Incoming
Encyclopedia
Incoming is a 3D
shooter
developed by Rage Software
and published by Interplay
. The PC
version was released in late 1998
and the Dreamcast version, a launch title for the console, was released in March 1998 in Japan and Europe and in July 1998
for the rest of the world. Set in the near-future of 2009, the game primarily revolves around controlling vehicles and turrets to fight alien invaders of Earth
in one of the Campaign
modes, the Arcade mode, and with or against another player. Some levels include brief real-time strategy
segments.
Praised for its then-advanced graphics and sound, the game was generally well-received on the PC, though the critical response was less positive for the Dreamcast version. A sequel entitled Incoming Forces
was released in 2002
exclusively for the PC. An arcade
version of the game, utilising a unique hardware interface
, was released in 2003
.
, the player
controls one of a number of possible vehicles in order to complete objectives. The vehicle used could be an aerial craft, defence emplacement
, or surface craft, and is usually armed with a primary weapon (with infinite ammunition) and sometimes secondary weapons (with either a limited or infinite supply). Incoming was also noted for its arcade style; in particular, the logging of high scores and a "life" system.
There are three different game modes. The campaign
mode follows the main storyline in which the player must complete a series of objectives to neutralise the alien threat. Typical goals include transporting cargo and defending allied convoys. Two variants of the campaign exist: "campaign action" purely consists of the simulation missions; "campaign tactics" features the same main missions as campaign action, but with some extra sub-missions. These sub-missions take place in the "tactical display", where the player controls several vehicles and gun emplacements in a similar manner to real-time strategy
games.
Either campaign consists of ten missions
(referred to as "phases" in the game) in each of the six locations. These locations can also be accessed in the arcade mode. This mode sees the player fight off alien craft while picking up as many "power-up
s" (items which confer some advantage upon the player, such as temporary in vulnerability
and upgraded weaponry) as is possible. The same mechanics apply to the multiplayer
mode, with some slight variations depending on the game type selected. Multiplayer is available in split-screen mode on both platforms in addition to networking and Internet options on the PC version.
sightings culminate in attacks on the international lunar base and other locations on Earth
; and the construction of a base in the Arctic
. Secret work is started on an "ADATA" (Anomaly Detection And Tracking Array) near Mount Kilimanjaro
. The events of the game take place after an attack on the ADATA facility is initiated by alien forces.
The game is set in six locations: Kenya
, defending the ADATA facility; the Arctic
, attacking an alien base while defending a human one; the North Atlantic Ocean
, where the player must defend oil rig
s and attack a second alien base; California
, where parts of a fleet to invade the alien's moon base must be defended; the Moon
, attacking a further alien base; and a planet in the Crab Nebula
, assaulting the planet from which the alien attackers came.
If the player has completed these in the Campaign Action mode, then in addition to these ten missions in each location, there are bonus "virus" scenarios, with one level in each location. Shortly before these missions, the aliens launched four virus bombs which impacted in the four location on Earth the player had previously visited. All buildings in these areas must be destroyed by the player to prevent the virus from spreading further.
, developers of Incoming, were known for their cutting-edge graphics and effects. Incoming was no exception. The game utilized the 3dfx
technology, and was included in some retail versions of the Voodoo2
graphics card. Critics were praising the game's visuals on its 1998
PC
release. In particular, the explosions, similar special effects and cut scenes using the main game engine
were noted for their quality. The Dolby Surround
-encoded sound was a further source of acclaim. The reception, however, was less positive when the game was ported
to the Dreamcast. A release title for Sega
's console, critics complained that the graphics were not top-of-the-range at the time of its late 1999
release, with the draw distance
being cited as a specific hindrance on gameplay. An arcade
version followed in 2003
, running on the Vortek V3 Global VR
arcade board, utilising the system's unique virtual reality
hardware interface
.
The PC
version of Incoming was generally well-received, with a GameSpot
review aggregate score of 8.2/10. British magazine PC Zone
gave the game a glowing score of 90%, describing it as "bloody good," with "some modest simulation elements." PC Zone praised the setting of the game: "a refreshing change from the deep space of most futuristic combat sims, and something which definitely has a positive effect on gameplay." The review concluded by saying that "it's as fun as it looks. Just for once, all those people who don't read reviews and buy games purely on the strength of pretty pictures on the packaging are gonna find themselves playing a very, very enjoyable game."
Though considering the game "pretty darn tough," IGN
praised the game's variety and length. It also praised the sound and graphics, though the latter was a source of criticism: "Incomings got it all... but it all comes at a high price: getting this game to run on our PCs was one big pain in the butt." Despite calling it "an outstanding-looking and great playing game," IGN only gave the game a "decent" 7.0/10 because of the system problems. Conversely, GameSpot
's review noted none of these hardware issues, praising the visuals as "some of the finest... of any action game". The reviewer, however, described the game design as "strong yet slightly flawed... [it] definitely pulls you in, but leaves a little to be desired as far as keeping you there," complaining that "what [the developer] have presented gets tiresome quickly." Rating the game 7.8/10, GameSpot summarised the game as "a fine game and a definite must-have for arcade fans... What it lacks is a realization that computer games have moved beyond this simplistic style of gameplay".
The Dreamcast port
of Incoming received a mixed reaction from critics, with a Game Rankings
average score of 63%. IGN
opened their review by saying that "although the game is lacking in many areas, there's more than enough here for the hardcore shooting fans out there to have their requisite blast of shooting action." Though criticizing the graphics' ability to "get in the way at times," the "very vague" mission briefings and the "odd flying model for the planes," the reviewer conceded that "if you're a hardcore shooting fan, and you're looking for a good challenge, you'll probably want to look into Incoming." The game was given as score of 7.0/10. GameSpy
's review was harsher, describing the plot as "the same recycled garbage used in tons of other games of this type," the multiplayer split screen
mode as "lame" and the objectives as "mundane." The reviewer also noted graphical issues, clipping problems and poor controls. Though dismissing the graphics as "a bit dated," the reviewer did acknowledge the "nifty special effects." Giving the game a score of 6/10, it was admitted that "Incoming may be worth a rental... [it] is only slightly better than mediocre."
In a rare positive review for the Dreamcast version, GameVortex rated the game 9/10. The reviewer described the visuals as "some of the most breathtaking visuals you'll find in any game." Though describing the multiplayer as "fun", it considered "by far, the best [mode to be] Campaign mode." The review concluded by describing the game as "lots of fun and highly recommended."
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
shooter
Shooter game
Shooter games are a sub-genre of action game, which often test the player's speed and reaction time. It includes many subgenres that have the commonality of focusing "on the actions of the avatar using some sort of weapon. Usually this weapon is a gun, or some other long-range weapon". A common...
developed by Rage Software
Rage Software
Rage Software or Rage Games was a British video game developer. Formed in Liverpool in 1992, its games were marked by an emphasis on graphical effects with arcade gameplay....
and published by Interplay
Interplay Entertainment
Interplay Entertainment Corporation is an American video game developer and publisher, founded in 1983 as Interplay Productions by Brian Fargo. The company had been a quality developer until they started publishing their own games in 1988, like Neuromancer and Battle Chess. The company was renamed...
. The PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
version was released in late 1998
1998 in video gaming
-Events:*Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo to the AIAS Hall of Fame*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 1st annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards...
and the Dreamcast version, a launch title for the console, was released in March 1998 in Japan and Europe and in July 1998
1998 in video gaming
-Events:*Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo to the AIAS Hall of Fame*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 1st annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards...
for the rest of the world. Set in the near-future of 2009, the game primarily revolves around controlling vehicles and turrets to fight alien invaders of Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
in one of the Campaign
Campaign (role-playing games)
In role-playing games, a campaign is a continuing storyline or set of adventures, typically involving the same characters. The purpose of the continuing storyline is to introduce a further aspect into the game: that of development, improvement, and growth of the characters. In a campaign, a...
modes, the Arcade mode, and with or against another player. Some levels include brief real-time strategy
Real-time strategy
Real-time strategy is a sub-genre of strategy video game which does not progress incrementally in turns. Brett Sperry is credited with coining the term to market Dune II....
segments.
Praised for its then-advanced graphics and sound, the game was generally well-received on the PC, though the critical response was less positive for the Dreamcast version. A sequel entitled Incoming Forces
Incoming Forces
Incoming Forces is a 2002 shooter video game developed by Rage Software and published by Hip Interactive, and is the sequel to the 1998 video game Incoming. The game's plot picks up after the plot of the original game. Incoming Forces was released on September 24, 2002....
was released in 2002
2002 in video gaming
The year 2002 in video gaming saw the release of many games to sixth-generation video game consoles, predominately, the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox.-Events:...
exclusively for the PC. An arcade
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
version of the game, utilising a unique hardware interface
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
, was released in 2003
2003 in video gaming
-Events:*February 27 — Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Yu Suzuki of Sega to the AIAS Hall of Fame....
.
Gameplay
Primarily a vehicle simulation gameVehicle simulation game
Vehicle simulation games are a genre of video games which attempt to provide the player with a realistic interpretation of operating various kinds of vehicles. This includes automobiles, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, military vehicles, and a variety of other vehicles...
, the player
Player (game)
A player of a game is a participant therein. The term 'player' is used with this same meaning both in game theory and in ordinary recreational games....
controls one of a number of possible vehicles in order to complete objectives. The vehicle used could be an aerial craft, defence emplacement
Fortification
Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...
, or surface craft, and is usually armed with a primary weapon (with infinite ammunition) and sometimes secondary weapons (with either a limited or infinite supply). Incoming was also noted for its arcade style; in particular, the logging of high scores and a "life" system.
There are three different game modes. The campaign
Campaign (role-playing games)
In role-playing games, a campaign is a continuing storyline or set of adventures, typically involving the same characters. The purpose of the continuing storyline is to introduce a further aspect into the game: that of development, improvement, and growth of the characters. In a campaign, a...
mode follows the main storyline in which the player must complete a series of objectives to neutralise the alien threat. Typical goals include transporting cargo and defending allied convoys. Two variants of the campaign exist: "campaign action" purely consists of the simulation missions; "campaign tactics" features the same main missions as campaign action, but with some extra sub-missions. These sub-missions take place in the "tactical display", where the player controls several vehicles and gun emplacements in a similar manner to real-time strategy
Real-time strategy
Real-time strategy is a sub-genre of strategy video game which does not progress incrementally in turns. Brett Sperry is credited with coining the term to market Dune II....
games.
Either campaign consists of ten missions
Level (video gaming)
A level, map, area, or world in a video game is the total space available to the player during the course of completing a discrete objective...
(referred to as "phases" in the game) in each of the six locations. These locations can also be accessed in the arcade mode. This mode sees the player fight off alien craft while picking up as many "power-up
Power-up
In computer and video games, power-ups are objects that instantly benefit or add extra abilities to the game character as a game mechanic. This is in contrast to an item, which may or may not have a benefit and can be used at a time chosen by the player...
s" (items which confer some advantage upon the player, such as temporary in vulnerability
Vulnerability
Vulnerability refer to the susceptibility of a person, group, society, sex or system to physical or emotional injury or attack. The term can also refer to a person who lets their guard down, leaving themselves open to censure or criticism...
and upgraded weaponry) as is possible. The same mechanics apply to the multiplayer
Multiplayer game
A multiplayer video game is one which more than one person can play in the same game environment at the same time. Unlike most other games, computer and video games are often single-player activities that put the player against preprogrammed challenges and/or AI-controlled opponents, which often...
mode, with some slight variations depending on the game type selected. Multiplayer is available in split-screen mode on both platforms in addition to networking and Internet options on the PC version.
Story
Acknowledged by critics for having a simple storyline, Incoming is set in 2009 over a period of fifteen days. An increasing number of UFOUnidentified flying object
A term originally coined by the military, an unidentified flying object is an unusual apparent anomaly in the sky that is not readily identifiable to the observer as any known object...
sightings culminate in attacks on the international lunar base and other locations on Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
; and the construction of a base in the Arctic
Arctic
The Arctic is a region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic region consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by treeless permafrost...
. Secret work is started on an "ADATA" (Anomaly Detection And Tracking Array) near Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa at above sea level .-Geology:...
. The events of the game take place after an attack on the ADATA facility is initiated by alien forces.
The game is set in six locations: Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, defending the ADATA facility; the Arctic
Arctic
The Arctic is a region located at the northern-most part of the Earth. The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The Arctic region consists of a vast, ice-covered ocean, surrounded by treeless permafrost...
, attacking an alien base while defending a human one; the North Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
, where the player must defend oil rig
Oil platform
An oil platform, also referred to as an offshore platform or, somewhat incorrectly, oil rig, is a lаrge structure with facilities to drill wells, to extract and process oil and natural gas, and to temporarily store product until it can be brought to shore for refining and marketing...
s and attack a second alien base; California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, where parts of a fleet to invade the alien's moon base must be defended; the Moon
Moon
The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...
, attacking a further alien base; and a planet in the Crab Nebula
Crab Nebula
The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant and pulsar wind nebula in the constellation of Taurus...
, assaulting the planet from which the alien attackers came.
If the player has completed these in the Campaign Action mode, then in addition to these ten missions in each location, there are bonus "virus" scenarios, with one level in each location. Shortly before these missions, the aliens launched four virus bombs which impacted in the four location on Earth the player had previously visited. All buildings in these areas must be destroyed by the player to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Technology and releases
Rage SoftwareRage Software
Rage Software or Rage Games was a British video game developer. Formed in Liverpool in 1992, its games were marked by an emphasis on graphical effects with arcade gameplay....
, developers of Incoming, were known for their cutting-edge graphics and effects. Incoming was no exception. The game utilized the 3dfx
3dfx
3dfx Interactive was a company that specialized in the manufacturing of 3D graphics processing units and, later, graphics cards. It was a pioneer in the field for several years in the late 1990s until 2000 when it underwent one of the most high-profile demises in the history of the PC industry...
technology, and was included in some retail versions of the Voodoo2
Voodoo2
The Voodoo2 was a set of three graphics processing units on a single chipset, made by 3dfx. It was released in February 1998 as a replacement for the original Voodoo Graphics chipset. The card ran at a chipset clock rate of 90 MHz and used 100 MHz EDO DRAM, and was available for the PCI interface...
graphics card. Critics were praising the game's visuals on its 1998
1998 in video gaming
-Events:*Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 1st Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Shigeru Miyamoto of Nintendo to the AIAS Hall of Fame*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 1st annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards...
PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
release. In particular, the explosions, similar special effects and cut scenes using the main game engine
Game engine
A game engine is a system designed for the creation and development of video games. There are many game engines that are designed to work on video game consoles and personal computers...
were noted for their quality. The Dolby Surround
Dolby Surround
Dolby Surround was the earliest consumer version of Dolby's multichannel analog film sound decoding format Dolby Stereo introduced to the public in 1982 during the time home video recording formats were introducing Stereo and HiFi capability...
-encoded sound was a further source of acclaim. The reception, however, was less positive when the game was ported
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
to the Dreamcast. A release title for Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
's console, critics complained that the graphics were not top-of-the-range at the time of its late 1999
1999 in video gaming
-Events:*British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosts the 2nd annual BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Awards*March – Game Over republished as “Game Over: Press Start to Continue”...
release, with the draw distance
Draw distance
Draw distance is a computer graphics term, defined as the maximum distance of objects in a three dimensional scene that are drawn by the rendering engine. Polygons that lie behind the draw distance won't be drawn to the screen....
being cited as a specific hindrance on gameplay. An arcade
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
version followed in 2003
2003 in video gaming
-Events:*February 27 — Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences hosts 6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; inducts Yu Suzuki of Sega to the AIAS Hall of Fame....
, running on the Vortek V3 Global VR
Global VR
- History :The company was originally founded in 1998 starting in a garage with just four employees. On July 11, 2003 the company moved into its current facility. As of the move the company employed about 100 employees...
arcade board, utilising the system's unique virtual reality
Virtual reality
Virtual reality , also known as virtuality, is a term that applies to computer-simulated environments that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world, as well as in imaginary worlds...
hardware interface
Interface (computer science)
In the field of computer science, an interface is a tool and concept that refers to a point of interaction between components, and is applicable at the level of both hardware and software...
.
Critical reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| PC Personal computer A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator... version |
|
| Gamerankings | 80.44% |
| GameSpot GameSpot GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which... |
7.8/10 |
| IGN IGN IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment... |
7/10 |
| Intelligamer | 2/5 |
| PC Zone PC Zone PC Zone was the first magazine dedicated to games for IBM-compatible personal computers to be published in the United Kingdom. Earlier PC magazines such as PC Leisure, PC Format and PC Plus had covered games but only as part of a wider remit. PC Zone was founded in 1993.The magazine was published... |
90/100 |
| Dreamcast version | |
| Gamerankings | 62.29% |
| GameSpot GameSpot GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which... |
6.7/10 |
| Game Informer | 5.5/10 |
| Game Vortex | 9/10 |
| IGN IGN IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment... |
7/10 |
The PC
Personal computer
A personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
version of Incoming was generally well-received, with a GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
review aggregate score of 8.2/10. British magazine PC Zone
PC Zone
PC Zone was the first magazine dedicated to games for IBM-compatible personal computers to be published in the United Kingdom. Earlier PC magazines such as PC Leisure, PC Format and PC Plus had covered games but only as part of a wider remit. PC Zone was founded in 1993.The magazine was published...
gave the game a glowing score of 90%, describing it as "bloody good," with "some modest simulation elements." PC Zone praised the setting of the game: "a refreshing change from the deep space of most futuristic combat sims, and something which definitely has a positive effect on gameplay." The review concluded by saying that "it's as fun as it looks. Just for once, all those people who don't read reviews and buy games purely on the strength of pretty pictures on the packaging are gonna find themselves playing a very, very enjoyable game."
Though considering the game "pretty darn tough," IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
praised the game's variety and length. It also praised the sound and graphics, though the latter was a source of criticism: "Incomings got it all... but it all comes at a high price: getting this game to run on our PCs was one big pain in the butt." Despite calling it "an outstanding-looking and great playing game," IGN only gave the game a "decent" 7.0/10 because of the system problems. Conversely, GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
's review noted none of these hardware issues, praising the visuals as "some of the finest... of any action game". The reviewer, however, described the game design as "strong yet slightly flawed... [it] definitely pulls you in, but leaves a little to be desired as far as keeping you there," complaining that "what [the developer] have presented gets tiresome quickly." Rating the game 7.8/10, GameSpot summarised the game as "a fine game and a definite must-have for arcade fans... What it lacks is a realization that computer games have moved beyond this simplistic style of gameplay".
The Dreamcast port
Porting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
of Incoming received a mixed reaction from critics, with a Game Rankings
Game Rankings
GameRankings is a website that collects review scores from both offline and online sources to give an average rating. It indexes over 315,000 articles relating to more than 14,500 games.GameRankings is owned by CBS Interactive...
average score of 63%. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
opened their review by saying that "although the game is lacking in many areas, there's more than enough here for the hardcore shooting fans out there to have their requisite blast of shooting action." Though criticizing the graphics' ability to "get in the way at times," the "very vague" mission briefings and the "odd flying model for the planes," the reviewer conceded that "if you're a hardcore shooting fan, and you're looking for a good challenge, you'll probably want to look into Incoming." The game was given as score of 7.0/10. GameSpy
GameSpy
GameSpy Industries, Inc., known simply as GameSpy, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related services and software. GameSpy dates back to the 1996 release of an internet Quake server search program named QSpy. The current...
's review was harsher, describing the plot as "the same recycled garbage used in tons of other games of this type," the multiplayer split screen
Split screen (computer graphics)
Split screen is a display technique in computer graphics that consists of dividing graphics and/or text into non-movable adjacent parts, typically two or four rectangular areas. This is done in order to allow the simultaneous presentation of related graphical and textual information on a computer...
mode as "lame" and the objectives as "mundane." The reviewer also noted graphical issues, clipping problems and poor controls. Though dismissing the graphics as "a bit dated," the reviewer did acknowledge the "nifty special effects." Giving the game a score of 6/10, it was admitted that "Incoming may be worth a rental... [it] is only slightly better than mediocre."
In a rare positive review for the Dreamcast version, GameVortex rated the game 9/10. The reviewer described the visuals as "some of the most breathtaking visuals you'll find in any game." Though describing the multiplayer as "fun", it considered "by far, the best [mode to be] Campaign mode." The review concluded by describing the game as "lots of fun and highly recommended."
External links
- Incoming (PC) and Incoming (Dreamcast) at GameSpotGameSpotGameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
- Incoming at PlanetDreamcastGameSpyGameSpy Industries, Inc., known simply as GameSpy, is a division of IGN Entertainment, which operates a network of game websites and provides online video game-related services and software. GameSpy dates back to the 1996 release of an internet Quake server search program named QSpy. The current...