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Story
Gain Ground is set in a dystopian future where humanity’s survival hinges on its ability to train the ultimate warriors. To prepare for unforeseen threats, a supercomputer is developed to simulate combat scenarios, allowing people to hone their tactical skills. However, things go awry when the computer malfunctions and traps participants in its virtual world, turning the training exercise into a life-or-death struggle. Players are tasked with navigating through various historical and mythical periods to rescue their companions and ultimately shut down the rogue system.
The narrative, while simple, serves as a compelling backdrop for the game’s unique blend of action and strategy. It effectively leverages the concept of time travel, allowing players to experience diverse settings and opponents, each with its own distinct challenges. The story is primarily conveyed through the gameplay itself, relying on environmental storytelling and level design to immerse players in its world.
Gameplay
Gain Ground is a top-down, action-strategy game that requires players to use both brains and brawn to succeed. The game is structured around a series of levels, each presenting a unique battlefield filled with enemies and obstacles. The ultimate objective is to either eliminate all adversaries or safely guide all characters to the exit.
Character Selection and Strategy
The game features an impressive roster of 20 different characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities. These characters range from modern-day soldiers to mythical warriors, each hailing from different eras that the game explores. Players can control up to three characters in each level, and the choice of characters plays a crucial role in determining the strategy. Some characters excel at long-range attacks, while others are more effective in close combat.
Level Design and Challenges
Gain Ground’s levels are methodically designed, requiring players to think strategically about how to approach each situation. The environments vary significantly, reflecting the time periods the characters are visiting. Players must navigate through medieval castles, futuristic cities, and ancient ruins, each populated with enemies that fit the theme. The diversity in level design not only provides aesthetic variety but also demands different strategic approaches, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Multiplayer Mode
The game supports cooperative multiplayer, allowing two players to work together in tackling the game’s challenges. This mode enhances the strategic depth, as players can coordinate their actions and character choices to complement each other’s strengths. The cooperative element adds a layer of camaraderie and shared excitement, making it a favorite among fans of multiplayer arcade games.
Graphics and Sound
Gain Ground, originally released in arcades in 1988 and later ported to various home systems, features graphics that were considered state-of-the-art for its time. The arcade version is particularly noted for its detailed sprite work and vibrant color palette, which successfully convey the varied environments and characters.
Visual Style
The game’s art style is a charming blend of realism and fantasy, with character designs that reflect their historical and mythical origins. Despite the limitations of the hardware, the developers managed to create distinct and visually interesting stages that capture the essence of different eras. The animations are smooth, ensuring that the action remains fluid and easy to follow.
Sound Design
The sound in Gain Ground complements the visual experience, utilizing a range of effects and music that enhance the game’s atmosphere. Each level features a unique soundtrack that matches its theme, from epic medieval tunes to futuristic techno beats. The sound effects are crisp and effective, providing satisfying audio feedback for actions like shooting and explosions.
Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, Gain Ground received praise for its innovative mix of action and strategy, a combination that was relatively rare in arcade games of the era. Critics and players alike lauded its challenging gameplay, diverse character roster, and cooperative multiplayer mode. The game’s success in arcades led to its subsequent porting to various home systems, including the Sega Genesis and the Master System.
Critical Acclaim
The game has been commended for its depth and replayability, with many reviewers highlighting its strategic elements as a standout feature. The challenge of mastering each character’s abilities and devising effective strategies has kept players engaged for decades. Gain Ground has often been cited as an influence on later strategy and action games, particularly those that incorporate elements of character selection and team dynamics.
Enduring Popularity
Gain Ground has maintained a loyal fanbase over the years, with many players revisiting it through various re-releases and emulations. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless gameplay mechanics and the nostalgic charm of its graphics and sound. The game’s influence is evident in the design of modern strategy-action hybrids, which continue to draw inspiration from its innovative approach.
Conclusion
Gain Ground stands as a testament to the creative potential of arcade games, seamlessly blending action and strategy in a way that was ahead of its time. Its compelling story, diverse gameplay, and cooperative multiplayer mode have cemented its place in gaming history. The game’s legacy endures, influencing countless titles and captivating new generations of players. Whether experienced in its original form or through modern re-releases, Gain Ground remains a classic example of innovative game design that continues to inspire and entertain.
