UFO: Aftershock

Imagine If Google Earth had a game attached. That's the first thought that goes through your head when playing UFO: Aftershock, sequel to the minor 2003 strategiser UFO: Aftermath. Aftermath wasn't exactly a bad game, very beloved by the hardcore crowd and that. But in a world of ever-increasing progress, sticking all your eggs into one big turn-based, olde worlde basket was never going to be the strongest of moves. So does this sequel learn from the past, being interestingly set following the 'bad' ending of the previous game: Earth = one giant petri dish for alien experimentation, orbiting human survivors trying to reclaim their home? Has the developer taken a look at the likes of Black & White 2, Civilization IV and any other game that looks like it was made in the 21st century and tried to compete on even terms? Don't be daft

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I really hate to criticise Aftershock for something like this, as beneath its very dated exterior lies a charmingly addictive mix of squad-based tacticalations, god's-eye stratagisery and statistical RPGness. And it begins (once past the basic tutorial) with the Google Earth-type spinny globe that actually looks really snazzy and makes you think you're playing a modem game. But then you try a squad mission, or browse through some resource management screens or watch the story animations and your heart sinks.

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Not, you understand, that I'm saying this is a bad game. Far from it It's actually a very, very good game. Full of options, bags of long-term appeal, liberally garnished with that old 'just one more go' factor. Mostly though, UFO is a victim of circumstance. By which I mean you look around at all the modern-looking strategy games and you just wish that the publisher would splash a bit of cash on fancy graphics and interface design.

It's a great, great game hidden behind a years-old design template. Plus, it has an almost wilful disregard for modern game construction technology. It's all well and good pandering to your existing fanbase, but there comes a point when you have to stick your head above the parapets, take note of how times, interface design and hairstyles have moved on and adjust yourself accordingly.

Anyway, UFO: Aftershock. You'll really like her. She's got a smashing personality.