Rebelstar Tactical Command Preview

The Nintendo DS isn't the only console Namco's bringing strategy games to. Game Boy Advance will get its share of strategic action in the form of Rebelstar: Tactical Command.

Taking place more than 100 years from now, Rebelstar is not unlike a certain blockbuster movie that opened this past weekend. The Arelian Empire is said to be evil. They took control of Earth 70 years ago. The promise of peace and happiness allowed them to do so, and they kept their word...at first. When they saw how happy and weak the humans were, the Arelian Empire knew it was time to strike. They began to strike fear in humans by abducting them when they turn 30. Humans obeyed their orders to avoid being abducted. The world became a sad, miserable place again.

Luke Skywalker is nowhere in sight, but guess what: there is a rebellion. Their new leader, Jorel, has built up the rebel army and is challenging the Arelian Empire for control of the planet. I should probably stop there, shouldn't I?

Rebelstar: Tactical Command's combat is strategic but turn-based. Grenades, Sniper Rifles, Laser Rifles and Missile Launchers are just a few of the weapons you'll get to use in this game. Individual characters are controlled for one-on-one battles, bringing to mind my favorite Game Boy Advance game, Fire Emblem. If Rebelstar is half as good as that, I'll buy it the second it's released.

Count on there being at least four different modes of play: Campaign, Skirmish, Multiplayer Hotseat and Multiplayer Link Mode. Within these modes is a replay feature that lets you take a look at what happens when your opponent attacks. You can hide from enemies and dodge their attack, but nothing's foolproof. Mistakes are bound to be made.

Generic story elements aside, Rebelstar: Tactical Command looks and sounds like it's going to be a great strategy game.

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