Tryst Review for PC - Cheat Code Central

System: PC
Dev: BlueGiant Interactive
Pub: BlueGiant Interactive
Release: September 14, 2012
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p

Players who get past the awkward controls, average visuals, and poor sound will find a fairly standard RTS game underneath. Tryst attempts to combine a standard base-building RTS with the active exploration of a MOBA game, and does decently enough at it. There's the standard base-building and tech tree gameplay here, as well as a fairly extensive system for unit training and customization. The unit customization system is the one element in the game that really stands out, allowing players to specialize troops heavily or attempt to compensate for their weaknesses. I can't speak to how balanced this system will turn out to be in the multiplayer meta-game, but it's a great idea in terms of adding more strategic value to the game.

Tryst Screenshot

There are three main gameplay types in Tryst: campaign, skirmish, and multiplayer matches. The single-player campaign is generally derivative space opera fare, heavily marred by the horrible voice acting. The one interesting idea in the campaign is the presence of occasional choices that change how a map plays out, such as choosing to rescue either medics or operatives in the first mission. It's an idea that deserves to be explored more deeply in the future. The skirmish and multiplayer matches at least allow the gameplay to take center stage, but there aren't many maps on offer. More might be added in the future, but as it is, I have serious doubts that the multiplayer community will stick around for very long.

Forgiving RTS fans can probably find some enjoyment from Tryst, but there are simply too many factors working against the game for it to be a long-term passion. Tryst could be described as a poor man's StarCraft, but in this case I'd advise the poor man to save up and simply play StarCraft. This game is generally derivative and far too rough around the edges to bother with for long, with its good ideas buried under presentation and usability problems. There are items here that show promise, but the main impression that the game gives is that the team ran out of time to apply the proper amount of care and polish. The full package simply doesn't make for a tempting tryst at all.

By
Becky Cunningham
Contributing Writer
Date: September 25, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.4

Graphics
Uninteresting graphical design and muddy unit graphics.

2.5

Control
Controls are unintuitive and cannot be changed.

1.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The voices, the voices, the horrible, horrible voices.

3.0

Play Value
There are some interesting ideas beneath the game's surface, but they don't make up for its shortcomings.

2.5

Overall Rating - Average
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Unique Character Abilities and Upgrades – Almost all Tryst's battle units come with special abilities of their own. It's up to the player to choose what they want and how they want to match the powers of one with that of another.

Multiplayer – Up to 8 player free for all maps that always promise to keep people reinventing new strategies to outdo their opponents.

Environmental Hazards – Maps are filled with dangers that can both hinder a player or help him set up the perfect ambush against an enemy.

Keep on Going – You don't have to worry about players who go offline or have to leave in the middle of a game. They'll be replaced with competent A.I. immediately.