Continuum

Continuum is an action game that sits comfortably in the tradition of fast, arcade-inspired PC experiences where movement and reflexes matter more than complicated inventories or lengthy tutorials. Its title might sound philosophical, but the gameplay is considerably more interested in keeping you moving. The early-2000s setting gives it a particular visual and mechanical flavour, occupying that interesting period when independent developers were experimenting with 3D technology while still carrying plenty of old-school arcade instincts. It may not have become a household name, but obscure releases like this are useful reminders of how much experimentation was happening outside the industry's biggest publishers. Retro players with a taste for forgotten action games should give it a look.

“Ever imagine what it'd be like to play Asteroidsagainst your friends? Want to savor the satisfaction of blasting people out of space in some addictive side-scrolling 2D spaceship shooter action? Slap on some snazzy graphics, guns, bombs & big explosions and the beautiful revelry of flying past your enemy's debris as they cuss at you, and you have Continuum, the longest running massively multiplayer spaceship shooter game running today.” - Virgin Interactive

Review by Game Hippo:

“Anyone ever played SubSpace? Continuum is the continuation of this freeware game. Continuum is a multiplayer top-view space game. It features 8 different ships - each with their own unique abilities. The graphics and sound effects of the game are fantastic, and game play manages to keep up with it. Keyboard shortcuts allow for easy access to all the upgrades you have, and you never have to leave the action. Another great feature is 'turreting' allowing a second player to join up with another player in one ship, but with two guns. The game also has a central lobby server that you can connect to - making it easy to find multiplayer games. Continuum has a single player training mode, but there are no bots to play with. Continuum has different styles of play, and it depends on the server. Some servers have free-for-all death matches, others have team matches, and some have ‘capture the flag’ games. There is a special Continuum sport, ‘Soccer’. In Soccer, you pick up the ball, and try to shoot it at the enemy’s goal. Continuum allows you to customize your skins. You can download several skins and the skin editor at the website’s download page also.“