Tribes 2
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| Tribes 2 | |
| Missing image Tribes2.jpg Tribes 2, holding a chaingun | |
| Developer(s) | Dynamix |
| Publisher(s) | Sierra On-Line |
| Release date(s) | 2001 |
| Genre | First-person shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Teen (T), ELSPA: 15+ |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Linux |
Tribes 2 is a sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS) computer game, the second of the Tribes games. It was developed by Dynamix and published by the company now known as Sierra Entertainment in 2001.
Starsiege: Tribes had a large cult following, so Dynamix was commissioned again to create Tribes 2, which was released in 2001. Together, sales totaled almost one million copies. Some players believed the sequel did not live up to the original because of the limitations set on speed and skiing (Tribes 1 had no limits), the over-emphasis on vehicles, and the expansiveness of maps (some up to eight times larger). Other players praised the sequel for gameplay which was more interesting and more balanced than in the original.
On November 20 2002, Sierra released an update for Tribes 2 that had two new original game types, new maps and updates to address several issues, including those that had originally turned off many Starsiege: Tribes players. This was the last update they would do for Tribes 2.
On May 4 2004, as a way to create more interest in upcoming sequel Tribes: Vengeance, Sierra released both Tribes 2 and the original Starsiege Tribes for free download.
Both Tribes and Tribes 2 were designed to be highly modifiable by players. A powerful scripting language built into the game engines have allowed prospective "modders" to alter many aspects of gameplay; since the textures and 3D models can also be replaced, games that bear little resemblance to the Tribes titles can be created. The "modding" community surrounding these games have created a large number of custom levels, vehicles, weapons, skins, voice file sets, and mission types.
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Story
Set in the year 3941, Tribes 2 allows the user to play as a soldier in the distant future for different factions, such as the Diamond Sword, the Blood Eagle or the Phoenix. None of the factions differ from each other in strengths or weaknesses, but each has a distinctive look.
The maps where the battles take place are set on multiple planets far from Earth, which humanity has probably abandoned by now in favor of the other star systems and planets available to them. The weapons in Tribes 2 are futuristic. There are weak guns, such as the Blaster and the Chaingun, and there are devastating weapons such as the Missile Launcher and the Spinfusor.
Three armor types are availabe: Scout Armor is light and allows the player to jetpack higher than other armor types, but ammo for weapons is severely limited. The player can pilot the Wildcat Hovercycle in this armor only, but can take a little damage on foot before dying. This armor is best reserved for infiltration purposes. The Assault Armor is perfect for anybody wanting to eliminate the enemy base. Ammo for the player's weapons is higher than the Scout, and the player has a wide selection of ordinance to destroy their enemy, such as Satchel Charges and the Plasma Rifle. The damage the wearer can obsorb is significantly higher than the Scout, and the wearer can pilot every vehicle except the Wildcat. This armor is well balanced with decent jetpacking ability. The Juggernaut Heavy Armor is the ultimate in assault capability. The wearer can carry a great deal of ammo for their weapon, but can't pilot any vehicles. The Fusion Mortar is the weapon exclusive to this armor, launching green explosives. This weapon can devastate groups of enemies with one shot. Sadly, movement in this armor is excruciatingly slow and is best reserved for close-quarters combat. Jetpacking is a frustrating task, as the wearer can only get to about 3 or 5 feet off the ground. If the player needs to get to the other side of the map or another place of battle, Assault Armor or a Scout Armor will fly them in a Havoc Heavy Transport.
The introduction of new battle vehicles is a welcome addition to the series. Players can pilot a hovertank called the Beowulf Assault Tank, bombard their enemy with the Thundersword bomber and dogfight in the Shrike Scout Fighter. The game also includes a training mode in the Solo/Lan mode of the game, with 5 missions to train players in bomb placement, vehicle piloting and weapons training.
Game engine
While Tribes 2 was nearing completion, several employees left Dynamix to form their own company, GarageGames. They negotiated an agreement with Sierra for the source code to the T2 game engine. After reworking the code, GarageGames released it as the Torque Game Engine, or TGE. The source code for TGE, a professional-grade 3D engine, is available to nearly anyone for fees starting at USD$100.
GarageGames recently introduced a new 2D engine called Torque 2D, for the same price. Details are vague at this point and it is unclear whether or not the 2D engine is based upon TGE.
Legacy
Although the Tribes Universe is becoming elderly and Tribes 2 is now over four years old, many players can still be found on her servers. Servers such as "Miami Vehicles" attract upwards of 50 people with a capacity of over 65. The "Miami Vehicles" community still has over 700 members worldwide, veterans and rookies alike. Hundreds of other servers are still online today servicing thousands of players universally.
External links
- Tribes 2 official site (http://www.tribes2.com/)
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