Full Spectrum Warrior

"Join the virtual army to be all that you can be..."

Introduction:

Full Spectrum Warrior is a one of a kind gaming experience. In a world of squad-based shooters dominated by the likes of SOCOM and Rainbow Six, Full Spectrum Warrior is a shooter that's unlike any other...in that you don't shoot. You read right, YOU DON'T SHOOT! I just had to repeat that again so people will get an idea of what this game is and what it accomplishes.

Gameplay:

I've tried SOCOM and I've tried Rainbow Six, now although they're both amazing games in their own unique ways...do they stand up to Full Spectrum Warrior? Simply put, no. This game is extremly fun to play in that the developers made this game out to be an accurate simulation of what life would be like if you were in the US Army. Now, there is always the occasional hiccup in the enemy AI, in that real-life enemies would be a tad bit smarter than the game makes them out to be. Another annoying part is the defense system. You simply cannot get shot if you hide behind certain things, even if the angle appears to work to your opponents advantage (this include corner's of walls). Now I know about the whole degrading defense part and that isn't what I'm talking about, you'll see what I mean when you play the game. The levels are not long enough, and the game is not nearly long enough...though why do I feel the need to play this game over and over again then...? I'll tell you why, it's the simple things. The fact that your soldiers know when to seek cover, the fact that they'll protect a downed partner, the fact that they are smart enough to know where the enemy is within the sector you give them. The game's AI in reference to the players you control is incredible...simply incredible...

Story:

The story of Full Spectrum Warrior is that you are a General of sorts in command of two unique teams on the battlefield. You tell your soldiers where to shoot, they take it upon themselves to find the enemies in that sector. You tell your men to move, they cover one another from enemy forces. It's the simple things in this game that make it stand out. It truly makes you feel like you've enlisted in the army. The story could have used a little more work in terms of cut-scenes/background info in the game, though there is plenty of background info available at other sources (visit fullspectrumwarrior.com for all your needs)...

Graphics/Sound:

The graphics are good, in fact, very good. They're not top notch, though what game really is now-a-days. They don't detract anything from the game, in fact if anything they add to the game's power. The sound is well done with each character (whether it be your troops, enemies, or commanding officers back at base) are each given a unique voice. From the screams coming forth from your troops to the sound of bullets as they skim over your head, this is quite possibly one of the Game of the Year candidates for sound...

Play Time/Replayability:

The play time for this game will change with each person depending on how fast or slow they go. It can take anywhere from eight hours on. The replayability for this game is fairly good as there's two difficulty levels to go through (the higher difficulty is more of an accurate simulation...though even it's not quite at real war standards).

Final Recommendation:

While I have said some negatives about this game, one thing holds true. It's damn sure a unique experience. It is gonna set the new trend for shooters, and it's a guarantee that in one years time you'll see numerous games ripping off it's ideas. This is SOCOM for the hardcore. An 8/10 is worthy for it, a great game and a truly solid effort that forces you to become all that you can be...

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/04