Flash In The Brain Pan: Solarmax

Friday, July 1, 2011

Is it a puzzle game or a fleet simulator? We’ll let you decide for yourself how to classify Solarmax. But however you sort it, we think you’ll agree it’s the perfect game for a long weekend.

You’re commander of the blue fleet. The destiny of a people is in your hands. Click on a planet and your ships will go there to colonize. Colonize, and the people will build you more ships. It’s not the idea that’s going to be hard, it’s the execution.

Honestly, you’ll probably breeze through the first few levels. But once you run into the bulk of the yellow fleet, you’ll have to start making decisions. Do you attack Planet A with everything you’ve got? Or do you send half your forces, hoping to repel any attacks from Planet C when they see your defenses are weak? And what’s your priority for the attack after that, the land or the Warp Gate? Can you afford to take and hold that Shipyard near the enemies base? Can you afford not to?

Solarmax is a very well made game that’s just hard enough to lure you in, and just pretty enough to keep you playing. Unless you’re Ender Wiggin you’ll be losing a lot, but once you finally win… is there anything sweeter than conquering a galaxy? Take advantage of the holiday and become Galactic Alexander the Great.

Woot! – One Day, One Deal