Omega (video game). Omega is a video game developed and published by Origin Systems in 1989. It was directed by Stuart B. Marks.

The player assumes the role of a cyber-tank designer and programmer, with the objective of creating tanks to defeat increasingly difficult opponents. The game emphasizes programming the tank, using a built-in text editor with artificial intelligence script commands similar to BASIC. Tanks can communicate and coordinate actions, and successful designs tend to be automated. Code is cross-platform, allowing Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC users to compete against each other.

The game received positive reviews, with Compute! praising its ease of use for newcomers to programming. Computer Gaming World acknowledged its similarities to RobotWar, while noting its improvements. Games International magazine awarded it 4 stars out of 5, highlighting its unique gameplay and requirement for strategic thinking.

Gameplay
The game puts the player in the role of a cyber-tank designer and programmer. Given a limited budget, the player must design a tank that can defeat a series of ever more challenging opponent tanks. Each successful design yields a higher security clearance and a larger budget, ultimately resulting in an OMEGA clearance and an unlimited budget. The focus of the game is not on the combat but on game programming the tank itself.

Tanks are programmed using a built-in text editor that allows the player to use various artificial intelligence script commands, similar in structure to BASIC. These commands permit control of various aspects of the tank, and also allows teams of tanks to communicate and coordinate actions. While commands exist that enable a range of control over the tank, successful designs tend to be automated. Decision making is an important part of the design process, as the programming must reflect the equipment placed on the tank.

Code was cross-platform, so Apple, Commodore, and IBM users could compete against each other. Origin operated a bulletin board system for Omega owners.

Reception

Compute! praised Omega, stating that it made writing code for tanks easy and fun for those new to programming.
Russell Sipe of Computer Gaming World in 1989 gave the game a positive review, noting its similarities and improvements over RobotWar. In a 1992 survey of science fiction games the magazine gave the title two of five stars, stating that "Programmers loved this 'simulation' [but] it's all Geek to me".

John Inglis reviewed Omega for Games International magazine, and gave it 4 stars out of 5, and stated that "In summary I would say that Omega is a unique game that has had a considerable amount of thought lavished on it. It is not a game for the shoot-em-up enthusiast, as you must put considerable thought in before you get anywhere."

References

See also
 Armored Core: Formula Front
 Armored Core: Verdict Day, featuring UNACs, AI controlled Armored Cores which players can create and customize
 BASIC STUDIO Powerful Game Koubou, a 2001 PS2 game creation title by Artdink featuring a sample game based on their title Carnage Heart
 Breeder, a 1986 Famicom algorithm-based simulation combat game by SoftPro
 ChipWits
 COMSIGHT, a 1987 PC88, X1 , and X68000 algorithm-based simulation combat game by Technosoft
 MindRover
 Pandora Project: The Logic Master, a 1996 PS1 algorithm-based simulation combat game by Team Bughouse very similar to Carnage Heart
 Robot Odyssey
 Robot X Robot, a 1999 PS1 algorithm-based simulation combat game by Nemesys
 RoboSport
 Logic simulation

External links

Omega Game Documentation

1989 video games
Amiga games
Apple II games
Apple IIGS games
Atari ST games
Classic Mac OS games
Commodore 64 games
DOS games
NEC PC-9801 games
Origin Systems games
Programming games
Single-player video games
Video games developed in the United States