MoOving In: A Detailed Preview of Master of Orion III
PART 2: FOR CUSTOMIZATION'S SAKE (Page 1)
By Daniel Quick | Apolyton CS Co-Owner/Administrator

In the first installment of this feature, I discussed the various races in Master of Orion III at length. Numerous excerpts from the game's manual were used to add more meaning to the background story. It is an accurate assessment that one need not immerse themselves in those details to play the game, enjoy and do well in it. However, the old expression “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” is analogous to the importance of that discussion. It allows you, the player, to build profiles on those vying for the same territory, power and wealth as you. Knowing how your enemy is apt to think and react based on their past actions and tendencies is invaluable in crafting a strategy to defeat them. After all, we are talking about a strategic environment of intergalactic engagement.

As I spare you such further grandiose illustrations, another perhaps more direct strategy is worthwhile to turn our attention to. This approach involves wielding the ability to customize your gaming options before taking your place in the incursion of the Orion Sector. Some of you, whether you are experienced MoO players or not, may have come across these points in one or more other previews of the game published to date. Here, I am attempting to go beyond the sum of these parts. By the same token, whether you are an experienced MoO player or not, familiarizing oneself with the rules of engagement is a worthwhile focus in this edition of our comprehensive look at the game. The advanced build of the game I received has, based on my examination, already confirmed the presence of the following points beyond their listing by their in-game incorporation. Keep in mind that as with all material explored in this extended preview, specialized details are still subject to change.

THE 'GAME OPTIONS' SCREEN INSPECTION
I am not going to spend too much time enumerating these points as they are by-and-large self-explanatory. From music to cinematics, to graphics detail and Masters Notes presence (or lack thereof), the “General” game options are worth a quick glance. They are not apt to change much as if you're like me, you become pretty set in your ways once you've made up your mind… about the game, that is. It is suffice to say that the minimum standards expected in a game in this regard such as Master of Orion III are met. The only component that deserves a raised eyebrow while eliciting both a humourous guffaw and practical nod are the 'Alarm' commands. As the name suggests, you can set the game to either remind you every so often that you have a real-life and it would be a good idea to check in on it. For those special, specific times that require your absolute presence away from your computer, it will please you to note that you can rely on MoO3 to be the responsible individual that you should be. Whether you accept how pathetic this sounds and probably truly is, you cannot deny the sheer genius of the precedent set for future games here. No more will missed appointments, staff meetings and dinner dates be the bane to enjoyment of your gaming addiction. Unfortunately, attending these events might very well be. One step at a time…

“Space Combat” is also a title that also does not require further introduction. Graphics detail to sound effects volume in this real-time nugget of an otherwise turn-based gameplay mass are controlled from this panel.