Colony Wars: Red Sun

Psygnosis
Company type	Video game developer
Industry	Video games
Headquarters	United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Products	Colony Wars: Red Sun

Colony Wars: Red Sun (known as Colony Wars III: Red Sun in North America) is a space combat simulation game released in 2000. Developed by Psygnosis and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation, its North American distribution was handled by Midway Games. This title serves as the third entry in the series, succeeding Colony Wars (1997) and Colony Wars: Vengeance (1998). Unlike its predecessors, it centers on a civilian miner who becomes a mercenary rather than focusing solely on military pilots.

Originally planned for a North American launch by Psygnosis in March 2000, the release was postponed several times—from early April to late April or early May—before Midway Games ultimately set the official release date to June 1, 2000.

Gameplay

Players pilot one of nine distinct starfighters, each outfitted with unique weaponry, to complete a variety of combat missions both in space and atmospheric environments. Success in missions such as interceptions and escort duties rewards currency that can be invested in purchasing superior ships and weapon enhancements. The upgrade system permits players to equip new armaments and components into designated slots, with restrictions like a maximum of three identical laser weapons. Available upgrades include scatter guns, subspace dampeners, and drones. The velocity sight feature from Vengeance makes a return in this installment.

When engaging large enemy vessels, players have the ability to target specific ship sections, including defensive gun turrets.

Departing from the linear progression of earlier games, Red Sun introduces a more open-ended structure with deeper role-playing elements. As a mercenary, players choose missions from a Status Menu; only those labeled with a P icon drive the main storyline forward. Optional assignments provide additional income to acquire better ships and upgrades, facilitating advancement through the game.

Premise

Taking place around the same period as Vengeance, the narrative follows Alexander Lyron Valdemar, a miner operating within the Dendray system. He begins experiencing visions related to an alien species known as the Sha'Har and an enigmatic vessel called the Red Sun. A mysterious figure referred to as the General urges him to uncover the significance of the Red Sun concerning the galaxy’s fate.

Reception

The title garnered generally positive feedback on GameRankings. Noah Massey of NextGen described it as an excellent choice for enthusiasts of grand space battles. Early critiques from publications like Electronic Gaming Monthly, The Electric Playground, Game Informer, and GameFan were largely favorable.

Opinions from GamePro were mixed: one review acknowledged that while it did not revolutionize the genre, it remained enjoyable for fans of space combat; another recommended renting instead of buying due to certain shortcomings.

At IGN’s Best of 2000 Awards, Red Sun was nominated as runner-up in the "Shooter" category for both Editors' and Readers' Choice.

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