Description
A strangled cry echoes from the far reaches of Alpha Centauri. Alpha wing and the GTCv Blade are sent in to investigate.

Storyline:
Now this is a fun storyline! You've been assigned as a pilot aboard the GTI Nile, one of the less prestigious squadrons. The well-written Command Briefing details how everyone looks down upon you, even the Briefing itself has an air of cynicism about it. This is one mission where it would have been great to have a voice behind the words, as they seem meant to be read. Even the debriefing is detailed. My only super-tiny nitpick is that "Origin" was misspelled. No biggie.

Balance:
Again, quite good. The player is asked to tackle several Shivan bombers attacking a Deimos-class corvette. Shooting down warheads is an essential part of this mission. The teams are evenly matched throughout, making for an exciting Freespace 2 experience.

Design:
Awesome design, here. This mission does something few user-made missions have done so far - something doesn't go as planned. Right off the bat, the mission tosses you into a cool debris field which seems like the remnants of some battle. The amount of in-flight chattering and banter is great and adds to the liveliness of the mission. Plus, you get a sense of mystery and you never know what the designer will toss at you next. Great stuff!

My only real qualm would be that the final firefight was a bit unneccessary and anti-climatic, unless you like beam cannons. Perhaps some more fighter/bomber confrontations would have been nice here.

Gameplay:
Yep, it's a fun little ditty. While it's not the longest mission in the world, it does keep you guessing and the balance is just right. Overall, a very worthy addition to your collection.

Other Thoughts:
According to the author, this mission was meant to be the intro for a future campaign. If those upcoming missions are anything like this one, we could have another Awakenings on our hands!