Mission to the Moon was the subtitle of the late nineties release, Apollo 18, by Artech. Apollo 18 is a space simulation game that was created with the intention of the Commodore 64 serving as the lead format. It was later converted for play on the personal computer running the MS-DOS operating system by Ted Gruber Software. Gamers seeking a truly realistic space flight simulation may not be impressed with Apollo 18 due to the fanciful flight physics in the game.
However, there are several very realistic elements in the game, if one is willing to overlook the flight dynamics.
The main focus of the game, which is likely very similar to piloting an actual spacecraft, is on following instructions and demonstrating perfect timing. So much of the game involves making certain that a series of tasks are performed in just the right order and at just the right time. This is a game that, above all else, requires an astute attention to detail. This effectively simulates the tedium of the checklists that NASA astronauts must go through before they can get to anything exciting. You must make certain that all systems are “go” and that
everything is working order. It makes for a fairly slow paced game, but people who download Apollo 18 are not looking for a button mashing shooter. This is a thought-provoker from blast off to re-entry.
When performing missions while in space, the majority of the crew’s directives will come from the control center. Here, the user will rely on memory and will have to execute series of commands based on his instructions. Again, there will be no frenzied button mashing, but contemplative actions as opposed to reflexive decision making.
If a game like this sounds boring, monotonous and routine…it is…to a point. However, as the missions progress, the user will be challenged more and more to do tasks in the appropriate manner and the margins for error will become smaller and smaller. Having completed several missions, the user will actually begin to feel some kinship with his crew and also some responsibility for the ship’s successes and failures. You will certainly begin to feel the tension and may well cave under the pressure.
Apollo 18 is not a game for everyone. In fact, it is not a game for very many people at all, simply because there is not grey area. Either you will love it or you will hate it. As long as you enter the game understanding what you are in for, you will very likely enjoy it quite a bit and find it interesting and challenging.
