Robotech: Invasion - Xbox

In the absence of any real mega releases during the early months of 2005, this is often a prime time for lesser known developers to get their products noticed and on the shop shelves, such is the case with Robotech Invasion, a respectable Halo wannabe from Global Star Software.

In the 21st century humankind was freed from the confines of the solar system through the discovery of an alien technology known as Robotech. Contact with the stars also brought war with the Invid, a race of parasitic aliens bent on conquering and transforming Earth into their new home world. Now it is up to the battle-hardened survivors of the Robotech Expedition to lead the way for one final attempt to liberate the Earth from the Invid race.

And that's exactly where you begin. Thrown in at the deep end, this remarkably fun first-person shooter has players fending off hordes of giant armoured beasts from the outset. Armed with just a prototype machinegun of sorts, the beginning of your adventure, though chaotic, is surprisingly straightforward as players are guided by an on-screen prompt and useful narrative. After this 'prologue', players are introduced to the control method proper as they learn the skills of combat and weaponry. From there, you're on your own. The subsequent missions will guide you to a degree, but your decisions are your own in combat. It's down to you to choose your targets, manage your ammo and ultimately save the world from an impending doom.

When all is said and done, Robotech Invasion is a clean-cut, simple and direct FPS adventure. Great fun. more