''Genewars'' is a real-time strategy video game for DOS featuring standard elements of strategy, along with minor terrain editing and cross-species breeding. Its working title was "Biosphere".

Gameplay

Players move through a series of worlds using a small number of sentient

humanoid A humanoid (; from English ''human'' and ''-oid'' "resembling") is a non-human entity with human form or characteristics. The earliest recorded use of the term, in 1870, referred to indigenous peoples in areas colonized by Europeans. By the 20t ...

s to build small bases and to stun, kill, research, and ultimately breed a variety of animals. Plants are also important, as different plants can be grown and harvested for different purposes. Players must use the various plant and animal species available to them (as well as

hybrid Hybrid may refer to: Science * Hybrid (biology), an offspring resulting from cross-breeding ** Hybrid grape, grape varieties produced by cross-breeding two ''Vitis'' species ** Hybridity, the property of a hybrid plant which is a union of two dif ...

animals) to deal with different environments, enemies, and tasks. For instance, a crab is a good armored defender, while a mule is a perfect

detritus In biology, detritus () is dead particulate organic material, as distinguished from dissolved organic material. Detritus typically includes the bodies or fragments of bodies of dead organisms, and fecal material. Detritus typically hosts commun ...

transporter. The two can be bred to form a creature that is well armored, but also suited to mule work. The more a particular species has been studied and created, the more effective future individuals will be. The primary resource of the game is goop, which is derived from all kinds of

biomass Biomass is plant-based material used as a fuel for heat or electricity production. It can be in the form of wood, wood residues, energy crops, agricultural residues, and waste from industry, farms, and households. Some people use the terms bi ...

Development

''Genewars'' was developed by Bullfrog Productions. Sean Cooper was brought in to help with the game's development, causing tension between him and Peter Molyneux.

Reception

''Genewars'' received average reviews from video game critics upon release. It was given the dubious honor of "Most Disappointing Game" of 1996 by

GameSpot ''GameSpot'' is an American video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information on video games. The site was launched on May 1, 1996, created by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. In addition ...

. Simon Parkin, writing for

IGN ''IGN'' (formerly ''Imagine Games Network'') is an American video game and entertainment media website operated by IGN Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc. The company's headquarters is located in San Francisco's SoMa distri ...

, considered the game to be Molyneux's least known creation, noting the game bearing "unmistakable signs of his design influence."

References

External links

* {{Bullfrog Productions 1996 video games Bullfrog Productions games DOS games DOS-only games Electronic Arts games Multiplayer and single-player video games Real-time strategy video games Video games about extraterrestrial life Video games developed in the United Kingdom Video games scored by Russell Shaw Video games with isometric graphics