Allegiance

"The game was a money loser for Microsoft. Additionally, Microsoft was diverting marketing dollars and manpower from Allegiance to support another space game, Freelancer. Allegiance was subsequently thrown to the wolves. Understaffed and rife with bugs, cheaters began exploiting issues they knew wouldn't be fixed. 'Microsoft Research and The Zone just got fed up with people ruining it for everyone and always felt one step behind' says Alderman. Eventually, Microsoft gave up and pulled the plug."

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Reminds me of www.empiresmod.com

With spaceships

I've played Allegiance a few times, on and off during the last four years or so (haven't played in about a year however). The game itself is great, considering how old it is it was way ahead of its time when it came out. I think the only game I could compare it to is Battlezone, but in space. You can pilot individual craft or even larger capships that your commander allows you to purchase, while the commander oversees the tech tree and station/building construction in different sectors. The community is very tight knit, but not very large (at least last time I checked), which can be in some ways great but in others intimidating since most people playing have known each other for years. Anyway, if you're looking for a fun space sim with tactical/strategic its a great game, plus you'll definitely be challenged with the amount of experience that most players have

This was a very interesting article. Indeed, I had not heard of this game before. I was intrigued enough to do a Google search on Allegiance right after I finished reading because I wanted to try this game out. I would have installed it, but it looks like it's not Mac compatible. Still, Nick, nice start as a contributor for the Escapist.

I have been playing Allegiance since the beta was released in 1999.Before that I had discovered a game calle "Raider Wars" that was released by IGN.It had a great 3D engine that really impressed a geek-type like me.When IGN shut down that project,some of the players suggested that I try Allegiance as it was about to be released.I have been addicted ever since.Once you get over the learning curve,and get to the real game play experience, you can't let it go.Any one who is into real military strategy MUST appreciate this game.The entertainment factor is un-limited.The community is a great bunch of people.This is a great game that was almost lost in the sea of medeocre (I think I spelled that correctly)games that don't count for squat compared to Allegiance.If you bother to try anything new in the future,this is the game.Not only is it better now that most people have high speed internet connections,but 56k dial-up users can still play it.That testifies to the efficiancy of the code.Go to http://www.freeallegiance.org and find out for yourself. Don't worry if you die alot in your quest for CyberSpace superiority .. you will get there quickly with all the help the community provides you.The force will guide you to absolute entertainment!

HOLY CRAP!! I beta tested this game way back in the day! I had all but forgot about it until this article. Can anyone tell me where I can find the client? This and Starsiege were the two most fun multiplayer games I've ever played! I really want to play again. Is there still alot of lag during play? It's kind of hard to hit someone flying through space (especially as a gunner on the skycap mark 3's) when it's really laggy.

EDIT: Never mind about where it is ,just read the complete post above this one. I'm dumb.

Hey,everyone suffer "blog reading ADD" once in a while :)

"commanding a game of Allegiance has been compared to playing StarCraft, the main difference being that your units all hate you."

Heh, yeah. The amount of times I've blatantly ignored a direct order, like a mutinous drone ... good times.

Allegiance is still around and kicking? Amazing!

Yes,all past players need to get over there and D/l the game.It's so much better now.

(Several months later)

I liked Allegiance alot, but I'm not surprised it had a hard time achieving market success.

The trouble with the game was twofold. On one hand, it had a very steep learning curve, having tough inertia-based movement and stealth mechanics at the very core. On the other hand, the balance was never quite right because the ambitious design left it open for exploitation.

However, I nonetheless felt a sense of gratitude towards the division of Microsoft Games that made Allegiance. It was a game with a lot of soul made by people who enjoy games. I often wonder what happened to those people.