neotitl.gif 256x224 no picture 
No back scan
 
neolvl.gif 256x224 neoanim.gif 256x224
Introduction to the next level
A still image from the opening animation sequence
neogamea.gif 320x224  neogameb.gif 320x224
forming a barrier to stop enemy advancement
closing in on the enemy base
neoinfo.gif 320x224 neoscore.gif 256x224
 
The info screen which can be used to view technical data on each unit
 
Your stats presented at end of each level
neostat1.gif 256x224 neogamed.gif 256x224
The statistics of both units about to start a battle.
Starting a battle scene
 
Scores Stars out of 5
Graphics
Sound
Gameplay
Lastability
Overall
 		 Neo Nectaris is a military strategy game for the PC-Engine, but before you start to run away at the mention of the phrase 'military strategy', I must tell you what it is like first.  
It is turn based, but has more in common with Command and Conquer than most turn based strategy games; for there are only 4 commands used in the entire game: 
Move, 
Fire, 
Info, 
End, 
The commands are used as follows :-  
  • Move allows the movement of your units (easy enough) 
  • Fire allows your units to attack (duh! simple) 
  • Info gives you technical data on a unit - e.g. ground attack power, air attack power, armour, movement etc. 
  • End ends your round and passes to the next player.
All units (except immobile one's like the artillery and mines) can be moved, each giving you a movement 'grid' when you click on them, showing their range of movement (which may be blocked by terrain, another unit etc.), you can move anywhere in this grid of hexes - but you can only move a unit ONCE a turn. At the end of the movement phase you can then attempt to attack any enemy unit within range - they will be highlighted. The movement stage can be skipped if you want to attack a unit immediately next to you.  

Upon attacking an enemy the screen will change to the 3d-terrain battle mode.  
When the screen changes, you will be presented with a graphic description of the terrain you are on, along with several dialogue boxes showing the AT(tack strength) and DF(ence power) of both sets of units, other smaller dialogues popup showing the effect of other units in the vicinity (see later*).  
The battle then commences - the victor most likely having better stats.  

*When you are attacking an enemy, try to position your units so that more than one is against the enemy's hex position on the battle grid. This gives an advantage called 'area affect' which increases you AT and DF ratings during a battle sequence - look at the neogamea.gif for an idea how to use your units and the terrain. 

There are many units available throughout the game, more sophisticated ones becoming available the further you reach - providing an incentive to get further. 

Even though the objectives of each mission are the same; i.e. destroy all enemy units OR capture the enemy HQ, the game is really easy to get into with a great difficulty curve. Some of the levels are 3+ screens in width/depth, with 20+ units for both forces. The Japanese text is no problem for non Japanese linguists; I can't read a word of Japanese! With the only 4 commands you need located at the bottom of the screen in the clockwise order (from top left) move, attack, info, end. 

The info screen is also easy to understand too, with attack, defence, movement and other values depicted with graphics - e.g.. ground attack is shown with a little tank, air power by a small 'plane.  

What makes this game even better is the inclusion of it's predecessor - Military Madness 1 or plain old Nectaris to the Japanese. You get two games in 1! 

The graphics are very good, and the sound (musically wise) also top-notch; everyone with a PC-Engine or TG16 should have either Nectaris or Neo Nectaris, they're great!!! 

There is no Turbo mailing list review for Neo Nectaris.
 
This page and review by J.Snowdon 1998. All images are my own.