Bargain Bin Games Revue - Round One

The final game for this first article, Tarr Chronicles is an arcade style combat sim set in the realm of deep space. Unlike a lot of these types of sims, Tarr is a story-driven saga. Even so, the fact that your squadron of ships is out to destroy the opposing force known as the Mirk is all you really need to know. Before I go any further, let it be known that this game is beautiful. The graphics and overall design of your surroundings are top-notch and really give you the feeling of being a pilot as you cruise through the nebulas of space. (Ed: I thought space was mostly black?)

Once you get your wings, the opening sequence gives you tips on how to handle your ship. The controls are fairly simple get acquainted with, utilizing your mouse for the thick of your ship's movement. In addition, you'll use the A and D keys for barrel rolls to the left and right respectively. Machine gun fire is done with the left mouse button, missile fire with the right. Other keys will allow you to boost and strafe as needed during combat. Although your orders are to meet up with your squad mates post-haste, you may find it hard to follow them at first. Instead, you may feel compelled to just cruise around and fly through various corridors in the several nearby space stations for a while.

Once you've reached your first objective, you receive orders to protect another squad currently under attack by Mirk fighters. At this point, players may choose to either fight their battles in the standard third person view or from inside the cockpit of your ship. Once you've cleared the area of enemies, you'll be directed to another area to clear before you dock your fighter in one the bays of the mother ship. Depending on how well you completed the previous objectives, new parts and weapons will be available to add to your ship. While this may sound simple enough, there are a number of things to consider when modding your ship, including elements like weight and overall balance. New ships will also become available as you progress though the campaign.

Tarr Chronicles provides a decent yet shallow space combat experience. Players are limited to traveling from point A to point B and joining in dogfights before taking out larger ships that serve as bosses. Also, Tarr has no multiplayer element, which is a shame since the thought of battling against your friends in this manner could be extremely satisfying. That aspect, coupled with overly repetitive missions, greatly reduces any chance of a recommendation on my behalf. It certainly is a beautiful game, and if you pine for sequels to Freespace or Freelancer (or perhaps even Wing Commander), Tarr is certainly worth the price of admission; those who aren't fans of the genre will find nothing noteworthy here.