Conflict: Desert Storm

"One of the best multiplayer experiences on the 'Cube..."

Introduction to the Game:

Clear the sand from your weapon and keep out of sight. You are officially in the middle of the most heart-stopping, realistic, tactical action experience ever created! Battle your way the Gulf War as the elite U.S. Delta Force of British SAS. From the in-depth artificial intelligence of your enemies to the amazingly realistic environments, this one's got it all. Welcome to Desert Storm!

Presentation: 8/10

The opening cut-scene isn't visually outstanding at all, but once you get to the menu, everything begins to shine. In order to being the game, you must complete boot camp. Boot camp tells you absolutely everything you will need to know while playing Desert Storm. Menus are easy to get through and difficulty settings, sound settings and many other personal preferences are included. The presentation was well done.

Visuals: 7.5/10

Nothing here that is amazing, nothing here that is awful. The game features some large environments that are not extremely detailed, but in the desert, there isn't much eye candy anyway. Character models and vehicles are well done, but the tracer fire and explosions could have used some work. The game will not slow down in single player and may periodically slow down in four player cooperative mode, but this is a rare occurrence and is not really noticeable. Everything looks as it should in Desert Storm.

Sound: 8/10

Mission objectives are supported by briefings from your commander. Everything that is needed to know during the mission is told during the briefings. Explosions were well done and every gun in the game sounds different from one another. Everything from the wind and footsteps sound great in this game.

Gameplay: 9/10

This game is a great third person shooter that requires quick thinking and includes some stealth and fire fights. The controls work perfectly on the Gamecube controller. There are many configurations, so it is nearly impossible to be uncomfortable. You can issue orders to any of your four squad mates that are with you during the majority of the missions in the game. You will always have at least one partner there to back you up at some point in every level of the game. This squad based style of the game adds to the excellent gameplay in Desert Storm.

Lasting Appeal: 9/10

Four player multiplayer cooperative mode! What else can I say? You and up to three friends can take on the Iraqi Forces in the Gulf War! This definitely adds to the replay value of the game. Three difficulty settings just adds even more value to Desert Storm.

Presentation - 8.5/10
Visuals - 7.5/10
Sound - 8/10
Gameplay - 9/10
Lasting Appeal - 9/10

Minor Scores:

Multiplayer - 9.5/10 (a deathmatch mode would give it a perfect 10)
Originality - 8/10 (we need more tactical shooters like this one on the 'Cube)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/03/03, Updated 06/03/03