Stalin vs. Martians review — even die hard commies should avoid

July 15th, 2009 1 Comment   Posted in Adventure, PC, Reviews, Strategy

Stalin vs Martians, is one of the most innovative game titles to date. No, not the game, just the title, yes, the title of the game, “Stalin vs Martians”. It stands out quite nicely among the PR created stuff like “Prototype”, “InFamous” and “Velvet Assassin”. As for the game, Stalin Vs Martians, it’s useless and utterly ridiculous.

In Stalin Vs. Martians, henceforth to be known as SvM, you take control over the Red Army (back when there still was a Red Army, in 1942), and you fight an invading force of Martians. That’s right, Hitler and the Germans are on hold, Stalingrad is second priority, as you, Stalin himself, commands units against the invading green-skinned, baddies from Mars. Actually, there is no story in the game. How the Martians got there, why they’re fighting the Reds instead of the Nazis, all of that is absent from the game, you’re simply ordered by the game to fight Martians. Why? Who knows. And with a game like this, who cares, really?

The game is a standard real time strategy game, no, actually, it’s not, it lacks some of the most basic RTS features. This is done in order to “preserve simplicity”, according to the developer. Or a press release. Either way, the RTS element sucks, because, well, the units don’t care what you order them to do. Command them to attack, and they just stand around there. If it was the real Red Army, they would have been executed — all of my units would have been executed — because they failed to follow my orders. You play as Stalin, after all. But the units could care less. Even when the basic stuff works, the gameplay is utterly boring and repetitive.

But once, just for once, for a brief moment lasting no longer than five minutes, something shocking happened: I actually had fun playing the game. Then the game started lagging. Then the frame rate showed periodic, random drops that would make it completely unplayable. And then there’s the bugs.

How a game this buggy got to be released as beyond me. It feels like an alpha build, something that should be tested internally for months, then released as a beta, then tested for several more months, then, hopefully, released. But all of that is an understatement of how buggy the game is.

The developer clearly had a thing in mind with a title like that: don’t take us or our game too seriously, gives us a break. No, I won’t. When the most basic features of your game are lacking, when it’s downright unplayable at times, and when it’s filled with so many bugs that would make any programmer instantly fired, you don’t get a break, no matter how unserious your game is.

Even if you are a fanatic Communist and Stalin fan, I still wouldn’t recommend this game. If you’re insane however, and need to prove your insanity to others, just tell them you’re playing Stalin vs. Martians. In fact, tell them it’s the best game ever.

The Good:
The title

The Bad:
Dated graphics
Repetitive
Buggy
Laggy

Stalin vs Martians Finally Dated, Wants Your Money for Pooping Aliens and Dancing Communists

April 26th, 2009 No Comments   Posted in Action, PC, Strategy

stalin vs martians Having dealt a massive blow to my weak little heart with news of a delay last week, publisher Mezmer has finally sent over some flowers in the form of a definite release date for Stalin vs. Martians: April 29.

The bizarre WWII strategy game will be available through those pesky digital distribution platforms, so no physical boxes for you pansies. They are currently running a 20% off special, marking the game down to $16, which I believe is a steal for the craziness that is sure to be contained within the package.

"Fans of historically inaccurate World War II games everywhere will rejoice," Mezmer executive producer Tom Soderlund said.

The arcade-RTS features aliens that poop on the battlefield and a giant dancing Stalin. Among other things, of course.

God Hates Us All: Stalin vs Martians Delayed

April 20th, 2009 2 Comments   Posted in Action, PC, Strategy

God had ordained today to be the day when we gamers could dance to disco and stomp around on the map as a giant Stalin. But alas, it was not meant to be: Stalin vs. Martians has been unexpectedly delayed until later this month “due to the long march across the Siberian tundra.” Damn you Siberia!

"A dictator is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to," said Mezmer executive producer Tom Soderlund.

The game is described as an “arcade RTS” and is said to be the “perfect choice for anyone who just hates the strategy genre.”

Below is a video from the game. You know you want it! Now, disco!

Stalin vs. Martians Dated

April 9th, 2009 No Comments   Posted in Action, PC, Strategy

StalinVsMartians_iPhone Odd game of the year Stalin vs. Martians is sure to be game of the year material once released. When is it getting released? April 20, if you ask publisher Mezmer.

The result of a collaboration (and surely lots of hallucinogenic drugs) between BWF, Dreamlore and N-Game, the game is said to be the “perfect choice for anyone who just hates the strategy genre.”

"One contributing factor to the success could be the high level of historical accuracy, that is completely missing from the game," Mezmer executive producer Tom Soderlund said.

Ah, Mezmer. what can I say! Looking forward to the fun and frolic that is sure to be had with this game.