home | feedback

Top: Games: Video_Games: Strategy: Massive_Multiplayer_Online: Netrek

From the FAQ: Netrek is a 16-player two-dimensional graphical real-time battle simulation with a Star Trek theme. A game is divided into two teams of 8 players (or fewer), who dogfight each other and attempt to conquer each other's planets.

Netrek is the probably the first video game which can accurately be described as a "sport." It has more in common with basketball than with arcade games or Quake. Its vast and expanding array of tactics and strategies allows for many different play styles; the best players are the ones who think fastest, not necessarily the ones who twitch most effectively. It can be enjoyed as a twitch game, since the dogfighting system is extremely robust, but the things that really set Netrek apart from other video games are the team and strategic aspects. Team play is dynamic and varied, with roles constantly changing as the game state changes. Strategic play is explored in organized league games; after 6+ years of league play, strategies are still being invented and refined.

The game itself has existed for over 10 years, and has a solid playerbase, including some people who have been playing for nearly as long as the game has existed.

All netrek clients and servers are completely free of charge, although there are several people working on commercial netrek variants or derivatives. Netrek comes in different flavors. First, there is the standard flavor, called vanilla, or bronco netrek. Then, there are different variants like: - Paradise netrek: larger galaxy, more shiptypes, solar systems, wormholes, etc. Though the new features are attractive on first sight, they make the game less enjoyable in the long run. The interest in this variant seems to have died. - Hockey: ice-hockey like netrek variant. - Chaos: all kind of weird mods. - Sturgeon: upgrade your ship. - Dogfight/basepractice: servers especially for practicing basing with robots or holding dogfight tournaments.

Clue

'Clue' is the word used by Netrek players to denote understanding of the game. Someone who has 'clue' or is 'clued' knows how the game works, and what is the best thing to do in different circumstances.

To become clue is not so much a matter of excellent skills, but much more of excellent awareness. Links in this category take you to archives of advice on skills, tactics and strategies to help you to increase that awareness and become more clued.

Leagues

You can play Netrek either on pickup-servers, where you can join and leave as you please, or you can play organized games with teams in a league. As opposed to pickup-games, league games are timed games, between two teams on special league-servers.

If you like the idea of playing with a team in a Netrek league, please be aware that the level of play in leagues is considerably higher than on pickup servers. Often, teams will develop new strategies and tactics. The demands on both your skills and your tactical/strategical awareness are much higher than during pickup-games. So, before considering joining a Netrek league, be sure to get plenty of practice on pickup-servers. And if you do join the league, be prepared for lots of high-intensity, fun games!

Software

To play Netrek, you need a client to connect to Netrek servers.

Copyright © 1998-2003 Netscape