Review: Rebelstar Tactical Command (GBA)

Over the past year the GameBoy Advance has been pushed aside by the Nintendo DS.  Across the retail sector the GBA has practically shrunk into oblivion.   Nowadays the majority of GBA releases Gamestyle sees are film licenses for younger players, and even then receiving sporadic placement within stores.  While the decline has been dramatic it has for the most part gone unnoticed, as Nintendo’s dual push with the DS and Wii continues to captivate gamers of all demographics.   Yet the GBA catalogue lives on thanks to the slot included in the Nintendo DS that allows you to enjoy some of the most enjoyable handheld releases.

Europeans had to wait for just over a year after the American release of Rebelstar Tactical Command, before it arrived on our own continent.  Even then it slipped out without much of a fanfare, and as you’d expect immediately become lost amidst all those battered and crumpled cardboard boxes.   This is a travesty as for those looking for a slice of challenging strategy, backed up with a fun (but clichéd) storyline should look no further than this - even if its doesn’t harness the power or options provided by the Nintendo DS - it is still a more thorough title than many rivals you’ll find on the DS format.

You find yourself in the future, or 2117 to be precise and all is not well on our planet.  Earth has been invaded by the Arelian Empire, who now have total control over all of the citizens.   Their vice like grip is policed by another race (known as the Zorn) who are ruthless in stamping out any threat of rebellion amongst the masses.  In spite of such fascist policing (and abducting anyone brave enough to speak out), much of the population actually tolerate the presence of the Zorn and Arelian’s as before the invasion, Earth was very much coming to an end due to environmental disasters, war and widespread diseases.  

In a twist reminiscent of the classic BBC series The Tripods (inspired by John Christopher’s trilogy), every baby is taken after birth and implanted with a device, within the skull.   While this acts as a beacon, many believe it has another purpose, but just what exactly is unclear.   When each implant recipient turns 30, the Zorn takes them away, never to be seen again.   What happens after abduction is unclear, but this is one feature that motivates  the resistance to find out, and drive the Zorn and Arelian’s from Earth.   Needless to say that you take the role of a revolutionary, a recent recruit who has already become infamous for somehow overcoming the implant.   You must work to up the revolutionary infrastructure and overcome many of the challenges that await.

The actual storyline is driven through text and static snapshots, enhanced by some marvellous retro themed musical accompaniment.  While most of developments are divulged before each battle, some actually take place on the battlefield, prompting a new urgency or need to change tactics.   As Gamestyle mentioned, it does not break new ground but instead manages to introduce an underlying current that pushes you on to victory when faced with some difficult challenges.   On paper twenty four missions does not seem enough, but only through playing do you realise how long some can take to overcome.  

The battlefield is laid out in the standard grid structure, complete with different environments, structures and routes to victory.   Initially any success is achieved through trial and error, as your initial sorties will highlight enemy positions and numbers.  Throw into the mix a range of weapons, abilities and aliens and you have a stimulating experience.  Adding more depth are the categories such as stamina, courage and so on that also highlight individual skills such as sniper ability or medic.  How you equip and manage your squad will often determine if you and your colleagues deserve to reach the next stage.

Outside of the main story mode you can brush up on your tactics through the player skirmish option, which you can also use to link up and play against a friend.  This is a pleasant enough distraction, but you’ll want to jump into the main mode and the turn based combat to see what happens next.   And given the length of time its taken Gamestyle to get through this title, there is plenty to enjoy.   Part of this enjoyment is the difficulty, which may seem unforgiving at times, but always keeps you on high alert for a sudden twist on the game map.  Visually events are depicted well enough and although not the strongest GBA title we’ve ever seen, it gets the job done.  A special mention must go to the menu structure and combat system, which is expertly delivered, allowing you to navigate and implement your tactics with ease.

Deep in Gamestyle Towers we have a closet called “hidden gems��? where some of the best and most overlooked video games reside.   Rebelstar Tactical Command fits this criteria perfectly, if you are in need of a new handheld challenge, then this is a must have purchase.

Rating: 8 / 10

Words by Jason Julier