Welcome to my adventure - day four

It's Time To Kick Ass And Chew Bubblegum...

After the humiliation I suffered earlier, I decided to cover the constant dreaded battles in this crazy universe. Actually, dreaded is perhaps the wrong description because these fights are fantastic fun. Plus they are challenging with a good range of options. If you are interested in reading Days 1 - 3, they are still available to view here.

Conflicts happen frequently in Cosmos Chronicles with the entire process being a turn-based event. Damage is dealt with each hit and repeats until someone dies or scarpers. From what I've experienced, there are two styles of battle 1) Getting ambushed when on foot exploring a planet. You use whatever you're carrying, swords/guns/etc. 2) When travelling deep space and another pilot doesn't like the cut of your jib! You will use the ship's weaponry and defences.

It's never long before someone or something decides to attack! So let's take a closer look at each style of battle...

Fisticuffs

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The conflicts on foot are the same as with the guards who killed our family. Not all creatures are aggressive and those can be quickly killed for food. The tougher beasts will challenge for a duel; displayed on a separate screen with their stats (in French) - ROB, FOR, RAP, DEX, BRA, and CHA. Thanks to Eric Damain (aka Shaoth of NANO CAVE!!) they translate to - Stamina, Strength, Speed, Dexterity, Bravery, and Charisma.

It is interesting having access to their statistics for good referrence. However, at this early stage, we're jumping ahead of ourselves so let's not panic just yet. Our combat choices are of more importance:

1. Wait   - Just that. Miss a turn...
2. Fight  - Use your turn to attack the enemy.
3. Arms   - Choose a weapon before attempting to "fight".
4. Shield - Only usable it you have one.
5. Care   - Look after yourself as there are no medics in space!!
6. Scare  - BOO!! Well, it miiiiight work!
7. Seduce - Reserved for the most deluded of gamers.
8. Escape - Run away. This won't work against Xenomorphs!

 

"Severed Dreams"

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Space battles are great and begin with two options 1) negotiate or 2) attack. The first is perhaps a poor translation and might be better taken as "communicate"? Of course, this often gets an aggressive reaction from the pilot. However, he might buckle under the pressure and freely hand over his cargo?

During a fight, you can attack (depending on how your ship is equipped) plus these additional options:

1. Jammer - Confuses the enemy's equipment and get a couple of extra shots in!
2. Escape - Can your ship outrun the enemy's vessel?
3. Jump   - A much-needed way to escape but who knows where you may end up?

Conclusion

Battles are a big part of Cosmos Chronicles and fun to participate in. In space - negotiate before attacking, you may reap the rewards by avoiding conflict. On foot - you should be a Boy Scout. By that, I mean be prepared and have your essential items with you. Regardless, during any battle, it's invariably a good idea to consider the alternative choices - why attack when you can run away or suffer a hyperspace jump into the unknown? Think first, dear adventurer.

There are always options and I love that aspect of this game. Well, that's it for the fourth instalment and I hope to see you soon for "Day Five". In the meantime heed my words - it's dangerous out there so save your game regularly!!

Finally, here are screenshots of me battling some of the nasties lurking in our universe...

Not everything will challenge you to a duel. The other critters can easily be killed for food.

Armed with my new Blaster360, I shoot a giant spider. It doesn't stand a chance!

Unfortunately, he later brought his friends and whooped my ass (as the Americans say)

Two zombies were lurking inside a cave. They're slow, so I might run away (escape option)

This is how a battle in space begins. Dare you to talk or attack first? (see next pic)

(he wanted to fight) I used the Jammer and then attacked with my spanky plasma weapon!

Sigh, I was floating through space enjoying life, but then the police came knocking.
I've no idea what I did wrong... That doesn't stop me from defending myself!!

Rather than tackling hardened criminals, (motorists) these two officers attacked me.
Two on one... Groan, I'm taking some damage in this shot.

Another guy in a rocket threatened me. I was winning before he scarpered into hyperspace!!

Welcome to my adventure - day three

Slow down, Steve... Learn!

Welcome, one and all, to the third instalment of my Cosmos adventure (check out parts one and two). Okay, let's be honest, I feel my progress should have been "better". I was a fool and paid for my cavalier attitude by suffering defeat at the hands of bandits. Hmm, it's a good idea to heed my previous words and learn the basics before rushing off.

Don't worry, part four will still happen - I did indeed restart. And ditched my foolish plans of scouring the galaxy system looking for bars, casinos, loose women, and cheap motels. That's right, I need to grow up and learn more about this wonderful game - starting with the schematics of my spaceship.

Beginning with the ship; it has a bewildering array of assorted functions - from engines and shield generators to sipping water or catching up on sleep. Each component has a placeholder tile used to access that particular aspect of the ship. Stand on it and hit <return> for access. Have a play and go through them all for an understanding of your new ship. There are many fascinating features like lasers, shields, and a star map - which cannot be used (yet) :-)

Now that you're familiar with the different parts, it's time you took the Cosmos out for a test drive. First, stand on the Pilot Control tile and hit the <return> key. Your view changes to the outside and you're good to go:

Tapping the backspace key lifts you high into the air. You can use the cursor keys to explore nearby - which is quicker than walking! Better still, hit the backspace key once again to take you into orbit. Wanna leave the planet and explore the solar system? Then tap the backspace key again to do just that.

Tapping the backspace key always increases your altitude whereas the return key lowers it. So repeat the above process, in reverse, using the return key and you're back on the planet again. Dead easy.

The only other key is the <spacebar> which changes your view to inside the Cosmos.

During your travels, you shall notice something called Deuterure. This is fuel, which depletes as you fly. Look to replenish it at stations or towns that offer this service, not all will. The "same" also applies to oxygen and water.

To help you, I attempted a map of the ship detailing each part. I won't pretend to know everything but, those with a keen eye will notice my silly mistake - can you spot it? Okay, I think that's it for "day three". I would love to hear from anyone playing Cosmos Chronicles. So comment below with your tips to share from this stage of the adventure.

Having restarted, I've made enormous progress so look out for "day four". Until then, check out these screenshots...

Click this blurry thumbnail to access the original image of the ship's internals.
(stop squinting and click the damn image - is there anybody here reading this?) lol

Yes, you can go outside! Keep an eye on your suit's oxygen levels.
(An amazing feature that I'm anticipating will be needed later in the game)

Eating, drinking, and sleeping help to keep you alive...
(Your ship feels the same way so remember to top-up its fuel whenever you can)

Of course, there are other ways to top up your fuel tank.
(Depends on the type of planet)

I'm exploring Acriel from the comfort of my new spaceship.
(There is more to a planet than just towns and cities)

The brown planet is Acriel. Let's go and explore everywhere. Come on!!
(Yes, as you read, I regretted my maverick attitude later on)

The universe is massive and littered with galaxies you can explore.
(Did you remember to save regularly? Just in case you suffer say... an ambush!)

My fun didn't last long. Ambushed with little chance of winning!!

(I didn't stand a chance. Four-on-one wasn't too fair. I should have ran!!!!!)