Galactic Command Echo Squad SE (2014)

Genres: Action Simulation

Released: 2014-03-10

Requirements

Minimum
OS	Windows XP SP2
Processor	Dual Core
Memory	2 GB RAM
Graphics	DirectX compliant with 2GB memory
DirectX	Version 9.0c
Storage	1 GB available space
Sound Card	DirectX compliant

Recommended
OS	Windows 7 SP1
Processor	Quad Core
Memory	4 GB RAM
Graphics	DirectX compliant with 2GB memory
DirectX	Version 9.0c
Network	Broadband Internet connection
Storage	1 GB available space
Sound Card	DirectX compliant
Additional Notes	Joystick, XBox360 Controller For Windows or Analog gamepad

Developers

3000AD

Publishers

3000AD

Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/285670/)

Tags:
Singleplayer Multiplayer Space

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Description

Exclusive Steam Release Enhancements

The Steam version of Galactic Command Echo Squad SE has been significantly upgraded and remastered for a special Steam launch. This edition introduces multiple improvements over previous releases, providing both new and returning players with a fully enriched experience.

Updated Features

The game demo has been upgraded to use version 2.11.02 of the engine, now incorporating the complete tutorial with voice-over guidance.
Keyboard command PNGs are included in a format suitable for printing on standard 8"x11" sheets, with two pages per sheet.
A newly designed galaxy map for printing displays all accessible jump links, including jumpgates, wormholes, and fluxfields.
All new space skyboxes have been added to enhance visual depth.
27 new music tracks have been included from the internal audio library to enrich the in-game atmosphere.
Previously released DLC scenarios have been optimized for smoother gameplay.
Four additional fighters have been introduced, bringing the total playable fighters to five in single-player mode.
Players can now use any of the five fighters in the sandbox scenario, the Rise of the Insurgents campaign, and the Instant Action mission The Insurgent Incursion.

Gameplay Overview

Galactic Command Echo Squad SE is a complex space and planetary combat simulation designed for advanced players. It features a challenging campaign, instant action combat, and a sandbox mode that allows free exploration of the game’s universe while facing hostile insurgent forces. Missions span both space and planetary surfaces and include escort, reconnaissance, and tactical strike operations.

Story Background

Decades after the Gammulan invasion devastated the Sol system, nearly annihilating its planetary populations and destroying entire continents, the fractured Galactic Command (GALCOM) continues its battle against insurgent factions. In response to extreme pressure, GALCOM scientists developed a new Engstrom-class carrier, faster and more powerful than any predecessor. Episode One introduces the first combat deployment of this vessel, with players leading the Echo fighter squadron under the WildStar battle fleet, commanded by the GCV-Excalibur, in operations against insurgent forces.

Player Role

As an Elite Force pilot and leader of the Echo wing stationed at IIS starstation orbiting Titan, the player commands defensive and offensive missions in Sol territories. Unlike the larger capital ship series, such as Battlecruiser and Universal Combat, Echo Squad SE is set exclusively within the Terran Quadrant, including the star systems: SOL, Alpha Centauri, Barnard’s Star, Sirius, Omicron Eridani, Tau Ceti, Polaris, and Procyon. Sandbox mode is confined to this quadrant.

Development History

Originally developed for Turner’s GameTap service between 2007 and 2008, Echo Squad SE reverted to the developers after the service was sold to Metaboli. It was later enhanced and released in early 2009. The game utilizes the original legacy engine from 2009, shared with the larger Universal Combat Collector’s Edition v2.0 series. Due to popular demand, it has now been remastered for Steam with significant technical and content upgrades.

Technical Enhancements

New DirectX 9-based high-definition space terrain rendering with Shader Model 2.0 and advanced effects, including motion blur, tone mapping, HDR lighting, per-pixel lighting, anisotropic texture filtering, FSAA anti-aliasing, environment mapping, normal mapping, and shader-based visual effects.
Native widescreen support for 16:9 and 16:10 displays, with resolutions including 1280x720 and 1920x1080.
High-definition planetary terrain rendering across expansive surfaces, featuring reflections, volumetric clouds, dynamic 24-hour cycles with realistic constellations, dynamic weather conditions, and populated mission areas.
Seamless integration of space and planetary environments, enabling genuine on-planet mission execution.
Advanced flight dynamics and orders system for wingmen.
Fully interactive 3D cockpits with in-game access to keyboard commands, manuals, tutorials, and galaxy maps.
Comprehensive controller support, including USB joysticks, most analog gamepads, and Xbox 360 controllers with rumble feedback.
Intelligent AI for wingmen and NPCs, with dynamic mission adjustments ensuring varied gameplay experiences.
Multiplayer client-server support for up to 32 players, featuring in-game server browser, co-op, and deathmatch gameplay on both space and planetary environments.

Gameplay Modes

The game offers multiple modes to suit different play styles:

Campaign Mode: Follow the narrative-driven missions with escalating difficulty.
Instant Action: Engage in standalone combat scenarios for immediate action.
Sandbox Mode: Explore the Terran Quadrant, test different fighters, and undertake missions freely.

Conclusion

With the remastered Steam edition, Galactic Command Echo Squad SE presents an expansive and immersive space combat experience, combining advanced graphics, dynamic AI, multiple gameplay modes, and extensive single-player and multiplayer options. The game integrates high-fidelity planetary and space environments, creating a versatile platform for strategic and tactical operations in a war-torn galaxy.

FAQ

Galactic Command Echo Squad SE is a space and planetary combat game where you lead an elite fighter squadron in missions against insurgents. The game features both singleplayer and multiplayer modes, with campaigns, instant action missions, and sandbox exploration.

The game is available on PC and can be played using Windows XP SP2 or later.

Minimum: Windows XP SP2, Dual Core processor, 2 GB RAM, DirectX-compliant graphics with 2 GB memory, DirectX 9.0c, 1 GB storage. Recommended: Windows 7 SP1, Quad Core processor, 4 GB RAM, DirectX-compliant graphics with 2 GB memory, broadband Internet, joystick or controller supported.

The game offers a campaign mode, instant action missions, sandbox mode, and multiplayer supporting up to 32 players with deathmatch and co-op options.

Yes, the game supports USB joysticks, most analog gamepads, and the Xbox 360 controller for Windows with rumble functionality.

Yes, the game allows full missions in both space and on planetary surfaces, including realistic terrain, weather, and 24-hour time cycles.

The remastered edition includes a full tutorial with voice-over, new galaxy map, updated space skyboxes, 27 new music tracks, additional playable fighters, optimized DLC scenarios, and advanced DirectX 9 HD rendering with high-end graphical effects.

The game uses a DirectX 9-based high definition rendering engine with Shader Model 2.0, motion blur, tone mapping, HDR lighting, per-pixel lighting, texture filtering, anti-aliasing, environment mapping, normal maps, and other shader-based effects. It supports 16:9 and 16:10 widescreen monitors.

The game was developed and published by 3000AD.

Set after an alien invasion decimated the Sol system, players lead the Echo fighter squadron in the Terran Quadrant to combat insurgents. Missions span space and planetary locations, featuring tactical strikes, recon, and escort operations.

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