Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Advanced NetWars builds upon the fast-paced arcade action of the original NetWars by placing you back in the cockpit of a sleek space fighter, armed with plasma guns, homing missiles, and turbo boosters. Each weapon serves a distinct purpose: plasma guns deliver rapid-fire damage at close range, missiles lock onto targets for long-distance encounters, and turbo boosters let you weave in and out of combat zones to gain the tactical upper hand. The game’s control scheme remains intuitive, with throttle, pitch, and yaw mapped cleanly to keyboard or joystick inputs.

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One of the standout improvements in Advanced NetWars is its 3D radar system. Rather than relying on a simple 2D blip display, the enhanced radar shows not only the horizontal position of enemy fighters but also their altitude relative to your ship. This vertical axis introduces a fresh layer of strategy, requiring careful monitoring of enemy flight paths above or below you. As a result, dogfights feel more dynamic: you’ll need to climb or dive into an opponent’s blind spot and time your missile locks precisely.

Mission structure in Advanced NetWars remains flexible, offering solo skirmishes, time trials, and networked multiplayer matches over IPX. While the core objective is straightforward—destroy enemy fighters before they destroy you—the game spices things up with optional side objectives, like escorting friendly convoys or capturing new control beacons in contested sectors. These diversions add replay value and encourage players to experiment with different loadouts and tactics.

Veterans of the original NetWars will appreciate the refined physics model in this update. Acceleration and deceleration feel more weighty, making maneuvering through asteroid fields or tight canyons a satisfying challenge. The turbo booster now has a cool-down period, preventing constant speed boosts and rewarding well-timed bursts of acceleration. Overall, the gameplay loop strikes a solid balance between twitch-intensive dogfighting and tactical navigation.

Graphics

Advanced NetWars introduces a major visual overhaul compared to the original, moving from basic vector graphics to fully textured 3D models that pop on modern DOS-era hardware. The cockpit view is richly detailed, with illuminated instrument panels, animated warning lights, and a functional heads-up display that integrates your radar, weapon status, and hull integrity in one glance. Cockpit glass distortion effects give a convincing sense of speed during high-G maneuvers.

Enemy fighters and environmental features are rendered with crisp polygonal meshes, complete with subtle shading and color highlights. Each ship design is distinct—enemy craft glow with ominous red thrusters, while allied units display green and blue accents. Asteroids and space stations have received particular attention: you can see pitted surfaces on rocky outcrops and rotating solar arrays on orbiting installations, lending the battlefield genuine depth.

The update also enhances visual feedback for combat actions. Plasma bolts leave fiery trails as they streak past your canopy, missiles erupt into brief particle explosions on impact, and wingtip boost flames flicker during turbo bursts. Even the damage effects are more pronounced, with cockpit cracks, flickering HUD elements, and temporary screen shakes when you suffer a direct hit. These flourishes heighten immersion without sacrificing clarity during hectic dogfights.

Story

While Advanced NetWars remains primarily an action-focused shooter, it wraps its combat missions in a light sci-fi narrative. You are an ace pilot serving in patrol squadrons tasked with defending sector outposts from hostile incursions. Between sorties, text briefings hint at an escalating conflict with a mysterious alien coalition threatening interstellar trade routes. Though the storyline doesn’t delve into deep character arcs, it establishes a credible reason for each mission’s objectives.

The game’s lore is conveyed through mission debriefings and mission-select menus rather than lengthy cutscenes. This streamlined approach keeps you in the cockpit where the action is, yet still provides enough context to care about capturing relay stations or rescuing stranded scouts. Occasional radio chatter from your squadron commander adds personality, offering tactical tips or urgent warnings that underscore the intensity of each engagement.

Advanced NetWars doesn’t rely on plot twists or sprawling dialogue trees. Instead, it focuses on sustaining a consistent sense of urgency and frontline combat. If you’re seeking intricate story beats or deep role-playing elements, this title won’t satisfy those cravings. However, for players who prefer a straightforward, mission-driven framework that complements the core shooter mechanics, the minimalist narrative fits perfectly.

Overall Experience

Advanced NetWars successfully modernizes a DOS-era classic by delivering responsive, high-octane dogfights wrapped in a polished presentation. Veteran players will appreciate the tighter controls and strategic 3D radar, while newcomers will find the learning curve gentle enough to jump right into the fray. Multiplayer matches over IPX remain a highlight, fostering tense battles where networked teamwork and individual skill shine.

The graphical enhancements and audio cues—ranging from pulsing synth tracks to satisfying weapon fire—collectively reinforce the high-stakes atmosphere of space combat. Although the narrative is modest in scope, it never feels tacked on; mission objectives always align logically with the premise of defending and reclaiming territory. Replayable mission variants and customizable ship loadouts extend playtime well beyond a single campaign run.

Whether you’re nostalgic for the original NetWars or simply seeking an accessible yet challenging space shooter, Advanced NetWars is a worthwhile pick. It demonstrates how a 1990s DOS game can still deliver thrills today with the right balance of gameplay innovation and visual polish. Strap in, power up those plasma guns, and prepare for warp-speed dogfights in the depths of OpenDOS-powered space.

Retro Replay Score

null/10