14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s table top computer is an impressive platform for multiplayer games that are designed to leverage the native multi-touch capabilities of the device. And Galactic Alliance is an excellent example of just what experiences titles can deliver on top of Microsoft Surface. The video embedded at the bottom of the screen features a demo of a tower-defense game put together by Vectorform.
Eric Havir, Sr. Manager, Digital Communications at Microsoft/Surface and two Vectorform representatives have taken Galactic Alliance out for a spin, and, by the looks of it, the title will win over gamers immediately. It is very easy to see how the combination of modern technology, arcade style and multiplayer support can make Galactic Alliance a very addictive game.
“Galactic Alliance is a four player strategy / arcade game that pits you and your fellow players against aliens determined to invade planet Earth. This addictive tower defense-like game draws you in with some easy waves of invaders at first, and then ramps it up. Soon all four players are working together to produce enough defensive weapons to keep the increasingly sturdy enemy fleet at bay. On the technical side, this game uses finger orientation supplied by the Surface platform to create a smooth co-operative or competitive gaming experience that you won’t find anywhere else,” Havir stated.
In the future, as the price of Microsoft Surface units will drop, making them affordable for the public, and not luxury items reserved for businesses, users will be able to enjoy similar experiences right in their living room. Of course, Microsoft Surface’s winning points are the fact that the device is capable of easily bringing people together, and allowing them to interact simultaneously with applications, be them games or not. At the same time, what makes Microsoft Surface a unique product is the NUI (natural user interface) implementation, with multi-touch, gesture-and object-recognition capabilities.