Incoming

The Windows version of Incoming was generally well received. In particular, the explosions, similar special effects and cut scenes using the main game engine were noted for their quality. The Dolby Surround-encoded sound was a further source of acclaim. British magazine PC Zone described it as "bloody good", with "some modest simulation elements". The magazine praised the setting of the game, commenting: "A refreshing change from the deep space of most futuristic combat sims, and something which definitely has a positive effect on gameplay." The review concluded by saying that "it's as fun as it looks. Just for once, all those people who don't read reviews and buy games purely on the strength of pretty pictures on the packaging are gonna find themselves playing a very, very enjoyable game." Edge highlighted the game's efficient gameplay mechanics, giving it eight out of ten and stating that designers "managed to produce something more than a lightshow, taking care to fine-tune a design that, if not exactly original, at least does its thing with flair and solid understanding of gameplay." Next Generation said the game was "definitely an improvement to the action/arcade genre, as well as a visual improvement to the 3D market as a whole. The amount of varied units and different setting give Incoming the commendable originality and replay value that make it a title worth checking out." Though considering the game "pretty darn tough", IGN praised the game's variety and length. It also praised the sound and graphics, though the latter was a source of criticism: "Incomings got it all... but it all comes at a high price: getting this game to run on our PCs was one big pain in the butt." Despite calling it "an outstanding-looking and great playing game", IGN only gave the game a "decent" review score because of the system problems. Conversely, GameSpots review noted none of these hardware issues, praising the visuals as "some of the finest... of any action game." The reviewer, however, described the game design as "strong yet slightly flawed... [it] definitely pulls you in, but leaves a little to be desired as far as keeping you there", complaining that "what [the developer] have presented gets tiresome quickly." The publication summarised the game as "a fine game and a definite must-have for arcade fans... What it lacks is a realization that computer games have moved beyond this simplistic style of gameplay." In December 1998, Arcade noted the game as the best example of the arcade action genre. The reception was less positive when the game was ported to the Dreamcast. A release title for Sega's console, IGN complained that the graphics were not top-of-the-range at the time of its late 1999 release, with the draw distance being cited as a specific hindrance on gameplay. IGN also said that, although the game "is lacking in many areas, there's more than enough here for the hardcore shooting fans out there to have their requisite blast of shooting action". Though criticizing the graphics' ability to "get in the way at times", the "very vague" mission briefings and the "odd flying model for the planes", the reviewer conceded that "if you're a hardcore shooting fan, and you're looking for a good challenge, you'll probably want to look into Incoming." Jonathan Licata of AllGame gave it three stars out of five, saying, "With the two-player modes falling short due to lack of innovation, Incoming exists as a one-player game for all intents and purposes. When you have completed all of the campaigns in their entirety, the appeal of the game wears very thin." PlanetDreamcasts review was harsher, describing the plot as "the same recycled garbage used in tons of other games of this type", the multiplayer split screen mode as "lame" and the objectives as "mundane". The reviewer also noted graphical issues, clipping problems and poor controls. Though dismissing the graphics as "a bit dated", the reviewer did acknowledge the "nifty special effects" and admitted that "Incoming may be worth a rental... [it] is only slightly better than mediocre." In a rare positive review for the Dreamcast version, Game Vortex described the visuals as "some of the most breathtaking visuals you'll find in any game." Though describing the multiplayer as "fun", it considered "by far, the best [mode to be] Campaign mode". The review concluded by describing the game as "lots of fun and highly recommended". In Japan, where said console version was released under the name lit. "Incoming: Humanity's Final Showdown", Famitsu gave it a score of 27 out of 40.