CT Special Forces 2: Back in the Trenches

"Fighting terrorists have never been this fun"

Sorry for the cheesy title, this is my first review, so I'll just try my best at giving this game the proper review it deserves. The game we're talking about here is CT Special Forces 2: Back to hell for Gameboy Advance.

Ever since the events of 2001, terrorist-killing has become a pretty popular theme in videogames, killing terrorists hasn't been as popular at any point than it is now. In the wake of this popular trend I hereby introduce CT Special Forces 2: Back to Hell. On with it shall we?

Graphics: 10
One thing that has made this otherwise unknown game somewhat known is it's graphics. Mainly because it bears strong resemblance to the more popular Metal Slug series. And well, I have to agree there, the visuals does resemble the SNK series. The graphics has an SNK cartoonish theme to it as it is bright and lush colors that you see on the screen when playing. It is small but vast improvements over the first game, beefier special effects, more varied backgrounds. All in all, this is how modern 2D graphics should look like. Fluid animations, high resolution. What more could you ask for in the graphic department? But really, visuals aren't important unless the game is good.

Gameplay: 9.5
This is what makes or breaks a game. This is a 2D platform shooter where you basically go around and put terrorists out of commission. That's the basic gameplay. But if you think, just because of the graphics that this plays anywhere near like Metal Slug you couldn't be further from the truth. let me assure you right now, THIS DOESN'T play anything like Metal Slug. Simple as that. You can't just rush through the game.

This game actually has challenge which forces you to apply various tactics to get through. For one there is a bigger variety of enemies, snipers shooting from elevated positions, baldies with miniguns etc. All which require different methods to be dealt with. And second the enemies are much more durable meaning you'll have to take them one at a time. You can't just mow them down like Contra.

Starting with a gun you'll come across different weapons during each stage which is to be used at your convenience. Like all other games you'll come across bosses on each level, all with the intention of killing you, the player. All in all, responsive controls, compelling challenge gives this game a 9.5. What take it down is the fact that you can easily get killed by mere explosions from barrels and such things and that all frames of the explosion animation damages you. A nuisance I must say.

Story:6
Well, A terrorist organization, simply known as The Network(so much for original names) is out to destroy the world. Scary isn't it? Well, fear not, three anti-terrorist operatives has been sent out on a crusade to stop the terrorists from achieving their plan. And that's about it. That's the thing about the counter-terrorism genre, it's the same simplistic story. The bosses doesn't make it any better either, they're all ethnic stereotypes, ranging from the evil asian to the crazy zealous arab. Not much you can expect from a handheld 2D platform shooter.

Sound: 10
I must say that this is one thing that really surprised. I thought that with such a dull story the game has I was expecting it to be accompanied by dull music. I was very wrong on that point. Believe me. The music is great, it fits the mood and visual theme of each stage and it really has quality to it. I must say that it is among some of the best music I've heard from a GBA game. Especially the 2 last stages, really gives you the sense that you're in the final showdown with the enemies. As for the SFX, it all fits apropriately, when you shoot it sounds like you're shooting, explosions sound like explosions. And a funny voice says "Energy each time you pick up health.

Conclusion
I must say that this is a fresh breeze in the midst of all flashy 3D games made to exclusively appeal the big mass of graphic whores. This is 2D and a platform shooter, something that is quite rare these days. The developers show that 2D platforming still has great potential and they show how a proper one is done. This game actually has challenge unlike all other games these days. The game also last fairly long which should keep you occupied for awhile, but even after it's finished it's fun to just pick up and play to make time go in a stimulating way. If you see this in a store don't hesitate to buy it, you won't be disappointed unless you hate good games.

I'm giving this a 10, simply because I can't find any notable flaw with this game. Hope this helps.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/06