Cortex Command
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About
Cortex Command is the primary project of Data Realms LLC. The game is still in development.
"In Cortex Command, you play as a prospector and explorer in a time where complete cybernetics and whole-body amputations are common practice. Your severed brain is able to control many different types of bodies remotely from its underground bunker: clones, robots, spaceships, defensive turrets, and so on.
A typical scenario starts with a building phase where you get to construct your own bunker complex from scratch. Then you need to mine precious gold from the deformable pixel terrain in order to buy more and better ships, soldiers, weapons, digging tools, and deployable defenses. Use these assets to defend your disembodied brain and destroy or bankrupt your opponent!
Control your team of remote bodies either directly or let the friendly AI do your bidding through real-time strategy elements built into the game. Play with up to four players in split screen -- 2 vs. 2 players, or all four cooperatively against the computer. Eventually, you can play the campaign missions together with friends..."
Versions
Cortex Command is currently in its twenty-first release. Released August 23, 2008, Build 21 is the third commercial version.
Previously, the game was known as D.I.R.T, before being changed due to copyright worries.
History
Cortex Command development started sometime within 2000, by Daniel Tabar (a.k.a. Data), and a working alpha was released in 2004. Since then Cortex Command has gone through numerous changes and updates.
As the game carried on he realized that he wasn't exactly the best artist and sought the help of Promster (a.k.a. Prometheus). Promster's graphical changes were implemented on the 27th of July, 2004 and gave Cortex Command the graphical style that it is now known for.
In 2004, Data brought Prometheus onto the team, for art and creative help.
The project has been in development for seven years. It has been submitted to the Independent Games Festival twice, has a feature on the Great Games Experiment, and was recently featured in Play magazine.
Gameplay
The game currently features two modes of play: Campaign, and Skirmish.
Skirmish mode supports up to 4 players, on 2 different teams, or 1 player against a single enemy. In a match versus the AI, the game is an endless survival mode. In multiplayer skirmish, the goal of the game is to destroy the opponent's brain.
Campaign mode, in the current version of the game, features a single-player tutorial mission. Later builds will have a much more complete story mode, with co-op gameplay, a planet-wide metagame, and multiple factions.
There are three customizable types of control: Keyboard, Mouse and Keyboard, and Gamepad.
Modding
Cortex Command uses a simple variable-base object designing system to allow modders to create their own entities.
Factions
Some of the factions were revealed thanks to Prometheus.
Coalition
These are standard, cloned troops. They represent typical military factions, and are usually clad in green. They are strong versus most gun fights, but are slow.
Dummies
Robots that have become self-aware. The tutorial mission is the first instance of this. In this mission, the backup dummy controller becomes sentient, decides it doesn't like you much, and tries to kill you. Dummies are well-rounded, and are also light, allowing them to move relatively quickly.
Rag-Tag
A collection of "rebels". They use antique weapons, and recruit civilians, prisoners, and the poor. Effectively, cannon fodder.
Whitebots
The Whitebots represent a somewhat elite faction. The current dropship and rocket belong to the Whitebot faction. They also have the brainmech.
Aliens
Aliens, sure, you really can't tell what the brain is can you? You might be a Zxolophlox controlling those human bodies, because human bodies makes nice organic meat puppets.
Campaign
The campaign will be nonlinear. Your choice of faction will control tech unlockables, and there will be specific storyline missions. Prometheus suggests up to 40 weapons for each faction.
Content
Actors
Weapons
Craft
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