"Freedom Fighters: The Cold War turns hot!"

While Freedom Fighters might not feature a super complex command menu like Socom, it does feature intense gun-battles and loads of fun. Killing commies has never been this enjoyable…

In an alternate universe, the Soviet Union defeated Nazi Germany by dropping the atom bomb, ending the war in Europe. By the late 50s, all of Europe is apart of the Communist block. Advisers are sent into Latin America, and in 1996, the Communist party takes control of Mexico. This is how Freedom Fighters starts, and it gives you a very eerie feeling. You play as Chris Stone, a plumber and regular ‘average Joe'. It just so happens that today is the day of the Soviet invasion, and he is fixing the sink of one of the most important figures in New York's anti-Communist movement. The war has begun…

Almost immediately you are thrown into action. Running through the streets of New York City, you hear the sounds of civilians screaming and explosions everywhere. This game's style and presentation is top-notch and exactly what we've come to expect from EA. Urban guerrilla warfare is recreated perfectly as you fight street by street, block by block. Little things like only being able to carry one large weapon at a time really add to the feel and atmosphere of the game.

One unique feature of FF is the ‘recruit and command' system. By performing various tasks, such as simply completing a mission or healing injured civilians in hidden alleyways, you gain charisma points. The more charisma you have, the more fighters you can recruit. This neat feature really makes you want to explore every nook and cranny of each level. It's a nice addition that I hope to see in more games in this genre.

The strategy elements in Freedom Fighters work well. The command system uses only three buttons, one for attack, one for defend, and one to call back. While simple, it is perfectly suited for the intense, close-quarters combat you'll find yourselves engaged in. The A.I. of your squad works relatively well and you'll rarely have any problems. My only complaint is the fact that the A button also functions as the main action button in addition to calling back your fighters. This can be frustrating when you have strategically placed men at machine gun nests and sniping spots. Overall though, the simple and easy command system is exactly what you would want for this game. Compared to the complex and often complicated slew of menus expected from most squad-based shooters, Freedom Fighters offers a refreshing change and just seems to be more fun.

As for the missions themselves, everything is connected. For example, you might have to go to one area and pick up some explosives, then go back and destroy a sniper's nest, and then go back to the original level. It really gives an open-ended feel to the game, unlike many shooters that feel too linear.

You will be drawn to Freedom Fighters because it's just so darn fun. The longer you play, the more you will like it. Even after beating it, I wanted more. FF seems shorter than it really is, because as the old saying goes, time flies when you're having fun.

Graphics- The graphics are very well done, and are go along with the overall slick presentation. The elaborate environments are very impressive. Due to the free camera, there seems to be a few problems that you otherwise would not see. Minor flaws aside, attractive visuals paired with intricate detailing make you feel as if you are in occupied New York City.
8.5/10

Sound- The superb sound really helps to create an excellent atmosphere. From the faint sound of distant battle in the background to the mood setting soundtrack, everything is top-quality.
9.5/10

Control- I did have a few complaints with the controls. First of all, the manual camera and zoom are virtually useless in the heat of battle and are really only affective during long-range sniping. Second, as I mentioned earlier, the main action button is also the retreat command, and this can be frustrating at times. The made-for-battle command system and auto aim to a very good job in covering up these flaws.
7.5/10

Replay- Freedom Fighters does feature a multiplayer mode that while enjoyable, is really bare-boned. Even though the multiplayer mode doesn't add much, the sheer fun of FF means you'll want to replay it over and over again.
7/10

Overall- The top-notch presentation and intense gameplay create one of the most satisfying and just plain fun games I've played in a while. Definitely worth your time and money.
8.5/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/04