Incoming (1998 video game)

Primarily a vehicle simulation game, the player controls one of a number of possible vehicles in order to complete objectives. The vehicle used could be an aerial craft, defence emplacement, or surface craft, and is usually armed with a primary weapon (with unlimited ammunition) and sometimes secondary weapons (with either a limited or infinite supply). Incoming employs an arcade style; in particular, the logging of high scores and a "life" system. There are three different game modes. The campaign mode follows the main storyline, in which the player must complete a series of objectives to neutralise the alien threat. Typical goals include transporting cargo and defending allied convoys. Two variants of the campaign exist: "campaign action" purely consists of the simulation missions; "campaign tactics" features the same main missions as campaign action, but with some extra sub-missions. These sub-missions take place in the "tactical display", where the player controls several vehicles and gun emplacements in a similar manner to real-time strategy games. Either campaign consists of ten missions (referred to as "phases" in the game) in each of the six locations. These locations can also be accessed in the arcade mode. This mode sees the player fight off alien craft while picking up as many power-ups as is possible. The same mechanics apply to the multiplayer mode, with some slight variations depending on the game type selected. Multiplayer is available in split-screen mode on both platforms, in addition to networking and Internet options on the PC version. ==Plot==

Acknowledged by critics for having a simple storyline, ==Development==

Rage Software, developers of Incoming, were known for their cutting-edge graphics and effects. and was included in some retail versions of the Voodoo2 graphics card. While exhibiting the PC version at the September 1997 European Computer Trade Show, Rage Software stated that they were considering a Nintendo 64 version of the game. However, none was ever released. An arcade version followed in 2003, running on the Vortek V3 Global VR arcade board, utilising the system's unique virtual reality hardware interface. ==Critical reception==

The Windows version of Incoming was generally well received. Edge highlighted the game's efficient gameplay mechanics, giving it eight out of ten and stating that designers "managed to produce something more than a lightshow, taking care to fine-tune a design that, if not exactly original, at least does its thing with flair and solid understanding of gameplay." Next Generation said the game was "definitely an improvement to the action/arcade genre, as well as a visual improvement to the 3D market as a whole. The amount of varied units and different setting give Incoming the commendable originality and replay value that make it a title worth checking out." The reception was less positive when the game was ported to the Dreamcast. A release title for Sega's console, IGN complained that the graphics were not top-of-the-range at the time of its late 1999 release, with the draw distance being cited as a specific hindrance on gameplay. IGN also said that, although the game "is lacking in many areas, there's more than enough here for the hardcore shooting fans out there to have their requisite blast of shooting action". Though criticizing the graphics' ability to "get in the way at times", the "very vague" mission briefings and the "odd flying model for the planes", the reviewer conceded that "if you're a hardcore shooting fan, and you're looking for a good challenge, you'll probably want to look into Incoming." PlanetDreamcasts review was harsher, describing the plot as "the same recycled garbage used in tons of other games of this type", the multiplayer split screen mode as "lame" and the objectives as "mundane". The reviewer also noted graphical issues, clipping problems and poor controls. Though dismissing the graphics as "a bit dated", the reviewer did acknowledge the "nifty special effects" and admitted that "Incoming may be worth a rental... [it] is only slightly better than mediocre." In Japan, where said console version was released under the name , Famitsu gave it a score of 27 out of 40. ==References==