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With FPS-style combat and a nice backstory, Vendetta is worth checking out, but don't expect anything special.

In case you haven’t heard of it, Vendetta Online is a space-based MMORPG. The manual is dominated by a long (and actually decent!) timeline-style backstory. In ways it resembles the story behind Total Annihilation. Humanity finally colonises space, factions squabble over cybernetic enhancements, hilarity ensues. Well maybe not so much hilarity as bloodshed. Either way, it sets the game up nicely for some action.

The action takes place in spaceships, which are bought and upgraded in space-stations scattered around the universe. One of the most impressive aspects of Vendetta is that the actual fighting is done with your mouse. If you don’t fire at the enemy, you won’t hit them (unless you’re using homing missiles). This adds an excellent element to the combat.

You feel somewhat like Luke Skywalker trying to nail some Tie Fighters with your laser cannons. Or you would, if the enemies did something other than just sit there firing at you. I found the most effective way of fighting was to just strafe sideways and fire at the appropriate angle. Even so, it’s more exciting than locking on and holding down fire.

Aside from combat missions, there are also mining and transport missions. I found transport missions rather boring, despite the lucrative profits to be made. It would be better if there was some scenery along the way. But it’s space. There isn’t much out there to look at. Distant planets and asteroids. Big whoop. If there were other ships out there, more space stations and roving enemies, I might be more enthusiastic about spending 15 mins flying across the galaxy.

Mining is a bit more exciting, since there are armed mining droids patrolling the asteroids to heat things up a little. Completing objectives allows the player to reach higher levels within that area. Spending a lot of time mining will allow you to buy better mining beams, for example.

Speaking of buying, I had no problem with money at all. I was rich the entire time. Maybe the economy needs a bit of adjusting, but I was never unable to buy an item because of money. I just had to work on levelling up so that it was available at the space station.

The most fun I had in the game was trying out new ships and doing corkscrew manoeuvres into the space station ports. There are many ships available to buy, each specialised in a particular field. If you like fighting, you might want a small, agile fighter. Or if you enjoy hiking, buy a hulking transport ship. I bought one of each.

While Vendetta Online has some redeeming features, such as the skill-based combat system, I can’t justify spending US$10 per month on this game. Other MMORPGs have features to extend their longevity, like different environments and professions.

If I had to play a space RPG, I would prefer to put the money into a game like EVE Online. At least Vendetta doesn’t cost anything up front; you can download the game and just pay the subscription fee. Space junkies might want to download the game and use the free trial period.


Review by Gavin Manley.