Universal Combat

 PC
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 5 out of 16
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  1. Computer Games Magazine
    60
    An amazing bargain, particularly if you like the idea of exploring a dynamic universe and don't mind filling in a few gaps with imagination while you live the Captain Kirk fantasy. [July 2004, p.67]
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  2. Gamer's Hell
    60
    Remains really the only game of it’s kind, and sadly, if no other developer takes this genera seriously, Universal Combat is the best we’ve to hope for.
  3. Adrenaline Vault
    60
    It’s a very serious niche simulation that’s got some lumps which will be unappealing to the average player. If you want to “get it,” you’ve got to be willing to pour the time into learning the nuances of the title.
  5. GameSpot
    59
    Much like its predecessor, "Battlecruiser Millennium," this wildly ambitious simulation is torpedoed by an almost incomprehensible interface, the absence of a tutorial both in-game and in the poorly organized manual, numerous bugs, and many fit and finish issues, including dated production values.
  6. IGN
    59
    I would rather have explored a single, dynamic system or three, rather than piles of basically static ones that felt like they hadn't existed the moment before I arrived.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    50
    I can tell you right now that only those willing to devote a big chunk of their life to this game will reap any significant rewards from it. And by the looks of the few people online I would say that there's not too many gamers willing to devote massive amounts of time to such an experience.
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  8. Computer Gaming World
    50
    For anyone who doesn't share Dr. Smart's very specific obsessions, however, Universal Combat is an exhausting, impenetrable bore. [Oct 2004, p.82]
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  9. Yahoo!
    50
    There's something wrong with the game, though, which comes down to two fundamental problems: interface and gameplay. Smart has called it "idiot proof," but the truth is that the game is still way too cryptic.
  10. Game Chronicles
    50
    If you want a decent space sim with some strategy, I would go with "X2: The Threat." Universal Combat, as a whole, is not worth the effort it demands.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
2.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 27 out of 34
  1. ugura
    Apr 8, 2016
    0
    Universal Catastrophe 2.0

    I don't wanna be yet another Derek Smart basher, but sometimes you do well to listen to (what could otherwise be)    Universal Catastrophe 2.0

    I don't wanna be yet another Derek Smart basher, but sometimes you do well to listen to (what could otherwise be) your community of dedicated players and fix dat stuff before boldly making mess where no one has messed before.    … Full Review »
  2. Mordeth131
    Oct 29, 2017
    1
    Very poorly done game, you’d be very lucky to even get it to work! When it does work the gameplay is tedious and frustrating. I first boughtVery poorly done game, you’d be very lucky to even get it to work! When it does work the gameplay is tedious and frustrating. I first bought many years ago in a bargain bin at radioshack and thought it sounded good, big mistake. More recently tried it again and it really has not held up well over the years. The dev could likely use more experience and should try more modern games like Eve or Elite. Each are not for everyone but provide a much better experience.… Full Review »
  3. HetNet
    Apr 19, 2009
    2
    Same great concept as the original BC2K, but just as unfinished after 20 years, and as unplayable, as that was...Every aspect of the game isSame great concept as the original BC2K, but just as unfinished after 20 years, and as unplayable, as that was...Every aspect of the game is unfinished and unrealized..It just feels like they got bored halfway through each aspect and moved to another one..The spaceflight, atmosphric flight, FPS, space marine combat....ALL of it is just substandard and incomplete...Could have been such an world-changing series....if someone else had done it...But DS just doesn't seem capable of turning out even average quality gameplay or programming.… Full Review »
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