"An Excellent Isometric Squad-Based Superhero Game"

First off, I am rating this game based on what it is going for. This is an excellent isometric squad-based superhero game. You're probably saying ''What?'' Well, that's the problem. Few people want/understand a game such as Freedom Force. For future reference it is kind of like Syndicate, Syndicate Wars, or Fallout Tactics. I am also reviewing this game unpatched, that's what they released, so that's what I'm reviewing.

Well, essentially Freedom Force is a game viewed from overhead with a movable camera where you control up to 4 superheroes and guide them through objective based missions where you try to defeat the bad guys while minimizing casualties. The better you do, the more (and better) characters you can recruit to your team. Keep in mind, that most of the characters will join you regardless.

Graphics: The game is very pretty with a 60s style atmosphere (probably put a few more people off, but it works). There seem to be enough polygons put into the models that they are more than workable, especially from the distance you view them (although you can zoom in closely, you will usually go for a wide view to survey the action). The graphics are good but also simple enough to allow several enemies on screen at a time. There is good use of color also, this being a superhero game and all...

Gameplay: Since this is a gametype that not everybody likes, I will rate this on how it works based on how it's supposed to work, and not how people may or may not like it. I will rate it based on how it stands in the genre. That being said the gameplay is very good. There is a whole range of attack types and effects. It is pausable or able to be put into slow-mo for better battle coordination. Advanced battle strategy isn't really needed, but you will need to use a little thought for how to complete objectives, which heroes to bring on the mission, and which attacks to use when.

Control: Everything is very responsive and easy to activate. The game is mouse driven, but there are keyboard shortcuts. The menus are simple to navigate, and the interface makes sense. It has overall good control.

Sound: The sounds are great. The game could use a bit more ambience, but that's nitpicking. The sounds are crisp, clear, and don't distract. Also, the voice acting is pretty good. I am not saying that there is real emotion and drama, but the actors won't bore you with their voices, and the story carries on without hitches. Some of their dialogue is funny too.

Music: This could use some improvement. The music is pretty much all for ambient effect, but I never felt like it was conveying the right mood. I never felt it convey a sense of urgency, although it did convey a foreboding atmosphere fairly well. It's not bad, but not the best out there in my opinion.

Story: Not really a strong point. Each of the characters have their background story, but they have little to do with the story. Typical video game story of defeat the bad guys and save the world. There are a few twists, but none that will make your head spin. Also, some things just aren't explained and some of the bad guys' actions don't make much sense under examination. This is one of reasons i can't give FF a perfect score.

Replayability: Heavy. There is a character creator that gives you a lot of freedom (seriously, no pun intended). There is also an easy to use Editor for making mods. Speaking of which there are plenty of mods floating out there on the internet, as well as skins and meshes for the characters. There is also a multiplayer mode...

Multiplayer: Blah. There is only a deathmatch mode. Co-op, CTF, or something new would have been good. The deathmatches are chaotic, there is no pause option, so it takes a little adjustment, and many times all of the different players' characters are carbon copies that all have the same ''best'' powers. Also some powers are not multiplayable (usually the kind of powers that bosses wield). There aren't many maps, the and the ones that are there don't really add or detract anything. It's a shame that the multiplayer isn't on the same level as the rest of this game. Another reason FF doesn't score a 10 in my book. On another note, the opponents you will find (and there aren't many people on FF multiplayer) usually fall into these categories: A. Uses one of default characters, no matter how high the ''character level'' is set, so he is using a character one fifth the power. Gets beaten in 5 seconds and then complains. B. Uses moves with high stun on you to the point where you can't move for minutes at a time. C. Disconnects on a whim.

I guess you can't judge the game by the people who play it, I am just saying that normal multiplayer won't hold your interest for as long as other games. I give freedom Force a solid 9, but a few things detract from the perfect 10, including lackluster music, story, and multiplayer as well as a few bugs. I would still heartily recommend this great game to anyone who likes superheroes or tactical overhead games.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/02/03, Updated 04/02/03