"Best Squad Based Game"

Freedom Fighters is one of those games that doesn't get that much publicity, but definately should NOT be missed. The single player missions are just excellent. The game is broken down into different sets of locations that you can hop around to whenever you choose to do so. In each set of locations, the locations themselves are linked together so something you do in one could effect what it is like in another in that same set. Say you destroy a heli-pad at one, then in the other locations there will be no 'copters to mutilate you and drop reinforcements. It's a wonderful way to make it almost feel like what you're doing matters.

The story is progressed through a series of ''news'' broadcasts. A couple of them are actually rather humorous if you think about it.

As for graphics, they aren't the best, but they aren't the worst. In game they are fluid through the first 3/4ths, but by the end with all the snow and explosions, you will notice some major slow down, but nothing that will really hinder your fun. There are some seems that you can see while walking the streets (white lines mostly...), but you don't often see them. Other than that the graphics are really good. Good cinematic sequences as well (graphically).

The music throughout the game is pretty much the same Soviet-esk music, and although it's pretty cool sounding, it does get old. There are a couple times when it's different, but for the most part it's the same. As for voice acting, that's done rather well. I have absolutely no complaints there.

The multiplayer is where I took off the most points from my overall score. It is a decent multiplayer, but with only three maps and only one mode (a mix of capture the flag and deathmatch), it doesn't offer as much as it could have. It can be fun, but after a half-hour I'm sure you'll be ready to get back to the solo missions. This could have had one of the best multiplayer experiences, but it seemed as if it was just thrown in last minute. I won't dwell on it anymore...

Finally, replayability. It has no unlockables save for a ''secret mission.'' No new multiplayer maps, scenarios, skins, nothing. If you enjoy the game, then playing through it again is extremely fun, but you don't get a drive to so. Sure beating it on a harder difficulty would give you something to shoot for, it's nothing like what unlockables would have given you.

All in all, a wonderful game. I suggest a rental, though, because once you beat this, you may not have the drive to do so again, and that would be a waste of $50, no?

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/05/03