Earth 2150: The Moon Project Review

Those of you who haven't experienced the science fiction 3D RTS Earth 2150 have missed some good gameplay, highly realistic environments, and an exciting plot. All of these features satisfied even the most demanding RTS fans. What we can say for sure is that the outstanding atmosphere presents the most appealing aspect of Earth 2150. Changes of night and day, weather conditions, and highly detailed landscapes proved that the guys at TopWare really take their work serious. Anyway, after a few months of waiting and a couple of announcements, we finally got to test the expansion pack called The Moon Project. Here we encounter the usual issues: Does the expansion bring anything truly fresh? Are the missions even more exciting? Is the plot an original enough alteration of Earth 2150? And with all these new aspects, does it possess the same old atmosphere everyone enjoyed so much? Did it fix any bad aspects of its predecessor?

Let's go boys!

A little one-on-one! You're no match for me Lunar scum!

Well, to put it shortly, The Moon Project is really a nice refreshment and it will be intriguing both for players who loved Earth 2150 and for those who are experiencing it for the first time. However, it doesn't bring anything radically new, but than again it was not even supposed to because then it would have been a sequel. If you wish to play new missions in a completely new environment, then this will definitely hold your attention. Those of you who prefer more campaigns, new races, or similar radical changes, I'm sorry to say you'll be disappointed.

As for the plot, I would like to point out that it is an interesting combination of some new ideas with some reminiscence of the previous game. The same groups are still at war - Lunar Corporation (tiny, but technologically the most advanced), Eurasian Dynasty (a pretty rough and conservative group), and the trendy United Civilized States. While the Eurasian Dynasty and the United Civilized States still fight on Earth, the Lunar Corporation started a top-secret operation on the Moon's surface. This operation is named Project Sunlight. Each corporation will have its own interests in this Project.

Although the environment and most of the missions are new, TopWare could've introduced an additional race. This would bring more new buildings and crafts, as well as new models and more programming, and that would definitely take too much time for developers to accomplish (it may have been a nice touch though).

Anyway, as you start the campaigns you'll find that the tasks, which await you, are extensive and it will take you a while to complete them, no matter what side you choose. There are no particularly interesting assignments. Your goals are mostly on the lines of 'seek and destroy,' 'locate artifact,' and 'completely annihilate the opponent.' The missions seem very long, but unfortunately there's a very small number of them. Nonetheless, the adventurous element is present and it is a nice refreshment when compared to the original game. To balance things out TopWare has thrown in a quite large amount of skirmish missions. There is also the improved level editor which is much more sophisticated and will allow you to modify existing maps or create large new worlds with a greater number landscape details, structures, and ground textures. Once you get acquainted with all of the options, settings, and features you are ready to embrace the world of The Moon Project.

Before you initiate a campaign or skirmish, I would strongly recommend playing the tutorial (especially if you've never played Earth 2150 before). The tutorial is thorough, yet simple and it will allow you to practice camera movement, which is an extremely important part of the game. The zoom-in was slightly enhanced over the original, so that you can observe all the little things that go on while your units do their jobs and mission assignments (for example, watching your repair unit performing its duties).