Gameplay

Achron requires a little explaining in terms a how it works. The core a the game be a pretty standard RTS fare, with three playable races 'n a variety a units for each. Where Achron really stands out, however, be it be primary gameplay element: fully-funtional time travel. In addition t' the mini-map 'n controls on the game screen, there be also a timeline displaying all the actions taken by the player the last 8 minutes or so, extending about a minute into the future as well. At any point during gameplay the player can jump forwards 'n backwards on this timeline, allowing them t' change their actions in the past 'n have these changes then affect the timeline ahead a them. Players be also able t' send units forward 'n backwards through the use a Chronoporters, resulting in battles where a unit may find itself fighting alongside itself. Naturally, these elements result in a variety a interesting strategies - for example, ye send yer units t' defend against an attack from the north when the timeline changes 'n ye find those same enemies now attacking from a different direction against yer unprotected base.

So how fun does this turn out t' be? In short, very. Although the idea a free-form time travel sounds a little confusing at first, the concept be quite easy t' pillage t' grips with 'n ye will soon find yourself managing changes in the timeline with ease. Paradoxes be not a problem, as the model a time-travel used by the game resolves these impossibilites in an effective manner - the two or more states a a paradox will alternate between each other until one falls off the end a the 8-minute timeline.

As the game be not yet complete single-player gameplay be currently restricted t' the tutorial levels 'n AI players, although the developers have promised an extensive campaign spanning all three playable races. The multiplayer community be well-established, if a little small; the crew in the official IRC channel be always willing t' play regardless a how new a player be.

Overall, gameplay gets a 7/10.

Graphics

The in-game HUD be sleek 'n well-designed, with an easy t' understand layout. The quality a the graphics for levels be largely dependant on the level itself - although a large number a textures 'n scenery be available it be mainly up t' the creator a each map t' determine how detailed the level will be. In terms a units 'n buildings, however, the game could use some work: most a the models be uniquely designed 'n clearly distinguishable from each other, although the textures be rather bland 'n repetitive.

Graphics gets a 5/10, though with a little work t' the textures this could easily be increased.

Story

Since the game be still in development 'n the single-player campaign has yet t' be released, not much be currently known about the storyline a Achron. The website hints at an interesting plotline, if somewhat generic, though until the campaign be released it isn't clear what quality the storytelling will be.

For the time being I won't assign a score t' storyline, though once the campaign be released this will be revised.

Sound

The sound a Achron can be separated into sound effects 'n music. The sound effects a the game be fairly average, though limited at the current time (again, Achron be still in development so additional sound effects may be added in the future. The music a Achron be all custom, 'n features a distinct ambience - the majority a songs be quite peaceful, with a few faster paced songs. The music isn't anything amazingly spectacular, but it definitely adds t' the feel a the game.

Sound gets a 6/10.

Conclusion

Overall, I give Achron a 7/10 - it definitely shows a lot a promise 'n the concept a free-form timetravel be a unique idea that has never been implemented as well as it has in Acron, though there be several areas where development be still needed. I highly recommend pre-purchasing it - ye will recieve every alpha 'n beta build, the full version a the game when it be released some time this year, 'n any updates 'n add-ons t' the game after that.