the actual gameplay and combat mechanics are a lot of fun, although most of the missions are quite short. I haven't tried the second game yet.

I recall that these games had gotten mixed reviews when they came out, as people were comparing them to FS and other space sims, but these sci-fi vehicle games are almost unheard of today and I'm looking at them differently than I might have done back then. They were graphical showcases at their time and still look pretty decent.

[PsychoLandlord]

You know, I've been curious about these games but never found any reviews for them (though admittedly I didn't look hard.) Comparing it to Freelancer like that piques my interest though, so maybe I should give them a shot. Heres hoping theres a way to force widescreen.

[Galemp]

Bought them from GoG ages ago, still haven't installed and played them yet.

[CP5670]

I started playing the second game last night and it's not quite as good. It obviously tried to be more dark and serious than the first game (which has more of a cartoon/comedy feel at times), but it didn't come off that well. The first game looks very colorful, but this one is all brown and dark and it's hard to see anything in some levels. The graphics actually look worse than the first game. Your player character is also laughably stupid and naive, and a far cry from the tough guy in the first game. On the plus side, the missions are generally longer and better designed and it has some cool gameplay additions like sniping, so it still seems to be worth a playthrough.

[NGTM-1R]

Aquanox and Aquanox 2 are available off steam as well, for cheap (though not that cheap).

Aquanox 1 is a good game, and I enjoy it greatly though the Schax are pissing me off no end. The music is also incredible. Aquanox 2, however, is more character-heavy and doesn't play as well for it, the music isn't nearly as much fun, though the combat feels better. (It's also not a sequel; it plays out at roughly the same time.)

However, there is a little-known fact: these games are sequels. There was an earlier, German game (it was translated as well, but I've forgotten the name; I assume it's incredibly abandonware by now) that was essentially the best aspects of Wing Commander and Privateer in the same setting as the Aquanox titles, using the main character from Aquanox 1.

[Ransom]

The first game was Archimedean Dynasty, if I remember right.

I actually preferred the second Aquanox. As unintentionally funny as its story could be, there were some strong moments and by the end I found the whole thing kind of endearing. I enjoyed the way the characters played off each other. The first game's vague mishmash of politics and angry robo-submarines did nothing for me.

I'll always be a bit sad we never got the third game.

[NGTM-1R]

The entire sequence with angry Japanese lady and having no control over my character's actions towards her essentially ruined the second game, IMO. It felt forced, and stupid. Granted there have been games with romances that could have been equally horrible, WC2 comes to mind, but they were handled much better.

[Flaser]

If you want to learn the *real* history of Aqua, you better play Archimedean Dynasty first.

[CP5670]

I've heard of Archimedean Dynasty and need to give that a try as well. It was apparently a better game in some ways, although more of a sub sim with realistic gameplay mechanics.

The Aquanox 2 story does seem quite a bit more interesting so far, but many of the dialogues are marred by your guy's lines, which can sometimes be truly facepalm-inducing. I can't recall seeing such a pathetic player character in a long time.

[Ransom]

He's a bit of an idiot, yes. I did prefer him to Flint, mind you, who I'm not even sure had any character traits other than 'action hero'.

The entire sequence with angry Japanese lady and having no control over my character's actions towards her essentially ruined the second game, IMO. It felt forced, and stupid. Granted there have been games with romances that could have been equally horrible, WC2 comes to mind, but they were handled much better.

Haha. Oh, she was pretty baffling, but I didn't mind her. I liked the personality clash between her and the protagonist. She wasn't a real romantic interest anyway.

The lack of player choice was probably a mistake, though, yeah. I'm okay with a game's narrative not really being about the player, but Aquanox 2 had some funny ideas about interactivity.

[Fury]

I've been meaning to play Aquanox games. I really, really loved Archimedean Dynasty. Too bad the game was on loan from my cousin and I had to return it. I borrowed it twice though if I remember right, it was that good. I wonder if AD is available for purchase anywhere...

[Ransom]

From what I hear they're very different games. AD was more of a sim whereas the Aquanox games are more FPS-y. Sort of an underwater FreeSpace, actually.

[Roanoke]

I had a bit of a quick go ater getting them on GOG too. Gameplay is only ok but the whole unverse seems quite well realised. Voice acting seemedespecially good.

[Unknown Target]

Didn't even bother with Aquanox's SP, really. The fighting mechanics are great though, it's like a much cooler Descent/Freespace. I have the game if anyone wants to multi. PM me!

[Vidmaster]

Schleichfahrt, the first game, known in English as Archimedian Dynasty, was a real gem but simply could not deliver its world properly. PCs were not good enough back then. Aquanox continues the great tradition but back then, bugets were not as high as today and most of it went to the graphics. Helmut Halfmann, the writer, was rather angry at that time. (he died in the meantime, so we will never know how the story was supposed to end).

The german versions of the Aquanox games feature great voice acting and awesome writing. The English not so much.
The gameplay of both games is solid and has a really good core but both have their issues. Story presentation is stale despite the writing, since you are just watching stills. As I said, Halfmann was very angry.
Definitly worth a buy, the world of Aqua remains one of THE most relized Sci-Fi universes out there.