The classic game Risk
is just as compelling and addictive on the computer as the original board
game. The designers have converted all the best aspects of the board game (strategy, maps,
and multiplayer) to the computer, as well as enhanced gameplay through visual presentations,
animation, sound, and a new play mode. Risk CD-ROM stands out as an example for designers
of what can be done with existing classics rather than spending foolish amounts of money
on the "next great idea."
Whether you're a veteran player or a novice, the classic version is the best way to begin play in Risk CD-ROM. The straightforward goals of the original version help you master the controls and basics of computer gameplay, while at the same time, build skills needed to eventually conquer the world in the advanced modes. Developing strategies and skill will play a huge part in your success or failure when playing against up to seven other players over a LAN or modem connection.
Once you begin to understand gameplay to the point of being able to capture territories, employ good offenses, and establish solid defenses in the basic version, the Ultimate Risk mode provides a completely different type of gaming environment with new challenges including terrain, storms, POWs, and even rebel forces. These enhancements add an entirely new twist to the game, and even the most experienced Risk players will have to start from scratch to learn the nuances of gameplay.
For example, during a battle, some troops may be taken as prisoners of war. If the territory they are jailed in is taken over by rebel forces, the prisoners must join the rebel army. Later in the game, these prisoners can be exchanged evenly with other players. This new dimension gives players one more situation to consider and guard against, as well as adds a negotiation aspect to the game.
In terms of the added terrain obstacles, yellow fever can be contracted in the jungle, while avalanches can bear down on players in the mountainous areas. Additionally, because of bad land or conditions, there are many areas where forts can't be built. Because of these intangibles, players with strategies that may have worked in the original game will need to rethink their actions.
Another feature that Ultimate Risk adds is the ability to choose different conditions for winning the game, which allows for a lot of variety in term of repeated play. For example, in the World Domination option, the last player surviving wins, and while this can be tedious and long, it can also be enjoyable and satisfying. On the other hand, in Capital Risk, each player selects his or her own capital -- if it's lost, they're out of the game. This is by far the most fun, since the game can be quick or long, depending on the selection of capitals. Finally, other game ending options include Mission Risk and Territorial Risk. The latter is the most basic and requires a player to conquer a set amount of territories (up to as many as 150!) to win the game.
As veterans of the board game will know, Risk is by no means a short game, even in several of the Ultimate Risk options detailed above. It is very involved, somewhat slow, and very long. The computer version is no different. Each game turn consists of four phases, including building reinforcements, rolling the dice to initiate combat with another territory, making a strategic move, and then collecting a risk card that can be used later on.
Finally, taking into account multiple players as well as the amount of territories to be conquered (the Classic Map has 42 while the European Map has 180), Risk CD-ROM may not be a one-sitting type of game. However, the in-game menu allows for saved games, and a user-defined game can also be created from the beginning, allowing options and preferences to be saved for later games.
In technical terms, the CD provides an updated, clear and precise depiction of maps used for the various modules (classic, world, European, Asian, and American). Because of the limitations of the computer screen, though, an entire map can't be viewed without scrolling in the desired direction. Fortunately, rather than forcing you to access another screen to view an overview of the map, the simple mouse-drag feature is quite workable and convenient.
Interactive battle sequences have been added as a bonus, but don't impact in any way on gameplay. As window dressing, they certainly add a degree of authenticity to the general scope of the game (warfare) and are well developed and nicely presented. In the long term, however, they become somewhat repetitive and tiresome, and most players will simply skip over them after watching a few times.
Sound and music obviously add a totally new dimension to the game, and the aural aspects blend in nicely with gameplay -- there when needed but not overdone or intrusive. Anyone who has played Risk, or, for that matter any in-depth war game, realizes that strategic planning and thought requires concentration, not something to be colluded with excessive sound effects.
Perhaps the only real negative aspect of the game is the initial learning curve needed to become familiar with the complicated controls and the key or mouse strokes required for navigating the game board and mastering various functions. In that respect, the control scheme is not self-explanatory. Although the manual does provide clear instructions, having pop-up "tool tips" in the game to explain specific icons could have been more helpful.
Risk CD-ROM deserves a good amount of praise because of its few flaws, and the designers'
insight in making the game interesting at several new levels of play.
~ Shawn Nicholls, All Game Guide