 I
have just began to play the X-Box game titled Full
Spectrum Warrior which involves controlling two squads as you attempt
to complete no-fatality, urban warfare. First off, this game is probably
one of the best and most realistic third-person war games ever created.
The graphics are astounding and the sounds, including great dialogue,
are very realistic and complete. A must own for any X-Box owner.
The
Game
The
U.S. Army is the most powerful ground force in the entire world. The backbone
of a ground invasion is the U.S. Army Infantry, and in the midst of combat,
their skills, courage, and teamwork are put to the test.
Full Spectrum Warrior is based on a game commissioned by the U.S. Army
to train light Infantry troops in urban combat situations. Soldiers are
placed in a tense, hostile, and claustrophobic environment where they
must complete a variety of military objectives.
Players act as the Squad Leader, providing direction to Alpha and Bravo
fire teams. The successful Squad Leader effectively uses cover in the
environment and moves his fire teams in a coordinated fashion so they
can protect themselves from possible attacks that could come from any
direction. Full Spectrum Warrior puts you in the dirt with your men, where
danger lurks around every corner.
 Your
Strategy
As
stated, you will be in control of two squads called alpha and bravo; some
missions will also offer you a third squad as well. The key to the game,
and your victory, is urban tactical movement/warfare that puts none of
your men in harms way. If you are to lose two men [either from one squad
or one man from each squad] the game ends and you must start over. Hence,
the idea of no-fatality warfare implemented by the US Army.
In
order to accomplish this you will need to take advantage of various types
of 'cover' including dumpsters, walls, corners, and vehicles. You will
also need to become comfortable with suppression fire, smoke grenades,
and alternate routes. At times you will encounter completely covered heavy
gunners that require you to find a way to out-flank or move in close enough
for a lobbed grenade. Do not forget to use your GPS as the decision is
yours and so are the consequences.
The
game is very realistic, meaning that if you were to get hit at close range
just once, one of your squad will most likely be taken out of combat.
Taken out of combat means you will not be able to use that person until
you find a first aid outpost. What this means is that two of your combatants
will actually be taken out of combat. The one that gets hit and the other
that has to carry the body. During this period you may find yourself out-gunned
[which can always be answered with better tactics] and searching alternate
routes to get to a medivac.
The
Realism
This
game is as realistic as it comes. Your soldiers will miss their shots,
cars will degrade under constant barrages of fire, to be out in the open
is instant death, and your men always seem to have something to say. Here
are a few aspects that add to the realism behind Full Spectrum Warrior.
 A
Face Behind the Soldier
The game starts off by introducing you to everyone in both squads, alpha
and bravo. The introductions are amusing and do an astounding job about
putting a face and personality behind each character. Also, these characters
love to curse in the opening, film clips, and during game play. You will
constantly hear words such as 'shit' and 'fuck.' An example of this is
when running across an open alley; one of your men may say 'It is a good
things these fucks can't shoot.'
There
is also some pretty funny dialogue scenes between the soldiers. One incidence
occurs when a black soldier tells a white soldier that he is not black
after he spouts 'for shizzy my nizzy.' The Leutenant comes in and says
the only color in the army is green. Soon after he gets a response from
one of your squad saying the army is more of a 'shit brown' in resemblence
to their camos they are wearing. Good stuff and another nice dimension
for any third-person war game.
Report
In
Through out each mission you will have to report in either to save your
game or to get mission updates. These updates are setup realtime in order
to make the battle you face change right in the middle of a misison. During
a mission you may be halted and sent to do something else or go help retreating/attacking
Army Rangers. This telecom is also a very nice addition. If you are ever
to forget your orders you can call back in, ask for a repeat, and your
commander will resend them.
Animations
The character animations are top notch. Your soldiers always run in unison
with one covering the other. They will also go prone if under fire. The
number one tactic is to take advantage of corners on each map. As you
approach a corner your team leader will peak around it to make sure everything
is clear ahead.
When
one of your troops gets hit you must pick him up and take him back to
a medivac. In order to do this one of your men must be covered as he takes
the time to lean over and gently throw your squad-mates body over his
shoulders. On arrival to medivac one of your squad will open up the back
of a humvee in order to retrieve supplies for the fallen comrade.
My
Friends Name is Cover
Finding cover is the number one asset in this game. If you are not into
this style of play [as in more into a crazy first-person shooter] than
this game may not be for you. However, for those of you who want to be
challenged on a tactical and strategic level, this game will fulfill all
your needs.
What
to Think
 This
game is truely awesome and very fun to play. It is also another X-Box
game that is Live compatible meaning you can play any of the missions
coop whenever you feel. This means each person takes control of one squad
and must figure out how to work together to succeed. A feat that is much
harder without communication between the two squads. Coop can also be
played on the console itself as well. The game also offers content download
but there is currently nothing new up yet. The only thing that might bring
you down about this game is the lack of slaughterhouse style killing and
the repetitive run for cover tactics and moves.
If
you have ever wanted to get a real taste of current urban warfare, this
is the game to play.
Our Score: 
The
game is out now
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