Full Spectrum Warrior

"Do you have what it takes to be a Full Spectrum Warrior?"

Intro-
Quick note, if you are looking for a game like SOCOM then look some where else this is not a run and gun game, in fact it is the exact opposite. It's a lot like chess making educated moves with your teams to flank and eliminate the enemy. Please if you are looking for an action game turn away now, but if you are looking for a truly revolutionary real time strategy game please come on in.
Thank you for taking the time to do some research on this game Full Spectrum Warrior, for all those curious buyers out there this truly is a revolutionary game. I won't go into too much detail about this games history since that isn't what my job here is for. This game was originally designed for the United States Army to help train and give off duty soldiers something to do. And luckily Pandemic studios and THQ released this game to the civilian population. I do have some gripes why they couldn't just have send us the military version instead of remaking it into a civilian model, well at least there are cheats where you can get the military version. Well enough about that here is my review!

Graphics-10/10
This game's graphics are the nicest you can see; the smoke puffs, muzzle flash, and fragmentations all look very nice against the Arab background. The game looks very realistic and there is a steady frame rate. The only thing that could possibly bother anyone is occasionally a gun butt or barrel might go though the elbows of one of your soldiers. But this is very minor compared to the magnificent terrain. And the best camera work ever in a game, the camera bobbles behind your soldiers like a cameraman following your troops into the hot zone. Again the graphics are beautiful, no jagged edges anywhere! The cars splintering under bullet fire, the walls chipping away, and the blood coming from your teammates when hit all add to the great in game environment that Pandemic Studios has made.

Sound-10/10
The sound is top notch, the bullets fizzing and snapping overhead along with the frantic yells of your team really sets you in the mood. The music is great as well as the sound effects. The same people who brought you the music in Black Hawk Down bring the musical score to you in the game. The voice acting is great but could of been better I mean with bullets whizzing by your head I think you would be more enthusiastic about getting under cover, but I love what the soldier have to say. It really lets you get to know the soldier even if he is pixels you start to care for him and start acting responsibly trying not to get your soldiers killed. Getting back to sound, overall the sound is above average.

Controls-10/10
I wouldn't have done the control layout any different, very easy to move, attack, and drop down for cover if needed. Nothing else to be said about it.

Game play-9/10
The game play is just great, truly puts you in the average soldier's shoes and makes you feel like you in it. This game is basically about how to get past choke points in the level, you can flank around, nade him, make a smoke screen, or even call in for an air strike! You must make quick but educated decisions, your soldier's lives depends on it. Remember that's someone's father, brother, or son who's life is in your hands and this game emphasizes that. This game is great for fans of RTS games or if you're a military freak like how I am. This game is designed great, right form the army, for example if my Grenadier goes in front of my Automatic rifleman he will go unsighted (put his weapon down) instead of having the risk of pumping 3-5 bullets into the head of his comrade. In this game they use correct firing procedure which is amazing in a world of video games such as Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six to where my team members can't even decide who is the enemy or who isn't. The games AI is great even though it has scripted enemy placement, but the enemy is smart enough to move out of the way if he sees you coming and get behind cover and move if the cover splinters away. You will not get bored, they is also a replay option to where you can view your mistakes in the game and jump right into the replay and correct them! And if that isn't enough it has live capabilities where you and a friend (each commanding one fire team) go and play together. The only gripes I have with the game is that there isn't a system link or 2-player mode with the same Xbox. And that you can't face another player online to see how out flanks who, but I can understand, I mean it wouldn't be all that fun with each player hiding and camping and never coming out.

Overall 10/10
Great game, plenty of fun and replay value with Xbox live. And this game will go down in history for being the first of its kind. Not having this game is like having a Nintendo without a Mario game. You must buy this game if you have an Xbox. See you out there in the streets soldier. Move out! Hoo-ah!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/07/04