Devastation

About

Devastation is a 2003 PC and Linux hybrid shooter-strategy game where you play Flynn Haskell, a resistance leader fighting a corrupt corporation in a polluted 2075. The story tasks you with dismantling Grathius Inc's cloning tech, which lets them resurrect soldiers into an immortal army. Gameplay alternates between first-person shooting missions and managing base resources, crafting weapons, and recruiting allies. You travel from San Francisco to Japan, stealing cloning devices and using them against the enemy. Tactical choices matter in both combat and strategy segments, like assigning squad members to defend outposts between firefights. The game blends real-time action with base-building mechanics, a rare mix in 2003. With a 69% Metacritic score, it’s praised for its ambitious design but dated visuals. Linux support at launch was notable for the era. The narrative focuses on moral ambiguity, with Flynn’s ragtag crew featuring memorable quirks. While not a modern classic, it appeals to players who want shooters with deeper strategic layers. The sequel, Devastation 2, was never released.