he MindRover story--as if it matters--goes like this: There are a bunch of science geeks stuck on Jupiter's moon Europa. The moon's zero atmosphere and sub-zero temperatures severely limit outdoor recreation, so the scientists have taken to a bit of indoor competition--namely building, racing, hunting and destroying each other's mini-robots. It's a lame plot (no worse, however, than Final Fantasy VII's numbing saga), but thankfully the low point of an otherwise dazzling game. As the story suggests, the object of the game is to design and construct robots capable of defeating those constructed by the computer.
The defeating takes a variety of forms. There are the standard deathmatch levels, race levels and the like, but also uncommon challenges such as hockey and hide-and-seek. Each scenario is fought, raced or pucked inside the Europa station. Accordingly, a robot may be fighting a desperate battle for survival between chair legs in the station's cafe or racing at seemingly breakneck speeds through its corridors.
The real challenge, however, lies in designing said 'bots. Before each level, gamers construct the vehicle most appropriate for the business at hand. Choose a chassis--heavy tank treads can carry more stuff, but lighter hovercraft are faster--and slap on whatever sensors, weapons and other gizmos the job requires. The next step is to wire everything together. Sounds daunting, but it entails no more than a click here, a drag there and a tap of the occasional key.
A uniquely satisfying experience
Creating these 'bots is a uniquely satisfying experience. There's something parental in setting a creation free and watching the fun. Sometimes it works, other times it'll chase its tail. Nevertheless, tail-chasers are okay because modifying, tweaking and adjusting the robot's parts and programming is easily as absorbing as watching it perform. And success is just as sweet as fragging an enemy in Unreal Tournament.
Although the graphics won't be confused with Unreal's, they are nonetheless good. Missiles streak through the air; damaged 'bots trail smoke and explode brilliantly. It's a lavish display of the battling 'bots' prowess that never grows dull.
Sadly, it's impossible to share those explosions with fellow gamers, at least not live and in color. Although MindRover designs can be sent to friends and enemies alike, the competition is fought only on their computer. Hence there are no live, multiplayer battles.
That, however, is but a slight nick in what is otherwise a gleaming gem. MindRover breaks the strategy mold. Its singular combination of thought-provoking strategy, 'bot-building creativity, and 'bot-battling visuals make it one of the best strategy games of the new millennium.
