Breach 2
A tactical sci-fi sequel with diagonal movement and scenario editor.
Breach 2 is a science fiction strategy video game from Omnitrend Software, released in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS. It follows the 1987 title Breach and precedes Breach 3, which came out in 1995. The game shares its setting with Omnitrend's Universe and Rules of Engagement, and it works alongside both Rules of Engagement games.
In Breach 2, the player leads a squad from the Federated Worlds Special Forces, directing space marines through various missions. The squad leader's death in a scenario results in a loss and a return to the main menu. Every action taken by the squad leader and each marine is under the player's direct control.
The game improves on the original Breach with new gameplay features, such as diagonal movement and the ability to set a path for units instead of moving them step by step. Visuals and sound are also upgraded. New equipment includes smoke grenades, neutron bombs, camouflage suits, proximity charges, and foxhole-makers, along with fresh enemy types. The graphics use a diagonally viewed tile set in a classic 2D space, though this can make it hard to tell which actions are possible. This fake isometric view was dropped in Breach 3. If Breach 2 is available, Rules of Engagement can call it for tactical ground combat scenarios.
An updated version called Breach 2 Enhanced came out for the Amiga in 1991, featuring new graphics and a level editor.
Reception was mixed but generally positive. In 1990, Computer Gaming World called it more of an update than a true sequel, praising improvements like diagonal movement and the removal of permanent death, and recommended it to fans of the original. A 1992 survey of science fiction games gave it four out of five stars, noting it was easy to learn and fun, with the scenario editor and downloadable scenarios keeping it fresh. A 1994 survey of strategic space games set after 2000 awarded it three stars. Dragon magazine gave it 4 out of 5 stars for PC and 4½ for Amiga. Jim Trunzo, writing in White Wolf #21 (June/July 1990), rated it 4 out of 5, highlighting its short, 30-minute scenarios as ideal for a quick gaming break, well-rendered graphics, and enough options for varied approaches to objectives.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Breach 2
- Developer
- Omnitrend Software
- Publisher
- Impressions Games
- Released
- WW · 1990
- Genre
- Tactical role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- Amiga, Atari ST, MS-DOS
- Designer
- Thomas Carbone
- Artist
- Maurice Molyneaux
- Composer
- Bruce MacPherson
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Breach 2 places the player in command of a squad in the interstellar Federated Worlds Special Forces. The squad leader commands space marines across various scenarios; if the squad leader is killed, the player loses that scenario and returns to the main menu. The player controls every action of the squad leader and each marine.
The game introduced gameplay improvements over the original Breach, including diagonal movement and the ability to set a path instead of moving units step-by-step. New weapons such as smoke grenades, neutron bombs, camouflage suits, proximity charges, and foxhole-makers were added, along with new enemies. The graphics use a diagonally looking tile set in a classic 2D space, though the fake isometric view was dropped in Breach 3. If Breach 2 is available, Rules of Engagement can call it for tactical ground combat scenarios.
In 1991, an updated version titled Breach 2 Enhanced was released for the Amiga, featuring new graphics and a level editor.
Reader's Guide
Breach 2 holds significance as a refinement of the tactical squad-based strategy formula established by its predecessor. Computer Gaming World in 1990 described it as more of an updated version of the first Breach than a true sequel, but praised welcome improvements such as diagonal movement and the end of permanent death. The magazine's 1992 survey of science fiction games gave the title four stars out of five, noting it was 'Easy to learn and fun to play' with the scenario editor and downloadable scenarios making it a 'continuing fresh product.' A 1994 survey of strategic space games gave it three stars. The game received 4 out of 5 stars for PC and 4½ stars for Amiga in Dragon. Jim Trunzo in White Wolf #21 rated it 4 out of 5, stating that many scenarios are short and can be played in as little as 30 minutes, with well-rendered graphics and enough options for multiple approaches. Breach 2's compatibility with Rules of Engagement and its enhanced version with a level editor contributed to its lasting appeal among strategy game enthusiasts.
Did You Know?
- Breach 2 was developed by Omnitrend Software in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS.
- If Rules of Engagement is available, that game shifts to tactical combat in Breach 2 during several of its scenarios.
- The game's fake isometric view was dropped in the subsequent installment Breach 3.
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