America's Army

"I don't know what I've been told, but this game is gold!"

America's Army is a new game that was (obviously) created by the United States Military, and boy did they make a good one.

Gameplay

The gameplay is the most important feature of any game, and in America's Army it is tops. Everything in the game is completely realistic, which adds a certain element that is lost in games like Unreal Tournament 2003. This is a double-edged sword, for although it increases the ambiance of the game and your sense of actually being in the army, it also means that guns have a realistic jam rate (except for the AK-47, which is famous for never jamming). It also means that if you are hit, it will do a lot more damage to you, and a single headshot is enough to put you out for the rest of the session, which can be lengthy. However, this game is more than worth it.

You have to work in teams to complete your objectives, and that makes the game a lot of fun. In these teams, you are given a certain amount of guns, which you must divide amongst yourselves. Most people get the standard issues, while fewer get more destructive weapons like a mounted machine gun and the grenade launcher. And if you want the incredibly potent sniper rifle, then you better have passed that course (more on that later). And by working in teams, it doesn't just mean covering your teammate's back, it means constant communication. I cannot stress how important this is, but it is really fun once you get used to it. This may seem like a bit of a drag at first, but I feel it really adds to the game, and the type of person playing America's Army isn't the Counter-Strike noob who stabs your team in the back (and, the game punishes intentional firing on teammates by booting you for the session, which as mentioned above, can be a bit of time). Also, going solo, or attempting to be a Rambo will not fly in this game. Even if you have the hottest shot in the game, an opposing team working in unison can take down even the best marksman (or the one with the biggest guns, grenades, and so on).

The tutorials are brilliantly done, to the point where I didn't even realize I was playing a tutorial for most of them. There is the basic training, where you go through all the basic (duh) stuff. Shooting, movement, etc. And believe me, there are more factors than you'd think at first with all of these. After that, you get to the real crème de la crème, the specialty schools. There is an Airborne School, a Sniper School, as well as others, but these are two most fun. In Airborne, you learn how to be a paratrooper, which is crucial, because many of the best missions require you to drop in, which can't be done without your wings.

Considering that this is mainly a multiplayer game, there is massive replay value, as no two games are ever the same. And by not the same, I don’t mean you die third one time and fourth another, but they are all very different, because of all the on the fly tactical decisions that your squad must make.

Sound

The sound in this game is perfect. Bullets grazing your head will sound much different than a bullet missing you by ten feet. Not only that, but all these sounds are very realistic, which really makes you feel like an actual member of the army.

Graphics

The graphics in America’s Army are very realistic, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are good. They pretty much nailed the terrain and guns, and everything else is still aesthetically pleasing, but not amazing.

Overall

When all this is taken into consideration, it is impossible not to love this game. It has amazing gameplay, which is what games are about, and spectacular sound and graphics. To top it all of this100% FREE, which means that there is no excuse not to download it right now!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/02, Updated 12/20/02