A good shooter with cool graphics, neat weapons and features, and the best Wolf3D engine based game around!
Triad was created by Apogee Software, which also published iD Software's Wolfenstein 3D and Commander Keen games. Triad was created using a heavily modified Wolf3D engine, and was supposed to be a true sequel to Wolf3D, with new enemies, features, and weapons. Original art for the game was even done in the classic Wolf style. However, iD, now their own company, I guess didn't want any distractions from thier new game DooM. Triad was cancelled for the time being. As the FPS genre began to rise, Triad was put back into production, but as a stand alone game with no connection to Wolf3D. Still, the story has to do with a Post World War II theme, where some cult is beginning to form. You the player choose to be one of several characters with different abilities and attributes. Then, you go Frmer-Nazi slaying. While there are no Swastika's or German speech samples in game, it's still around WW2 due to the appearence of the Colt .45, MP40, and enemy soldiers wearing outfits that resemble Nazi gaurds and troopers. Did the game work?
Despite some poor reviews for it not being up to standard with games like DooM or its spin-offs like Heretic, HeXen, or Strife, the game still became well know, and devoloped fans.
First, gameplay: Gameplay is very much like Wolf3D and DooM. Manuever the level, killing enemies and solving puzzles and finding keys, and get to the exit room or switch to end the stage. Then repeat the process in stage two. Nothing overlly advanced or new.
However, in terms of Features: Lots. As far as I can trace back, no game back then had Dual Pistols or Heat Seekers of thier own, which shows that this game has some serious firepower when put up agianst other games. I think Master CHeif would think twice before fighting someone as well armed as you in this game! Additionally, the scenery can be destroyed, bullet holes appear in walls (And I mean like modern day bullet holes, and not allusioned bullet holes like in Operation Body Count, where's its just a wall texture), and booby traps, lots of booby traps..
Enemy AI?: Yes! WHile most enemies will simply walk and then take a pot shot, enemies may do a number of things such as duck and roll away from fire, go full auto at you at random, and even fake their deaths! Bosses can do a number of things such as fire machine guns and throw grenades, all at once! There is even one guy who has a full auto Bazooka! Additionally, you'll find yourself fighting these guys with all you got, as even the weakest of enemies don't die easy (thankfully, you have unlimited bullets to take care of them).
Triad also has a multiplayer feature which I have not yet tested. My only complaints? Well lets see; Good graphics, fun and violent gameplay, and some interesting puzzles.... Ah yes.... The game occasionally suffers from the appearences of large areas, which means getting to an enemy may take a bit. Additionally, Geometry in the level is non existent, with no height variations (Except for over doors and windows though). Apparently, they didn't have the stuff to make a game with actual stairs.
Nonetheless, this is quite a fun game, and you should really pick up a copy when you see one for a decent price.