Cortex Command
Encyclopedia
Cortex Command is a 2-dimensional
side-scrolling
action game
developed by Data Realms. In the game, the player takes the role of a disembodied brain, who controls various clones and robots to achieve his aims. There is no campaign as of yet, so there is no main objective the player works towards over the course of the game. Current missions contain tasks such as retrieving a control chip in a cave filled with zombies to defending the brain from attack. As the brain is weak, the player must manage his resources carefully, protecting the brain, mining gold and fighting off enemies. The game includes the ability for players to create mods
(additions and changes to the game) with the built in Lua programming applet, and simple scripting.
The game was first released as an open beta and was later released for purchase with a time-limited demo
version available as well. The full version is still being refined (as the game is still in extensive development), but includes unlimited play and extra features unavailable on the demo.
libraries. The GUI
was built by Jason Boettcher, the artwork is by Arne Niklas Jansson (Prom) and the Mac OS X
port is by an ex-Rockstar Games
programmer Chris Kruger. As of May 2008, the game was described as being in development for approximately seven years, with Dan Tabar quitting his job in mid 2006 to work full time on the project. No versions for game consoles are planned. The game allows several components to be modified using the Lua programming language, such as Scenes (or levels), Actors, Weapons, and more. Influences for the game include the X-COM: UFO Defense
series.
and Worms. Positive reviews praise the detailed physics, as well as the chaotic gameplay.
Cortex Command was the Indie Games Game of the Month for April 2008.
Cortex Command won the Audience Award and Technical Excellence at the 2009 Independent Games Festival
.
2D computer graphics
2D computer graphics is the computer-based generation of digital images—mostly from two-dimensional models and by techniques specific to them...
side-scrolling
Side-scrolling video game
A side-scrolling game or side-scroller is a video game in which the gameplay action is viewed from a side-view camera angle, and the onscreen characters generally move from the left side of the screen to the right. These games make use of scrolling computer display technology...
action game
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
developed by Data Realms. In the game, the player takes the role of a disembodied brain, who controls various clones and robots to achieve his aims. There is no campaign as of yet, so there is no main objective the player works towards over the course of the game. Current missions contain tasks such as retrieving a control chip in a cave filled with zombies to defending the brain from attack. As the brain is weak, the player must manage his resources carefully, protecting the brain, mining gold and fighting off enemies. The game includes the ability for players to create mods
Mod (computer gaming)
Mod or modification is a term generally applied to personal computer games , especially first-person shooters, role-playing games and real-time strategy games. Mods are made by the general public or a developer, and can be entirely new games in themselves, but mods are not standalone software and...
(additions and changes to the game) with the built in Lua programming applet, and simple scripting.
The game was first released as an open beta and was later released for purchase with a time-limited demo
Game demo
A game demo is a freely distributed demonstration or preview of an upcoming or recently released video game. Demos are typically released by the game's publisher to help consumers get a feel of the game before deciding whether to buy the full version....
version available as well. The full version is still being refined (as the game is still in extensive development), but includes unlimited play and extra features unavailable on the demo.
Development
The game engine was designed and built by Dan Tabar (Data), using several open sourceOpen source
The term open source describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end product's source materials. Some consider open source a philosophy, others consider it a pragmatic methodology...
libraries. The GUI
Graphical user interface
In computing, a graphical user interface is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices with images rather than text commands. GUIs can be used in computers, hand-held devices such as MP3 players, portable media players or gaming devices, household appliances and...
was built by Jason Boettcher, the artwork is by Arne Niklas Jansson (Prom) and the Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
port is by an ex-Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games is a major video game developer and publisher based in New York City, owned by Take-Two Interactive following its purchase of UK video game publisher BMG Interactive. The brand is mostly known for Grand Theft Auto, Max Payne, L.A...
programmer Chris Kruger. As of May 2008, the game was described as being in development for approximately seven years, with Dan Tabar quitting his job in mid 2006 to work full time on the project. No versions for game consoles are planned. The game allows several components to be modified using the Lua programming language, such as Scenes (or levels), Actors, Weapons, and more. Influences for the game include the X-COM: UFO Defense
X-COM: UFO Defense
UFO: Enemy Unknown is a critically acclaimed strategy video game created by Julian Gollop and published by MicroProse Software in 1993...
series.
Reception
Despite being in development, unfinished playable demonstration versions of the game have been made available to try. The control system for this unfinished version has been described as "too fiddly to be considered entertaining. Others described the game as requiring patience, asking players to "take [their] time and experiment". The game has been compared to other games in the genre, such as GunBoundGunBound
GunBound is a free-to-play, turn-based, room-to-room, multiplayer online game with many similar features to the popular Worms game series....
and Worms. Positive reviews praise the detailed physics, as well as the chaotic gameplay.
Cortex Command was the Indie Games Game of the Month for April 2008.
Cortex Command won the Audience Award and Technical Excellence at the 2009 Independent Games Festival
Independent Games Festival
The Independent Games Festival is an annual festival at the Game Developers Conference, the largest annual gathering of the indie video game industry. It was founded in 1998 to assist and inspire innovation in video game development and to recognize the best independent video game developers...
.