Colony Wars III: Red Sun (PlayStation)

In the distant future, the vastness of space is filled not with cries of joy and exploration but those of destruction and terror. For 200 years, the League of Free Worlds and the Colonial Navy have clashed against one another in a bitter war. Regardless of which side is right, each believes that the key to universal peace lies in its side's victory. Unbeknownst to both parties, though, a darker threat is pulling the strings. This is the setting for Psygnosis' third installment of the Colony Wars series, Red Sun.

This time around, you'll assume the role of Valdemar, a miner turned mercenary chosen by a higher power to defend humanity. It seems a mysterious dark force is about to attack just as the war is entering its final stages. The key to everything seems to be a new space cruiser called the Red Sun. Is the Red Sun a weapon of mass destruction, a symbol of peace, or something more sinister? That's what Valdemar must uncover. Thankfully, you won't be alone in your travels. As a mercenary, you'll be provided with a variety of backup during your missions and even make a few long-term alliances as well.

If you've played either of the previous Colony Wars titles, you'll be familiar with much of Red Sun's gameplay. You begin the game on Magenta Station, an outpost in orbit above the planet Peripolis. Aboard the station, you'll be presented with a series of potential missions - usually protecting convoys, stealing enemy secrets, or clearing systems of their hostiles. Should you accept and complete a mission, monetary bounty, promotions, and new starships await. Each craft can be upgraded with an array of weaponry. The first ship you pilot, the Magentech Snapdragon, has minimal equipment possibilities: lasers, stun missiles, and shield regeneration units. As you progress, new ships offer not only increased armor and speed, but also new armament capabilities. All told, there are more than 30 different weapons to acquire. When it comes to actual combat, little has changed from Colony Wars: Vengeance. Use the directional pad to steer your ship, thrust until you engage an enemy, and then blow it up. Repeat the process and try not to get killed. As in prior releases, larger ships offer sanctuary in addition to danger. While hulking galleons and battle cruisers possess a great deal of firepower, they also contain a great many nooks and crannies, all of which you can use for shelter. Has a fighter acquired missile lock on you? Are your shields in need of a recharge? Get in close and hide.