Carrier Command: Gaea Mission

Carrier Command is an FPS/RTS hybrid that is a spiritual successor to the original game, which was released in the 90's. While not for everyone, Bohemia Interactive has attempted to make Carrier Command an accessible experience, but frequent visual and gameplay bugs hinder the overall experience.

The game’s Sci-fi story features a conflict between Asian and US forces in a futuristic apocalyptic setting. Its focuses on the view from the US force as they make their way onto the islands in the game in hopes of gathering resources and locating lost allies. If these types of games are among your favorites, you’ll be happy to know that there is plenty of content throughout, but there are issues that hold back the game including saving issues and visual hiccups.

When you first start the game in Carrier Command, you’ll put placed on the island in a first person perspective, but the overall feel in this mode seems lackluster in comparison to other shooters. It’s hard to describe, but I felt small in the game, as if I was in crouch mode in the entire time. There is also animation issues that deter from the game’s tone when playing in FPS mode that detract from the experience.

Once you’ve gained control of a Carrier, things become much better, which makes sense because the RTS gameplay is what this series is best known for. At your ship, you’ll be able to move to locations that better suit your attack plans, and send out vehicles to gain materials and fight enemies in your way. Once vehicles are sent out, control becomes in your hands, and maintenance must be considered since fuel is a factor when playing the various vehicles in the game.

Positive elements about this game aside from the RTS elements include the sounds and theme. It reminds me of parts of Star Trek on the basis that you are working with a big team piloting futuristic technology and traveling across various terrains

The bottom line is this: If you enjoy these games, give Gaea Mission a try, but either way I believe $60 is too much for such a niche title that differs from the original game and premise. I sadly wouldn’t recommend the title to others, but you never know – this was just my personal view on the game.