Gen Con 2002Risk impressions

Infogrames brought the Xbox version of Risk to Gen Con 2002, and displayed the game in motion. Though the version we saw was only for the Xbox, it seems likely that the upcoming PS2 and GameCube versions of the game will probably be mostly identical, since the game seems simple enough, on the whole.

Risk for consoles seems like it will be straightforward translation of the classic Parker Brothers board game. Players will be able to choose to play in classic, secret mission, or capital Risk, though they'll also be able to alter a few of the game's basic rules, by changing territory allocation, army allocation, card value, chain fortification, maximum number of armies, whether or not commanders will be available, and whether or not players will be able to use attack advantage.

Like the classic board game, Risk will be turn based, and let up to six players play at once (either with a multi-tap accessory, or just with two controllers). Players will go through standard "pick territories," "place armies," and attacking phases on the game's simple but colorful world map, on which territories are clearly marked, and armies are marked as single game pieces with a number to indicate their strength. When computer opponents fight each other, players will simply watch the two opposing army pieces fire at each other on the world map until one falls over and explodes. When players go into battle against computer opponents or each other, they'll be taken to a 3D view of a battlefield, with 3D armies on either side. Since the game is in a pre-alpha state, these 3D armies look rather simple, though they'll fire at each other based on clearly-indicated die rolls that show up on either side of the screen.

Risk is currently scheduled for release for the Xbox, PS2, and GameCube this November.