Darwinia+ Review
Darwinia+ consists of 2 different games, Darwinia which was originaly released for PC in 05 and its sequel Multiwinia released in 08. Darwinia+ brings both these games together for an XBLA release, that RTS console gamers don't want to miss out on.
Story:
Darwinia's plot is simple but neat. Based on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, Dr. Sepulveda creates a digital world called Darwinia. Darwinia is populated by simple but always evolving Darwinians who live simple lives working and growing until there eventual demise. Coincidentally you arrive on the scene just as Darwinia is under siege from an unknown virus. As a result Dr. Sepulveda asks for your help. I won't entirely spoil the ending, but the virus comes from something every internet user hates. Multiwinia's plot is a continuation of Darwinia's ending. Basically after the virus was eradicated the Darwinians became more aggressive as a result of the previous fighting. Now called Multiwinians they have their own sects and they battle amongst themselves.
Gameplay:
When people think console RTS, they usually think "I'd rather play it for PC". Well the guys at Introversion did a great job in correcting that thought, well at least for their title. Darwinia+'s controls are very simple and have a low learning curve. The controls have most definitely made a smooth transition from PC to console. The gameplay is also very simple, you have your regular citizens, leader citizens, engineers and soldiers. You utilize all these darwinians in a group effort to take down the virus. Each level can take up to an hour which can either go slow or fast depending on how good you are.
Graphics:
Graphically Darwinia+ will disappoint those who now constantly expect Uncharted 2 quality every time they play a game, but to those who don't, the game's aesthetics can be quite charming. The guys at Introversion obviously went for a retro arcade game look and they pulled it off easily. My only complaint would be the colour palette, I didn't like some of the choices but then again that's just personal taste, it doesn't add nor take away from the experience the game delivers.
Sound:
Electronica fans rejoice because Darwinia+'s entire soundtrack is composed from the genre. Electronica artist Trash80 is the composer and does a great job. Darwinia+ definitely made me a fan of his music, its simply an excellent choice on Introversion's part. The games ambient sound is reminiscent of old arcade games which again fits in well with the game.
Online:
Darwinia+ online is only found within Multiwinia. Multiwinia has 6 different game modes: Domination, King of the hill, Rocket Riot, Capture the Statue, Assault and Blitzkrieg. All of the game modes are simple and fun to play with Capture the Statue being my favorite. The only gripe I have with the online is the community, its basically non-existent , but that is a factor that the devs can't be blamed for.
In conclusion Darwinia+ is a great console RTS that should be played by all fans of the genre. With a neat story, charming retro visuals and online game modes that are fun to play, Darwinia+ earns a 9 out of 10.
Review Aftermath:
Multiwinia's online game modes in further detail HERE.
A song from Darwinia's OST composed by Trash80 can be found HERE.
