Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising

"Solid online game that packs a punch"

Introduction:
I might sound a bit of a fan boy when I say this but... Battlefield 1942 was an excellent game that cleared new grounds for PC games. I would like to say this is a follow up game of Battlefield, but its not. On the same level? Perhaps. A good game? Yes, indeed. This game throws you into an extremely large battlefield with bases, modern day weapons, vehicles, and most importantly.. up to 150 other players. Sounds exciting? It is.. trust me. What happens when you throw a bunch of online players on a 50 square kilometer (yes you heard me) map, a bunch of weapons to choose from, vehicles out the wazoo (air, land and sea), and no monthly fee? You get a game called Joint Operations.

Gameplay:
Simple enough. The only offline gaming you do is training missions. Once you are confident enough you can join the real game (training is a good idea since things can get alittle chaotic online). Choose your class (which is customizable with a plethora of weapons and accessories) and join the fight. Just like any other first person shooter you go around killin the bad guys. This game is not your average first person shoot em up. This game leans towards the realistic shooter where a few shots can kill you but a single shot to your head will cause you to drop faster than the bullet's shell. I can't even begin to tell you how many vehicles there are in this game. Not only is there a lot of vehicles, but you can load vehicles with people and even load vehicles into one another (jeeps into chinooks). Alittle off subject here but this game in a way reminds me of a much much better Operation Flashpoint thats strictly online. However, in this game you must conquer bases, spawn points, etc. Victory will be yours as long as you can kill the enemy more than the enemy kills you.

Graphics:
Good graphics? Yeah. Amazing graphics? No. Makes sense? Yes. Why? Because its online game where there is SO much going on the system specs would be sky high if the graphics looked like Far Cry. Maybe my opinion on the graphics are slightly skewed since I played Far Cry but I assure you that they aren't the most amazing graphics you ever seen. Don't get me wrong though. They are still beautiful. Characters look good, vehicles look good, enviroment looks good. Water looks like water, trees look like trees, grass... well.. there IS a grass.. thats a big improvement over a lot of games right there.

Sound:
Personally, I've never been in a war before. But if i had to guess I would assume it would sound kinda like this game. Maybe. The sounds are very realistic but it doesn't fully capture me into the whole "holy crap its hell on earth" feeling that I should when I think of war. As big of a game this is, it doesn't seem like a full out war. It seems more of a large tactical battle without tactics... but thats okay, right?

Flaws:
This game is pretty solid. I haven't came across many problems. In fact, I don't think there is any problems. But that doesn't mean its flawless. Its a great game but it seems that it could be polished up more. I could say the game is like this when it should be like that.. but the game is what it is and what it is is just fine (no I'm not on drugs).

Conclusion:
I had a fun time playing this game. I don't want to say it "took" the idea from Battlefield but it is a good comparison and it molded it with Rainbow 6 to make this hybrid game of modern warfare. Do I recommend this game? Yes. Why? It's A LOT of fun. Why did I give it an 8? Its a game without a single player campaign and just multiplayer. Thats not all either... Its FUN but it lacks that "this is the best game" feel. Thats whats preventing it from being a perfect score.. an 8 is REALLY good people! Remember though.. this whole review is just my opinion, go find out for yourself.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/19/04