1768 (video game)
| 1768 | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Waterfall |
| Publisher(s) | Polyhedron Media |
| Director(s) | C. R. Aw |
| Programmer(s) | N. Grow |
| Composer(s) | L. Larry |
| Engine | Photograph II |
| Platform(s) | PC Manifold (port) |
| Release | 2000 (PC) 2001 (Manifold) 2017 (PC remaster) |
| Genre(s) | battle simulator |
| Mode(s) | single-player multi-player LAN |
1768 is a battle simulation game with aspects of third-person shooter developed by Waterfall in 2000 for PC platform. It was subsequently ported to Manifold console in 2001.
1768 is considered one of the major Themiclesian productions of 2000 in the genre of war-themed games. With a production cost over $15 million, it was the most expensive game produced in Themiclesia up to that point, and its installation files came on six CDs, making it one of the largest games in terms of file size too. A full orchestra was retained to provide in-game music. The game combined three-dimensional graphics and full-motion video cutscenes. Due to the investments into the production, the game was not a complete financial success, though it did break even two years after launch.
The game simulates the events up to and during the First Maverican War and in four perspectives: Ostlandic mercenaries, Colonial Army soldier, Themiclesian marines, and Maverican militiaman. Each perspective offers at least two characters and their respective storylines, though some aspects of the game are constrained to historical developments. The player can engage the enemies and direct NPCs to engage each other, depending on the characters chosen. Multiple players could connect via LAN cable for a multi-player game.
The game received generally positive reviews by leading publications such as Game Review. One of the aspects enjoying particular praise is variety, since the player can replay the game multiple times in a different perspective, "effectively make it several games in one." The game also offers a save feature where one can battle the input sequences one has set as an opposing faction at another time, though this feature is not universally liked.