Poseidon - Project Dark Sky Reviews

Crap

I can't help but wonder as to why Poseidon-Project Dark Sky, is practically unknown in the gaming world. The limited amount of feedback's and exposure/publicity confirms this sim omission. Must admit, that I was expecting a bugged out game with a dose of buyer remorse. Thankfully this was not the case at all. I bought PPDS for just a few dollars, and considering the work invested in the game by Developer DP Corp, makes it a true bargain. Very detailed modeling of ships, helicopter, and oil platform with handy wind sock. The oil platform depicts a natural gas big flame burning exhaust. That important flame is for venting excess gases. It is a handy visual reference when landing in the tight quarters of the Helipad. Phalanx Armament (CIWS 3000 rounds per minute) is very impressive, but restricted to auto-fire and aim. No override control when hostile AI is overwhelming. Tomahawk missiles are a sight to behold, but only fire when boat is stationary or at very low speed (on boat), and when ready to launch. Flight behavior of chopper is well rendered, but hampered with only keyboard interaction. You must remember that the I key is engine ignition, and becomes collective up or ascend. L key is throttle down, or collective down descend. Keep your fingers close-by for pressing I key and L key. Arrow keys are perfect for heading directions and flight parameters. J and L keys are for banking left (J), and banking right (L). The weather and time of day are dynamic (moving clouds), this includes detailed lightning bolts, and creepy matching thunder. Sunsets are real nice as with night stars, and varied lighting of moon phases. Explosions and sounds are spot on. Underwater views of ship when scanning with mouse. No annoying countdown timers to accomplish tasks. Excellent female voice warnings and weapons (Tomahawk) readiness announcements. Fast game loading, steady 45-60 FPS, not much required space on SSD, and no crash on desk top. Medal Awards are acquired after each successful level. Nice detailing for them, and provide a feeling of accomplishment. Fully compatible on stable but vulnerable Windows 7/64 Pro. Here are corrections to be rectified: Controller only controls the ships: left stick is for forward (no reverse) throttle and rudder. Helicopter flying is limited to keypad. Audible proximity alert to strike oil platform must be calibrated. Keyboard commands can't be tailored to your preferences. No cockpit or HUD views. No auto hover mode button, but manageable with steady inputs. (Note): Helicopter will be stationary, if appropriate keys on keyboard are selected. No zoom in feature. No altitude and knots indicators/instruments for aircraft. No powerful search light. No options to stop rain, sometimes heavy on PC resources. No achievement are memorized. Tip 1: You must use crude bow ramming technique, when saturated with incoming small pirate boats getting way too close to the oil platform. Weapons CIWS (auto-fire only) and Tomahawks are delayed when you least expect it. So in the heat of oil rig defense or battle, this will oblige you to proceed (ramming) in such a drastic way. Tip 2: Concerning the "Main Mission", allow yourself 30 to 40 minutes to complete. You must orbit the platform (use boat, not chopper) with an eagle eye, because the radar does not always show the small pirate boats approaching. Night time with stormy weather doesn't help either, since no powerful search light is available. Sometimes your guns won't unload near a target, pressing the V key twice for a quick view of the parked chopper, will initiate firing of the CIWS. As mentioned if this fails, just ram them to oblivion. If you succeed, you will be rewarded with a Platinum medal. I enjoy anything with flight, train, and naval simulation. Even with games limited in budget and scarce manpower. With all modesty, PPDS is the obvious diamond in the rough here. Indeed some improvements are called for, just as more exposure on Steam. No money coming in, is the death sentence for so many things in life. Counter productive criticism from some reviews does not help Developer. Having spent just $2.03 Canadian or $1.59 U.S on sale, I sure don't regret this purchase. As you might of guessed, I would still buy it at regular price, which is basically "peanuts" at $3.39 Canadian or $2.65 US. In fact, DP Corp (dev) should raise the price, just so that controller compatibility and finishing touches be made eventually. As previously mentioned, the unexpected fun and visual factor, smooth running FPS, fast loading times, bargain priced, minimal disc space required, makes Poseidon Dark Skies a definite keeper in my Steam library, and most probably your's. Poseidon Project Dark Skies is one of those games that is under the radar, and hidden, in the vast choices on awesome Steam. So long fellow mariners.