S.W.I.N.E.
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| S.W.I.N.E. | |
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| Developer(s) | StormRegion |
| Publisher(s) | FishTank Studios |
| License | Freeware |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date | November 19, 2001 |
| Genre(s) | Real-time tactics |
| Mode(s) | Single player, Multi player |
| Rating(s) | 11+ |
| Media | CD-ROM, Download |
| System requirements | Pentium 2 466Mhz processor, 96MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, 32MB 3D graphics card[1] |
| Input methods | Keyboard, mouse |
S.W.I.N.E. is a real-time tactics game designed by FishTank Studios. The player chooses to fight as either the brutal invading pigs or the pacifist rabbits, and plays a series of missions. There are many units, including mortar, artillery, and tank units. There are also 10 multiplayer campaigns, each with many modes of play, including capture the flag and deathmatch. In 2005, S.W.I.N.E. was made available to download for free by its developer, Stormregion.[2]
Not to be confused with the student group in Al Capp's "Lil Abner": S.W.I.N.E. or Students Wildly Indignant about Nearly Everything.
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[edit] Gameplay
Like many other real-time tactics games, S.W.I.N.E. focuses on the tactical aspects of the battle. There is no building construction or resource gathering. Instead, the player is given a determined amount of Strategic Points (or SPs) after the accomplishment of a mission, and these points can be either used to buy new units or to activate certain special abilities possessed by some units during battle. It is possible, however, to buy units during the missions.
Like many other 3D strategy games, it is possible for the player to zoom in and out of the battle, as well as rotating the camera around the battlefield. When selected, the units make random statements based on a wide variety of circumstances, such as the time of the day, the type of the terrain or its current health.
Each type of unit has its own special capacities and weaknesses. Scouts, for instance, are great for exploring or luring the enemy and are the only unit capable of transversing water, but have little armor so they do not last long on the frontline, meanwhile tanks, in spite of having both a good offensive and defensive capabilty (which its increased by its capacity to burrow on the ground) are vulnerable against units which have greater sight.
The rabbit campaign deals with the aftermath of the Pig's initial offensive and Carrotland's attempt to cut off the N.P.A. supply lines, while the Pig campaign shows the onset of the invasion. The pig campaign is aimed at experienced players, and has a greater difficulty level compared to its rabbit counterpart.[1]
[edit] Story
On July 26, the Republic of the Pigs was overthrown by the General Iron Tusk. After dealing with the remaining Republican loyalist forces in his territory, Tusk turned its attention to the neighborhooring nation of Carrotland, home of the rabbits. On August 3rd, without warning, the National Army of the Pigs, ( also referred to as the National Pig Army) crossed the border between the two nations, and launched a brutal and swift campaign against the rabbits. Within only two weeks, they’d laid waste to Carrotland, and had its capital under siege. As a result of the intense fighting, the rabbit army is nearly decimated. Towns and villages are deserted. Carrotland's military defensive efforts haven't been crowned by success, and their reduced army cannot stop the hordes of swine. In desperation, the government and the staff of generals reach the following decision: Because overwhelming Iron Tusk’s war machine with a frontal attack is impossible, they would have to resort to subterfuge. From the remains of their reserves, the rabbits decided to create a powerful fighting force. Without suffering too many losses, this force must harass and sneak attack the enemy until they lose all their supply lines and military objectives. Now, all that remains is to find a capable officer who can lead this operation.
[edit] The Species
[edit] The Pigs
The pigs are an uncheerful people. These irritable animals can get their curly tails in a knot about the least little thing. They are unbearably arrogant, even to each other. Within their military state, members of the N.P.A. (National Pig Army) are given a great deal of respect, and the top military leader is even honored as a sort of demigod. The soldiers are fanatical fighters and will do almost anything for their commanding officers. Their national drink is Pig Rock Beer, which they quaff with gusto while telling vulgar stories and laughing much too uproariously. When they raise their hoarse voices in song, they often show their tusks. (Note: It frequently happens that a pig with large tusks will advance more quickly in rank than his more moderately tusked compatriots.) When pigs get nervous, their eyes dart around in all directions. Pigs are quite muscular, even if you can’t always see the muscles due to the incredible quantity of fat they carry around. Pig units move sluggishly and ponderously, but they have strong armor and enormous destructive power. Their cities are dirty, and their houses, which look very similar to pigsties, are dominated by enormous chimneys.
Iron Tusk is the game’s key figure. He is the strong-armed dictator who is attacking the rabbits, with the unlimited support of his people. All across the country, you see pictures of Iron Tusk. Enormous flags are waving everywhere. It is a perfect example of a personality cult. They speak in a German accent.
[edit] The Rabbits
A peaceful, friendly species that is always ready to make compromises. They respect not only each other, but other species as well. Their cities are clean and orderly. The carrot shape is typical for their buildings and units. They love any food, as long as it contains carrots. Their long ears mostly hang down, and they often run their tongues over their large incisor teeth. Carrotland has a democratic government. They relied so much on the power of words that they have neglected their army’s fighting strength to a certain degree in recent years. Ever since the country was attacked, the small, relatively well-equipped army has been fighting bloody battles for every inch of ground. But pitched battle is apparently to no avail. It looks like it is going to be impossible to stop the attacking swarms of swine. They speak in a French accent.
