Battle Group
Battle Group is a top-down naval shooter inspired by the gameplay of 1942
and Missile Command. It is set in a near future where the open seas are
controlled by the Allied Nations, an organization that patrols international
waters with offensive means to engage anyone who attempts to plunder or
disrupt vital trade routes. It has a fleet of warships and the player assumes
the role of Commander Kelly, taking control of a ship.
The game consists of different missions where a warship needs to take out
pirate ships, escort other boats or defend positions. The players exercises no
control over the boat, similar to a rail shooter, as it moves by itself
through static, or vertically or horizontally scrolling environments. The
focus in entirely on the fighting aspect, targeting opponents in the water or
in the air, and intercepting torpedoes and air missiles. The ship is initially
equipped with missiles and targeting is done by clicking or touching the
desired spot. As it takes some for the missiles to travel there, a prediction
needs to be made where the opponent will move. The firing is done very fast,
launching multiple missiles one after another. There is an unlimited amount of
ammo, but when the ship fires too quickly it takes some time to recharge,
designated through icons of weapon chambers next to the ship. Next to clicking
or tapping, it is also possible to click/tap and hold, and release when the
ship needs to fire. Opponents appear as boats, jet or helicopters from the
sides of the screen. They can be taken down, but their projectiles are the
priority as those can damage Kelly’s ship, causing it to sink.
After each mission statistics are shown based on the confirmed kills and
damage sustained. An overall rating is calculated and this is rewarded with up
to three stars and experience points. Friendly fire and damage subtracts from
the rating. With stars up to four ships can be unlocked eventually, each with
their own upgrades such as dual fire, rockets, or better armor. Upgrades also
need to be unlocked individually. After a while the players has access to up
to four support ships. These follow along and often provide additional
firepower, but the player needs to control that as well. Supports ships
usually have a strong attack that takes some time to recharge. By clicking and
holding/swiping in a certain direction, the attack is launched, next to the
regular ship’s attacks. Later warships controlled by the player have secondary
attacks, meaning that often up to three offensive systems need to be
controlled to fend off all incoming projectiles.
After each successful mission a new one is unlocked on the map and before a
mission starts a briefing is given by the Secretary General. The overall
progress is stores in a screen with ten medals. The iOS version contains an
endless survival mode.