"Bigger, more extensive and more action..."

The original Americas' Army: Operations game was a huge hit, introducing players into the workings of the US Army with realistic training, squad-based missions and accurate weaponry. Developers have taken this concept a step further in version 2.0 by expanding operations into the Special Forces field.

America's Army: Special Forces is essentially the same game with added features. Players must complete the same training as they did in the original America's Army. However, America's Army: Special Forces contains two additional training missions exclusive to Special Forces. One training mission introduces you to a standard Special Forces squad, whose members outline their roles and responsibility, followed by a lecture and test based on the identification of friendly and enemy vehicles and personnel.

The second Special Forces training mission provides the hoo-ah to the game. In Escape & Evasion, players must navigate at night through a complex maze of natural valleys, creek beds and paths to reach checkpoints and complete the course while avoiding being seen by sentries. While the concept is simple, the design and execution of the level is brutal, and realistically difficult. However, upon completion of these two training missions, and after attaining a total of 15 Honor, players are qualified to play as Special Forces soldiers.

America's Army: Special Forces contains numerous maps exclusive to Special Forces, including a Combat Search and Rescue and an Escort/Assassination mission based around a hospital. Like the original game, the player's side is always the US Army, while the opposing side is always seens as the OPFOR. Unlike the original game, players are no longer bound by their distinctive roles.

In Special Forces maps, players can select different squad roles. The most common role is the 18C, or Special Forces Engineer. Other roles include the 18B Weapons Specialist, armed with a sniper rifle and 18Z, who uses a M249 SAW. Players who are not qualified to play as Special Forces can play as Indigenous Forces, armed with AKS74U's, RPK's and RPG's.

Many missions require both Special Forces and Indigenous Forces to operate as an intergrated unit. For example, a CSAR objective is to destroy a downed Black Hawk helicopter. In order to do so, a squad member must prepare the helicopter for demolition, and it must be destroyed by an RPG.

Perhaps the most extensive feature of America's Army: Special Forces is the M4 SOPMOD, or Special Operations Peculiar Modifcation. The SOPMOD is essentially a customised M4A1. Players are able to select the weapon modifications they want, including ACOG 4x Scope, ACOG Reflex Sight, M68 Aimpoint, M203A1 Grenade Launcher, Harris Bipod and Suppressor. Players also have access to the modified AKS74U and Special Purpose Rifle (SPR), a modified M16 used for sniping. Additionally, some missions also feature Thermite Grenades, which are used to destroy objectives.

While the new levels are heavily detailed, the cost comes in the form of more lag and longer loading times, but not much more than what is experienced in the original game. The biggest change would have to be the pace of the game. While America's Army: Operations was slower and more tactic-based, Special Forces levels are intense and much faster-paced. There is more lead firing through the air, and objectives require faster movement and action. Also, as Special Forces, the style of battle is different from regular Army units. Players must use initiative to make the right decisions, rather than follow the rest of the team in forming distinct lines or perimeters.

As of version 2.1, America's Army: Special Forces features ragdoll physics, resulting in more realistic, if not amusing death poses.

Overall, there are huge improvements in America's Army: Special Forces without compromising the good parts of the previous version. Besides, the original game comes with it anyway.

Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Replay: 9/10
Overall: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/13/04