Graphics

Lookin' Sweet!

Allegiance manages to find a middle ground in terms of graphics. While not as sweet looking as FreeSpace 2 or Starlancer, it manages to avoid the dated graphics typically associated with massively multiplayer games. Perhaps most impressive about Allegiance is the styling the game receives. There are three different factions in the game, the Iron Coalition, GigaCorp and the Bios. Each of these factions has a completely different look, from bases and capital ships down to fighters.

Is that cool or what?

Base dead ahead

Flying through space in Allegiance is a dream. Microsoft's entry into the space combat genre compares well with FreeSpace 2 and Starlancer in most areas. The backdrops are colorful and detailed, full of nebulas, stars and planets. The nebulas might seem a little too bright for some people and the planets aren't 3D objects off in the depths of space, but the overall effect remains stunning.

Somebody just buzzed me!

Defensive patrol is boring

Combat!

Allegiance has some excellent graphics when it comes to combat. The dozens of craft flying through space, missiles streaking and guns blazing are really an awesome sight. The over-the-top explosions are actually pretty novel, since they don't make use of the expanding ring effect. An explosion seems to last forever, as one is followed by another and another - objects never seem to get done exploding after you finish them off.

What's that in top-right?

Check out that streak!

Some of the neatest and most original effects including the streaking engine exhausts. The effect is subtle but manages to add a lot of dynamism to the combat, which is definitely not lost on the audience. Tracking your target becomes that much easier once he fires up the afterburners and leaves a trail for you.

There are some effects, however, that are downright disappointing. Guns look pathetic - little stars of yellow or blue that just blast out of your ship. Talk about a throwback to 1995. If it wasn't for the sound effects, the guns would be a total disappointment. Then there are the shield effects, which feel rather lackluster. Hitting an enemy fighter leaves little blue splotches, which are far less impressive than even the effect used in the old Wing Commander: Armada game.