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{{short description|Video game by Swedish studio Data Realms}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| title = Cortex Command
| title = Cortex Command
| image = Cortex command.jpg
| image = Cortex command.jpg
| caption = Title screen of Cortex Command
| caption = Title screen of Cortex Command
| developer = Data Realms LLC
| developer = Data Realms
| publisher = Data Realms LLC
| publisher = Data Realms
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
| released = '''Windows''', '''Mac OS X'''<br/>28 September 2012<ref name="release"/><br/>'''Linux'''<br/>7 October 2012
| released = 28 September 2012<ref>http://devlog.datarealms.com/cortex-command/cortex-command-1-0-playtest-preview/</ref>
| genre = [[Action game|Action]]
| genre = [[Action game|Action]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]]
| platforms = [[Windows]], [[Mac OS X]], [[Linux]]
| director = Daniel Tabár
| director = Daniel Tabár
}}
}}


'''''Cortex Command''''' is a [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional]] [[side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[action game]] developed by Data Realms since 2001.
'''''Cortex Command''''' is a [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional]] [[side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] [[action game]] developed by Swedish studio Data Realms since 2001.


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
[[File:Cortex Command video game screenshot.png|thumb|left|''Cortex Command'' screenshot.]]
[[File:Cortex Command video game screenshot.png|thumb|left|''Cortex Command'' screenshot.]]
The player takes the role of a stationary or mobile "brain", which can take control of other purchased units in order to accomplish objectives. Missions range from tasks such as retrieving a control chip in a cave filled with zombies to defending the brain from attack. As the brain is weak, the player must manage his resources carefully, protecting the brain, mining gold and fighting off enemies.
The player takes the role of a stationary or mobile "brain", which can take control of other purchased units in order to accomplish objectives. Missions range from tasks such as retrieving a control chip in a cave filled with zombies to defending the brain from attack. As the brain is weak, the player must manage his resources carefully, protecting the brain, mining gold and fighting off enemies.


The game includes the ability for players to create [[mod (computer gaming)|mods]] (additions and changes to the game) with the built in [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] programming applet and simple scripting.
The game includes the ability for players to create [[mod (computer gaming)|mods]] (additions and changes to the game) with the built in [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] programming applet and simple scripting.


== Development ==
== Development ==
The [[game engine]] was designed and built by Dan Tabár, using several [[open source]] [[library (computing)|libraries]]. The [[Graphical user interface|GUI]] was built by Jason Boettcher, the artwork is by Arne Niklas Jansson, and the [[macOS]] port is by Chris Kruger<ref name="cc_home" /><ref name="play">{{Cite news| last = Griffin | first = Mike | title = Cortex Command: Brain slayers in outer space | newspaper = [[Play (US magazine)|Play]] | pages = 64–65 | date = June 2008 | url =| postscript = <!--None--> }}</ref>, while the Linux port was developed by Jesus Higueras.
The [[game engine]] was designed and built by Dan Tabár, using several [[open-source software|open-source]] [[library (computing)|libraries]]. The [[Graphical user interface|GUI]] was built by Jason Boettcher, the artwork is by Arne Niklas Jansson, and the [[macOS]] port is by Chris Kruger,<ref name="cc_home">{{cite web |title=Cortex Command |url=http://www.datarealms.com/games.php |publisher=Data Realms LLC |accessdate=2008-07-27}}</ref><ref name="play">{{Cite news| last = Griffin | first = Mike | title = Cortex Command: Brain slayers in outer space | newspaper = [[Play (US magazine)|Play]] | pages = 64–65 | date = June 2008 }}</ref> while the Linux port was developed by Jesus Higueras.


The game was first released as an [[open beta]] and was later released for purchase with a time-limited [[game demo|demo]] version available as well.
The game was first released as an [[open beta]] and was later released for purchase with a time-limited [[game demo|demo]] version available as well.


As of May 2008, the game was described as being in development for approximately seven years, with Dan Tabár quitting his job in mid-2006 to work full-time on the project.<ref name="indiegames" /> No versions for game consoles are planned.<ref name="indiegames" /> The game allows several components to be modified using [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] and [[INI file|INI]] files, such as Scenes (or levels), Actors, Weapons, and more.<ref name="indiegames">{{cite web |url = http://www.indiegames.com/blog/2008/05/interview_dan_tabar_cortex_com.html | title = Interview: Dan Tabár (Cortex Command)| author = W., Tim| publisher =indiegames.com | date = 2008-05-27| accessdate= 2008-07-01}}</ref> Influences for the game include the ''[[X-COM: UFO Defense]]'' series.<ref name="play" /> {{asof|2009}}, the full version is still being refined (as the game is still in extensive development), but includes unlimited play and extra features unavailable in the demo.<ref name="cc_home">{{cite web |title=Cortex Command |url=http://www.datarealms.com/games.php |author= |publisher=Data Realms LLC |date= |accessdate=2008-07-27}}</ref>
As of May 2008, the game was described as being in development for approximately seven years, with Dan Tabár quitting his job in mid-2006 to work full-time on the project.<ref name="indiegames" /> No versions for game consoles were produced.<ref name="indiegames" /> The game allows several components to be modified using [[Lua (programming language)|Lua]] and [[INI file|INI]] files, such as Scenes (or levels), Actors, Weapons, and more.<ref name="indiegames">{{cite web| url = http://www.indiegames.com/blog/2008/05/interview_dan_tabar_cortex_com.html| title = Interview: Dan Tabár (Cortex Command)| author = W., Tim| publisher = indiegames.com| date = 2008-05-27| accessdate = 2008-07-01| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080630031306/http://www.indiegames.com/blog/2008/05/interview_dan_tabar_cortex_com.html| archive-date = 2008-06-30| url-status = dead}}</ref> Influences for the game include the ''[[X-COM: UFO Defense]]'' series.<ref name="play" />

On 28 September 2012 the game was finally released in version 1.0 for [[Windows]] and [[Mac OS X]] via [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and for [[Linux]] on 7 October.<ref name="release">[https://www.geek.com/games/review-cortex-command-tries-hard-but-falls-short-1522223/ review-cortex-command-tries-hard-but-falls-short] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329142442/https://www.geek.com/games/review-cortex-command-tries-hard-but-falls-short-1522223/ |date=2020-03-29 }} by Sal Cangeloso on [[geek.com]] (19 October 2012)</ref><ref name="release2">[http://devlog.datarealms.com/cortex-command/cortex-command-1-0-playtest-preview cortex-command-1-0-playtest-preview] on datarealms.com (28 September 2012)</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawe |first=Liam |date=7 October 2012 |title=''Cortex Command'' 1.0 available! |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2012/10/cortex-command-10-available/ |access-date=22 July 2024 |website=Gaming On Linux}}</ref>

In July 2019 the [[source code]] was released as [[open source software]] under the [[AGPL-3.0-only]] [[software license]] on [[GitHub]].<ref>[https://www.gamingonlinux.com/articles/cortex-command-from-data-realms-goes-open-source.14567 Cortex command from data realms goes open source] by Liam Dawe on gamingonlinux.com (13 July 2019)</ref>

The game's soundtrack has been composed by [[Danny Baranowsky]].

== Setting ==
Despite the fact that the main story has been scrapped, Cortex Command does have some background lore. Sometime in the mid-to-far future after humanity suffered a war brought on by a religious group, Brain transplant and life support technology was developed to make space travel more feasible. This leads to humans making contact with alien life forms, and Founding Free Trade. Free Trade is one of the biggest if not the biggest corporations in the whole Orion Spur. But humanity doesn't stop there, despite humanity having long abandoned their bodies, they still kept the stubborn will to fight. With contracting being open to the highest bidder, prospectors fight on earth-like planets with rich gold deposits, while being supplied by companies like Alchiral or Free Trade. <ref>{{cite web |last1=Arne |title=Cortex Command Fluff |url=https://www.androidarts.com/cortexcommand/ |website=androidarts.com |access-date= }}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
The control system for the unfinished version of the game has been described as "too fiddly to be considered entertaining" in 2007.<ref name="pcformat">{{cite web |author=Alan Dexter |title=Cortex Command |publisher=[[PC Format]] |url=http://blog.pcformat.co.uk/page/pcformat?entry=cortex_command |date=2007-03-05 |accessdate=2008-07-26 }}</ref> Others described the game as requiring patience, asking players to "take [their] time and experiment".<ref name="rps">{{cite web |author=Jim Rossignol |title=Cortex Command |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/04/23/cortex-command/ |date=2008-04-23 |accessdate=2008-07-26 }}</ref> The game has been compared to other games in the genre, such as ''[[GunBound]]''<ref name="pcformat" /> and ''[[Worms (series)|Worms]]''.<ref name="rps" /> Positive reviews praise the detailed physics, as well as the chaotic gameplay.
The control system for the unfinished version of the game has been described as "too fiddly to be considered entertaining" in 2007.<ref name="pcformat">{{cite web |author=Alan Dexter |title=Cortex Command |publisher=[[PC Format]] |url=http://blog.pcformat.co.uk/page/pcformat?entry=cortex_command |date=2007-03-05 |accessdate=2008-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928095224/http://blog.pcformat.co.uk/page/pcformat?entry=cortex_command |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Others described the game as requiring patience, asking players to "take [their] time and experiment".<ref name="rps">{{cite web |author=Jim Rossignol |title=Cortex Command |publisher=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]] |url=http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2008/04/23/cortex-command/ |date=2008-04-23 |accessdate=2008-07-26 }}</ref> The game has been compared to other games in the genre, such as ''[[GunBound]]''<ref name="pcformat" /> and ''[[Worms (series)|Worms]]''.<ref name="rps" /> Positive reviews praise the detailed physics, as well as the chaotic gameplay.


''Cortex Command'' was the ''Indie Games'' Game of the Month for April 2008.<ref name="indiegames_gotm">{{cite web |author= |title=Game of the Month, April 2008 |publisher=indiegames.com |url=http://www.indiegames.com/gameofthemonth/ |date= |accessdate=2008-07-26 }}</ref>
''Cortex Command'' was the ''Indie Games'' Game of the Month for April 2008.<ref name="indiegames_gotm">{{cite web |title=Game of the Month, April 2008 |publisher=indiegames.com |url=http://www.indiegames.com/gameofthemonth/ |accessdate=2008-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725164937/http://www.indiegames.com/gameofthemonth/ |archive-date=2008-07-25 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


''Cortex Command'' won the Audience Award and Technical Excellence award at the 2009 [[Independent Games Festival]].<ref name="gamasutr">{{cite web|author= |title=11th Independent Games Festival |publisher=[[gamasutra.com]] | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=22919 |date=2009-03-26 |accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref>
''Cortex Command'' won the Audience Award and Technical Excellence award at the 2009 [[Independent Games Festival]].<ref name="gamasutr">{{cite web|title=11th Independent Games Festival |publisher=[[gamasutra.com]] | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=22919 |date=2009-03-26 |accessdate=2009-03-30}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 40: Line 50:
* {{Official website|http://www.datarealms.com/games.php|''Cortex Command'' official website}}
* {{Official website|http://www.datarealms.com/games.php|''Cortex Command'' official website}}


[[Category:Action video games]]
[[Category:Action games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:Lua-scripted video games]]
[[Category:Lua (programming language)-scripted video games]]
[[Category:Independent Games Festival winners]]
[[Category:Independent Games Festival winners]]
[[Category:Steam Workshop games]]
[[Category:Video games with Steam Workshop support]]
[[Category:2012 video games]]
[[Category:2012 video games]]
[[Category:Split-screen multiplayer games]]
[[Category:Split-screen multiplayer games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Sweden]]
[[Category:Commercial video games with freely available source code]]

Latest revision as of 13:01, 22 July 2024

Cortex Command
Title screen of Cortex Command
Developer(s)Data Realms
Publisher(s)Data Realms
Director(s)Daniel Tabár
Platform(s)Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
ReleaseWindows, Mac OS X
28 September 2012[1]
Linux
7 October 2012
Genre(s)Action
Mode(s)Single-player, Multiplayer

Cortex Command is a two-dimensional side-scrolling action game developed by Swedish studio Data Realms since 2001.

Gameplay

[edit]
Cortex Command screenshot.

The player takes the role of a stationary or mobile "brain", which can take control of other purchased units in order to accomplish objectives. Missions range from tasks such as retrieving a control chip in a cave filled with zombies to defending the brain from attack. As the brain is weak, the player must manage his resources carefully, protecting the brain, mining gold and fighting off enemies.

The game includes the ability for players to create mods (additions and changes to the game) with the built in Lua programming applet and simple scripting.

Development

[edit]

The game engine was designed and built by Dan Tabár, using several open-source libraries. The GUI was built by Jason Boettcher, the artwork is by Arne Niklas Jansson, and the macOS port is by Chris Kruger,[2][3] while the Linux port was developed by Jesus Higueras.

The game was first released as an open beta and was later released for purchase with a time-limited demo version available as well.

As of May 2008, the game was described as being in development for approximately seven years, with Dan Tabár quitting his job in mid-2006 to work full-time on the project.[4] No versions for game consoles were produced.[4] The game allows several components to be modified using Lua and INI files, such as Scenes (or levels), Actors, Weapons, and more.[4] Influences for the game include the X-COM: UFO Defense series.[3]

On 28 September 2012 the game was finally released in version 1.0 for Windows and Mac OS X via Steam and for Linux on 7 October.[1][5][6]

In July 2019 the source code was released as open source software under the AGPL-3.0-only software license on GitHub.[7]

The game's soundtrack has been composed by Danny Baranowsky.

Setting

[edit]

Despite the fact that the main story has been scrapped, Cortex Command does have some background lore. Sometime in the mid-to-far future after humanity suffered a war brought on by a religious group, Brain transplant and life support technology was developed to make space travel more feasible. This leads to humans making contact with alien life forms, and Founding Free Trade. Free Trade is one of the biggest if not the biggest corporations in the whole Orion Spur. But humanity doesn't stop there, despite humanity having long abandoned their bodies, they still kept the stubborn will to fight. With contracting being open to the highest bidder, prospectors fight on earth-like planets with rich gold deposits, while being supplied by companies like Alchiral or Free Trade. [8]

Reception

[edit]

The control system for the unfinished version of the game has been described as "too fiddly to be considered entertaining" in 2007.[9] Others described the game as requiring patience, asking players to "take [their] time and experiment".[10] The game has been compared to other games in the genre, such as GunBound[9] and Worms.[10] Positive reviews praise the detailed physics, as well as the chaotic gameplay.

Cortex Command was the Indie Games Game of the Month for April 2008.[11]

Cortex Command won the Audience Award and Technical Excellence award at the 2009 Independent Games Festival.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b review-cortex-command-tries-hard-but-falls-short Archived 2020-03-29 at the Wayback Machine by Sal Cangeloso on geek.com (19 October 2012)
  2. ^ "Cortex Command". Data Realms LLC. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
  3. ^ a b Griffin, Mike (June 2008). "Cortex Command: Brain slayers in outer space". Play. pp. 64–65.
  4. ^ a b c W., Tim (2008-05-27). "Interview: Dan Tabár (Cortex Command)". indiegames.com. Archived from the original on 2008-06-30. Retrieved 2008-07-01.
  5. ^ cortex-command-1-0-playtest-preview on datarealms.com (28 September 2012)
  6. ^ Dawe, Liam (7 October 2012). "Cortex Command 1.0 available!". Gaming On Linux. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  7. ^ Cortex command from data realms goes open source by Liam Dawe on gamingonlinux.com (13 July 2019)
  8. ^ Arne. "Cortex Command Fluff". androidarts.com.
  9. ^ a b Alan Dexter (2007-03-05). "Cortex Command". PC Format. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  10. ^ a b Jim Rossignol (2008-04-23). "Cortex Command". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  11. ^ "Game of the Month, April 2008". indiegames.com. Archived from the original on 2008-07-25. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  12. ^ "11th Independent Games Festival". gamasutra.com. 2009-03-26. Retrieved 2009-03-30.
[edit]
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