Conflict Zone

• Title — Conflict Zone • Developer — MASA Group • Publisher — Ubi Soft • Released — Windows Dreamcast PlayStation 2 • Genre — Real-time strategy • Modes — Single-player, multiplayer • Platforms — Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Windows

In 2010, the majority of the world's developed countries have formed a centralised organisation, known as the International Corps for Peace, dedicated to bringing about world peace through worldwide media, but not all developing countries are keen to be involved. Ghost, a secret organisation, seeks only the economic interests of its members without any attachment to morals thus does not hesitate to create crisis situations which the International Corps for Peace is forced to solve, through humiliation, and healthy propaganda.

Conflict Zone feature two playable campaigns for each faction: the International Corps for Peace and Ghost as well as a Skirmish mode against the computer. The Missions take place in various locations including a civil war in Ukraine and conflicts between Indonesia and Malaysia and a war between India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Niger. Most missions usually require the player to build a base, train an army and then complete objectives in order to accomplish the mission. Unlike most other traditional real-time strategy games, where a main resource pool is used to produce units and buildings, Conflict Zone uses a unique media coverage system where innocent civilians are the centerpiece and the factions offer different methods of approach. Conflict Zone's main innovation was the use of propaganda, which was crucial in the game, coming in the form of Popularity Points to unlock units. The International Corps for Peace employ highly trained units that can overwhelm their enemies directly but their actions are monitored by the news; Civilian welfare is a priority and neglecting them can drop their PP but sending and rescuing civilians via helicopter or bringing wounded soldiers will instead raise it. Ghost, however, are lesser trained and thus weaker against the ICP's assault. However they can employ Cameramen units to film their havoc on their enemy's humanitarian efforts by destroying refugee helicopters and camps, intentionally put civilians in the crossfire and attack ICP forces, raising their standing with their member nations and their Popularity Points. Losing fights whilst in view with their Cameramen however drops their PP. Conflict Zone also includes three AI Co-Commanders that the player can fund, interact and instruct which, in most cases, ease off some of the player's responsibilities. Each commander is tailored to a specific strategy: Attack, Defend, Commando and Specialist. By allocating resources, units and even bases to a co-commander, the player can have him/her perform various operations with whatever is at hand.