Save the colonists!
The Battle Isle series of turn-based strategy games is a generally fine franchise that gives you some nicely epic-scale Laser Squad-style action. The Incubation series is actually a spin-off from Battle Isle and which has spawned a number of equally interesting games. Hidden Worlds is probably the best way to get into the series as it includes the full game of Time is Running Out plus extras like music tracks, more maps and a few other bits and bobs. The base game is where you'll spend most of your time and this is a science fiction adventure which plays out as a mix of turn-based strategy and real-time 3D action. The whole thing is set against a grim backdrop of a war between human colonists and the vicious mutants which lurk outside their home and sees you in command of a squad of tough marines whose job it is is to kill all the monsters and to evacuate the colonists. What follows is a squad-based game which although it is turn-based is so fast-paced that it almost doesn't feel like and which is very difficult but which is also a whole lot of fun. It's a highly atmospheric game thanks to some nicely grim and gritty visuals which make a pleasant change from all the shiny sci-fi games out there and which really help to immerse you. The gameplay is varied and always challenging, thanks to some very tough missions and smart AI which will really keep you on your toes. There is a sort of puzzle aspect to many of the single-player missions but apart from this potentially divisive feature, this remains a first-class romp.
