Near Impact (2014)

The world faced an unprecedented catastrophe when the first asteroid collided with Earth, triggering a sequence of impacts that would escalate rapidly. A second asteroid struck soon after, followed by a third and then many more, creating a chain of destruction and igniting widespread panic. These successive strikes transformed vast regions of the planet into barren wastelands due to the sudden onset of an impact winter, forcing humanity to adapt quickly to survive.

In response to the devastation, people began constructing floating cities above the ruined landscapes to preserve human life. Meanwhile, scientists investigating the asteroid strikes discovered a startling truth: the asteroids had not arrived naturally. Earth had been deliberately targeted. This revelation led to the formation of the Orbital Defense Department (O.D.D.), tasked with defending the planet from future assaults and preparing a reconnaissance mission to identify the source of the attacks.

Over the years, O.D.D. completed the construction of humanity’s first starship, which was poised for its inaugural journey. However, as the launch date approached, sensors detected a new wave of asteroids far larger than the previous ones. The readiness of the starship was uncertain, prompting immediate action to protect Earth’s cities in the interim. To address this threat, O.D.D. deployed an exploration and defense drone robot, managed by a skilled team of drone operators. Their mission: intercept the incoming asteroids and safeguard the floating cities while the starship prepared for launch.

Gameplay Features

Drone vs. Asteroid Combat

Players gain control of a highly advanced drone robot equipped with a diverse arsenal, including rapid-fire railguns, target-seeking missiles, short-range high-energy plasma cannons, and rocket-powered fists. The primary objective is to halt asteroid attacks before they reach Earth’s surface.

Orbital Mechanics

The drone operates in orbit around Earth, requiring players to account for continuous motion. Gravitational forces influence projectile trajectories, meaning railgun rounds and missiles follow curved paths. Asteroids accelerate as they near Earth, and even those appearing to narrowly miss may shift course and impact the planet or enter extended orbits, returning as future threats.

Ground Force Management

Players can interact with individual cities, using in-game currency earned from destroying asteroids to commission defensive units. These include ships, submarines, aircraft, tanks, and ground installations, all equipped with railguns or missiles. These units form a crucial secondary line of defense for densely populated areas.

Upgrades

The game allows players to enhance both the drone robot and ground defenses. Upgrades can improve weapon speed, range, and damage, and can provide advanced sensors for better targeting. Once purchased, upgrades for the drone are delivered to orbital supply pods, requiring retrieval, while defensive unit upgrades are deployed directly to the respective units.

The Team

Players select a team of four drone operators from a pool of candidates. Each operator provides situational alerts, communicates during missions, and offers strategic bonuses to the drone systems they control. Team interactions also enhance gameplay by coordinating actions and boosting performance.

Ascending Difficulty

The game increases in difficulty as players progress. Asteroid waves become larger, attacks come from new angles, and tougher asteroid types are introduced, requiring players to adapt strategies continuously.

Variable Play Styles

Near Impact offers flexibility in gameplay, accommodating different player preferences. Those who enjoy strategic planning can focus on tower defense elements, while players favoring action can concentrate on drone combat. Options also include manual orbital control, allowing for direct engagement with upgrades and ammunition, or maintaining a fixed orbit for a more automated approach. Success depends on balancing multiple elements or specializing according to preferred play style.

Through its combination of strategic defense management, orbital physics, and real-time combat, Near Impact delivers a challenging and dynamic experience. Players must protect humanity’s floating cities from devastating asteroid impacts while optimizing the drone’s capabilities and ground defenses in a constantly evolving environment.