When the first level began, I had about five tanks and a few soldiers. My base and my units were on the left side of the screen while the computers base and units faced me to the right. In fact, the first level map looked and controlled just like the TurboGrafx one. During your turn, you can move each of your units and have them attack. Those unfamiliar with Military Madness will find the turn-based combat very similar to the Advance Wars series. The ultimate goal is to destroy all the units on-screen or capture the enemy base.
Unlike the originals 2D graphics, the new title is in full 3D though most of the action will take place from a familiar top-down viewpoint. The craters on the moon looked very nice and compared to the original it was much easier to see the elevation of the units. During battles, you will get to see a close-up of your units. It was satisfying watching your squadron of tanks launch missiles that hit their target.
The biggest difference I noticed in this version other than the graphics was the amount of statistical data displayed. As you move units next to those of your opponent you will see numbers showing whether your elevation is advantageous or disadvantageous to an attack. When attacking or defending it would also show you that having friendly units nearby was a good thing since they could support you. There were numbers showing defensive strength, attack power, and more to help with the strategy. Military Madness: Nectaris will also have a multiplayer action available both online and off.
It plays very similar to the original and that is a good thing. Hopefully the final game will have a campaign mode that keeps the spirit of the original, but also shakes things up with new levels and some twists in the story.
Military Madness on the TurboGrafx- 16 is a wonderful turn based strategy game that was in many ways ahead of its time.
