E.S.S. Mega

From the Database of Home of the Underdogs

GAME DESIGNER:
GAME DEVELOPER:Coktel Vision
GAME PUBLISHER:Tomahawk
Copyright 1991, Coktel Vision

Probably the most obscure game ever made by quirky French developer Coktel Vision (Gobliiins, Lost in Time). E.S.S. Mega (a.k.a. European Space Simulator Mega) is a lackluster space shuttle simulation that tries hard to strike a balance between realism and playability, but doesnt quite succeed.

To be sure, the game has a lot going for it. There is a lot of eye-catching 3D-modelled graphics that makes Virgins venerable Shuttle look like a kindergarten coloring book. Theres a wealth of information in the in-game space database, and quite a lot of gameplay depth. In contrast to the mission-based structure of Shuttle), E.S.S. Mega is one long campaign that is similar to Buzz Aldrins Race into Space, but with emphasis on micro-level decisions (e.g. how much fuel to carry) then macro-level space program policies. You will first equip the space shuttle with cargo, crew, and energy. Then you will launch, pilot, and land it on a shuttle carrier. When your shuttle is safely orbiting Earth, you will send up and maintain satellites, build and manage a space station. All in a days work.

Although the separate parts of the game are well thought out, the game as a whole comes across as a repetitive, dry simulation that wont hold anyones interest for long. The game is quite linear in a sense that once you try out every option, theres no leeway to try a different approach. There is only one (or at most, a few) combinations of cargo, crew, energy, and other options that will succeed, and lack of random elements that make Buzz Aldrin challenging. Overall, worth a look for space buffs, but only for historical interest as one of the rarest space simulations.