Centaura (1996 Video Game)

Centaura (1996 Video Game

Premise:

Centaura, known as CTA in GameCube, is a survival sandbox psychological horror game where you take over as a soldier named Krien Ernkest, a recruit for Aquilla Republic, defending his country against enemies during the Centauran Wars, while in sandbox mode, you can create large scale AI or player-driven battles. A sequel came out in 2002 (originally 1999). A loosely based remaster, "Shell Shock" was released in 2013, while a remake version released in 2021.

Plot (Story Mode):

On August 18th, 1908, Krien Ernkest leaves home to join as a private for the Aquilla National Guard (ANG), which is already deployed for the ongoing Centauran Wars, which started in 1907. Days later, he is at the front. The first few days are well, with him training by shooting at dummies and other veterans telling him tales, but at day 6, Cetus Forces attack the trench, and they are defeated, but not before Krien is forced to kill a soldier high-schooled age. At Day 13, Cetus destroys the trenches, forcing the ANG to retreat to Polygon Woods. There, they stay until their battle at day 19. after a long struggle, the army burns part of the forest, scattering the moving Cetus army and stopping Cetus to take over a nearby village, Grent. At day 45, after long skirmishes, the Antares army move to lay siege, but they are defeated. Soon, Krien becomes friends with the group colonel, Grant Ulger, who saves him at day 30, when an explosion happens. At day 40, a siege on Aquilla's capital city, Aquarius, begins. Grant is killed, and the ANG shatters, with one of the only survivors being none other than ANG. At day 42, he flees, and another day later, he returns home. At day 47, he returns to the city, only to discover ruins left by Cetus and Antares. Years pass until 1914, when Krien decides to go back to the army, but before that, he confesses to his girlfriend, Jean, that he loves her, and they kiss. After the credits, Krien is seen fighting, then an explosion happens.

Sandbox Gameplay

It's nothing that important, however, it's more popular than the bland story mode, where you can create your own country (optional), and start large scale wars and battles, even taking the eyes of a soldier.

Critical Reception

The Story had a reception of 67 at Metacritic, while sandbox and other modes received more than 78%. They praised the sandbox, battle royale (added in 1998, removed months lates), the gameplay and mechanics, while criticizing the bland story mode.