Night watch

author: tick_the
	08.09.2005

Platform: PC Genre: Tactical RPG Developer: Nival Interactive Publisher: Noviy Disk Project website: www.nival.com / nightwatch_ru System requirements: P-3 1GHz; 256 Mb RAM; 64 Mb Video (pixel shading) One of the mandatory parameters, accounted for the browser when the verdict is a goal that developers put in front of him, preparing for the next project. It is here that you must understand that Nival in any case did not want to do a variation on the theme of the wonderful "Operation Silent Storm». Her "raw materials" were used exclusively because write for the year a new engine and game mechanics daunting even for an experienced team. And why, when there is such a wonderful base? I'll note that the "Night Watch" should be treated more leniently than other games Nival. This project was, of course, qualitative, but it is designed only for two categories of gamers: fans of the same book and film, as well as a contingent of so-called «Casual gamers». Express the essence of "ND" can be a capacious phrase - «Silent Storm Light on the grounds Lukyanenko. I will write you a book! Naturally, the Silent Storm from best to minimize the tactical part of the candy to be longer. Hence, the intriguing setting of another popular player has not come out - you need something else. For example, a strong storyline. Talk and think heaped stories - no profile "Niva", but in this case, they tried their best. Happening on the screen captures: the storyline in store prelyubopytnyh few turns, things are moving briskly and logical, and characters from the film only add to the kind of excitement. Number of scripted scenes more than enough, although the local engine is not much a fit for their full play (particularly noticeable in facial animation). Large number of dialogues, and - this I was overjoyed - the quality is very decent level (Unfortunately, the dialogues seem too "cultural". Where it was possible to express a phrase one capacious word (strong word but, God forbid, do not abusive), we have to read long and not particularly interesting passages. Because of this speech, the characters seem too affectation. However, this fact is explained by the general consumer-oriented games. - Ed.). One might call it "unprecedented high" (for the domestic game, of course), but we already have appeared several months earlier, "Mor. Utopia. A lyricist, a young Moscow writer Leonid Kaganova, recommend directly Sergei Lukyanenko. The result is really pleased, moreover, the line is literally dotted with a healthy sense of humor (in the spirit of good Soviet comedies. - Ed.). Of course, sometimes comes across something "petrosyanistoe, but the general background of these moments are quickly forgotten. Also, with more than enough and self-irony: as the film, and over the universe itself "Night Watch". There's even a play great favorite with all the phrase "watch-shame." The triumph of minimalism Called "Night Watch" tactical role-playing game is impossible.Why? Let us understand in order. First of all, neither of which full-fledged RPG, and not a speech. Yes, the heroes gain experience, acquire new levels and skills. However, there is not even an elementary flow parameters: the average audience is not so frightened at the sight of dozens of characteristics, distribution skillpointov automatically. And we offer the skill to choose just one of the regularly updated product range. Wood skills not as a class - again, all the same average audience is not confused. In general, role-playing component is simplified as much as possible (to the level of Nox or Grom). In only one place you can avoid fights against all enemies, so players will get to the finals with a virtually identical number of exp. I will say more - all the missions boil down to make away with the Dark and in good time to leave the location. Only at the penultimate level, these things dish quite a bit of diversity. Twilight Zone To understand the mechanics of gameplay "ND", it is necessary to have adequate representation on the Silent Storm? A brief educational program for those who do not know. In a calm atmosphere is a common real-time strategy, but as soon appear on the screen the silhouettes of enemies - turn turn-based mode. Each character group (or in this case the party) have a number of AP (action points - points of action), which he uses to perform specific actions. Once these points come to an end - time to pass the course. "Night Watch" this scheme is slightly modified by adding a parallel space - the twilight. Another innovation for the mechanics of SS - mana consumed by spells and stay in the shadows (it has significantly enhanced the power of spells). If the character has not yet emerged from the murky "state, while its index of Mana is zero, then layfbar start emptying begins. What should I do? "Fish out" the real world. Once you have, unfortunately, will not be able to see (and attack) to those who in it is still. And you are - still as. So that the losers tend to become the first left the "second dimension" (the third and subsequent levels are not available to players to stay there can only be angry uncle Zebulun). Emerges from all of this new tactic behavior? Yes, but only at first. Later, leave the darkness you will rarely, feeding someone else's energy, but eating the magic of chocolate (about them later). During the same for all 14 levels you will have two or three most favorite spells and pump up to the highest possible level. The damage they will inflict serious, so use them in battle instead of just learned skill - is simply foolhardy. Is that just for fun. In the backpack may be in store a great variety of useful objects, which, in theory, should bring some benefit. However, there are too many. Submitted by the abundance simply remains untapped because of the special gameplay is not. Another trio Interest in the repetition was to contribute to the choice of character class. Magician, magician and Changeling are very different from each other. All is well, but only one mission Stas (the protagonist) will operate independently. In most of the trio involved (so that already at the first passage of the player will experience all the classes in the case), and it is desirable that it consisted of the following three Others.In principle, one can do without the HRE, because at the level of the fifth melee will be ineffective, completely giving way to work magic. The presence of the sorcerer is highly desirable: only he knows how to create amulets made of simple objects (apples, restoring health, key chains, to subordinate the will; watch that some time after using them kill the victim). Mag is vital, because he has the most powerful spells, and only he can shoot someone else's misfortune. If the first half of the "ND" is taking place in the same breath, it is closer to the middle of the game gameplay flywheel begins to reduce speed. Only the story remains the main driving force behind the gameplay the same roll off the continual beating of the helpless vampires and werewolves. Not a minute is not without struggles. And the more we marvel at the next turn of plot, by contrast, duller (and easier) will fight. Due to this sad trend play will sweep past you very quickly. Crowned this mess in the mission area Griboyedov in which we will deal with four consecutive waves of the Dark. Too boring, not a single attempt to somehow diversify this business. And the casual-oriented there is no excuse. Three-dimensional Moscow With each new project, engine only SS transformed. Even two years later, the picture continues to delight the eye. Especially considering that the entourage of the forties to be fed. Nice picture pleasing to the eye: a good implementation of dusk, fireworks, despite the unnecessary brightness look fine, but recognizable "landmarks" in Moscow conveyed with extraordinary precision. Will not go away and the famous physicist - are still allowed to destroy many objects (benches, poles, clams), but, unlike the progenitors, the practical benefits from it very little. If the same "clock" we could solve the problem of the closed door manufacturer nice opening in the wall, there is such a situation simply does not occur. On the other hand, the sensitive use of the remarkable ability to "telekinesis" can deprive the enemy of life after her second or third application. Music is chosen as the best way possible. Particularly good title tune, and the final song composed specially for the game (for the authorship of the same Leonid Kaganova). Audio series identities not disappoint: the characters from the movie voiced by the relevant actors, the rest pretty well played nivalovskie specials. Although sometimes reading from the wrong tone. The protagonist says the voice is not anyone anyhow, and Vsevolod Kuznetsov. Last cake gets interface. Laconically and availability - exactly what is required for comfortable gaming. Everybody get out of the dusk? Less of "Night Watch" is only one, but what. The gameplay is no different variety, representing a very long series of turn-based battles. While the fans' access code: Paradise "will be appreciated. Go to the end is interesting solely because of the strong storyline. Of course, appearance plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience - turned out quite nice, but slows down, where even the more sophisticated games, and would not have thought. Since its announcement it was clear that awaits us in the end: Mighty (Nival brooms do not knit) and not a particularly complex project aimed at the broad masses of gamers. And so it happened. At this point, is the best game of Russian films. Gameplay: 7.0 Graphics: 7.0 Sound and music: 8.0 Design: 8.0 Estimation of the author: 7.5 Outcome: 72%