Breed (Preview)

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements: 600 MHz CPU 128 Megabytes of RAM 3D accelerated 32 MB video card or equivalent with HW-T&L (Hardware Transform & Lighting) and 24-bit z-buffer 270 MB free hard disk space (additional space required for DirectX(c) 9 installation) 8X Speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM 100% Direct Sound compatible Sound Card MS compatible mouse Keyboard

Recommended Requirements:

1500 MHz CPU 256 Megabytes of RAM 3D accelerated 64 MB video card or equivalent with HW-T&L (Hardware Transform & Lighting) and 24-bit z-buffer 300 MB free hard disk space plus space for saved games (additional space required for DirectX(c) 9 installation) 40X Speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM 100% Direct Sound compatible Sound Card MS compatible mouse Keyboard

Overview

This is the beta demo for Breed. Breed is a sci-fi tactical shooter, similar to Halo, except less impressive story, and more strategy. The Earth has been invaded by a bio-mechanical alien race called (surprise) the Breed. Earth has been overrun, and only one battlecrusiser is left. You are a grunt on this ship and lead desperate attacks on the breed.

Game Play

Pretty easy to learn, the demo consists of leading a group of 4 grunts around an island and getting to the radar building. You can use breed and human turrets, but no vehicles in the demo. Each character has its specific weapon. The grunts have assault rifles and shotguns, there\'s a sniper and a heavy gunner. Each squad member can be controlled specifically by you. The rest will follow.

Graphics

The graphics are pretty darn good. The detail is at the Unreal 2 level, without slowing the frame rate. The Mercury engine is quite impressive.

Sound

Occasionally there\'s music, but no continuous tracks. This made the game somewhat boring and quiet. The overall sound effects were good. One thing that annoyed me is that when you fire for a prolonged period the grunt shouts and taunts repeatedly.

Content

There is of course violence, but no gore that I saw. The main problem is the swearing. Just about every word is used except the f-word, and there\'s no way to turn it off. Overall the demo is impressive, but probably won\'t match up to games like Halo. The game is supposed to be released this summer.

Final Ratings

Graphics A+ Game play B Sound B Interface A Stability A Offensive Content C

Overall 89%