Described by some as X-Com, FTL, Freelancer mix, The Mandate by Perihelion Interactive has some lofty aspirations. Start with the $500,000 funding goal, no small sum. Then there’s what they hope to accomplish with the game. Not only is The Mandate a space combat sim (Freelancer), it allows you to actually board other ships, or you could be boarded yourself, to capture them in X-Com style isometric combat. You’ll explore the sandbox galaxy through a series of jump-gates that will lead you to procedurally generated gaming content, which should keep things fresh. While the game has an overarching story complete with campaign, the real draw for most people will undoubtedly be the openness and flexibility provided to create your own tales of deep space drama.
The lengthy Kickstarter page has a ton of information, as does their website, including a ship builder, character builder, and propaganda creator. Here are some of the gameplay highlights from the Kickstarter page :
- A single player RPG that supports up to 6 players for cooperative game-play. Designed to be enjoyed completely alone, or with rich rewards for those who choose to tactically band together
- Orchestrate defensive or offensive boarding operations with a friend, or as they cover you from their ship whilst you take on the enemy isometrically in RTS combat – all in real-time.
- Your ship is your family. Watch your home deteriorate both cosmetically and effectively due to the hazardous nature of space. Select your officers, hone their skills and unlock secret missions.
- Attack systems, sub-systems, and weak points on vessels. Vent the enemy crew into space, and avoid the same fate for your own.
- Craft, trade, quest; enjoy procedural combat situations, areas, and scenarios; scavenge, create, and defend. The Mandate is a sandbox, 1500 years of history marks the prelude to your adventure.
The funding drive for The Mandate runs until December 1st.
