Reviewed: February 13, 2004
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Publisher
Gathering of Developers

Developer
Illusion Softworks

Released: October 21, 2003
Genre: Action
Players: 1 / Online
ESRB: Mature

8
8
9
8
8.4

System Requirements

Let’s face it; there isn’t exactly a shortage of war games regardless of the sub-genre, whether it is RTS, FPS, or third-person action. HD2 falls into the latter category reminding me of Codemasters’ Operation Flashpoint series, slightly better in visuals and slightly not in gameplay.

HD2 includes a sliver of RPG gameplay – something that is quickly becoming a standard feature regardless of how appropriate it is to the game. You’ll get to drive vehicles and engage in tactical combat with a brave squad of British SAS commandos through a lengthy tour of duty in Norway, Western Europe, Burma, North Africa, and Eastern Europe.

Upon graduating you are thrust into action in the glacial plains of Norway. Here is where the game quickly shows it advanced but elegant style of gameplay. You can customize your loadout for each soldier, much like Rainbow Six, which gives you a lot of freedom in determining how you are going to approach each mission. If you don’t trust your own analysis you can opt for the default loadout, which is usually enough to get the job done.

After you complete each mission your surviving men are awarded new ranks, medals and skill points that go into attributes like Shooting, Strength, Endurance, First Aid, Stealth, and a few others that are seldom used. The game relies on class distinctions so your medic won’t be the best shooter in the bunch and your sniper won’t know a Band-Aid from a bullet. Many missions have an emphasis on stealth so having a good spy in the group is essential.

The core command system is just like any other action game. You move with the WADS cluster and control the camera with the mouse. Much like Splinter Cell you control the speed of your men with the mouse wheel giving you several variations of walking and running. Everything has a button including crouching, going prone, and even climbing.

I was most impressed with the level of AI in HD2. My men exhibited some excellent squad tactics, even when they weren’t following my orders. There is a comprehensive list of commands that you can use to order them to assume multiple formations or take other offensive of defensive actions. The only quirks with the AI were some minor pathfinding issues and a few battles where my men would get in each other’s way blocking a potential shot.

HD2 also features a useful tactical mode that pulls the camera out and up giving you a bird’s eye view of the battlefield. Here is where you can organize your men and plan your assault. Basically, you pick your men and click a waypoint. You can also order them to change posture or aggressiveness once they arrive at their destination.

Missions are surprisingly long and complicated with multiple objectives that span huge maps. You are given detailed briefings before equipping your men. The campaign is progressive so you take men and weapons from each completed mission to the next. This has potential problems later in the game where you may have lost too many men earlier to complete the campaign.

Character are nicely modeled with plenty of detailed textures but the men have a slightly unnatural feel to their movements. It just doesn’t flow like it should and men will pop into various postures or turn on a dime. The vehicles look fantastic and are very fun to drive.

The environments are excellent, not quite as detailed as Vietcong but the jungle level was pretty darn close. There are also some decent effect like lighting, particle effects, and plenty of smoke and fire. HD2 might not be the prettiest war game out there but it gets the job done.

The music is your typical war game themes that do a suitable job of filling you with patriotic pride as you storm through the levels blasting the enemy. It’s strong in the menus then slips into the background allowing you to hear the wonderful sound effects and shouts from your men.

There is plenty of excellent speech starting with the drill sergeant who barks out orders during boot camp. During combat your men will often yell out useful information on enemy locations or just tell you to get the hell out of their way so they can fire on the enemy. Authentic static and clipping effects give radio communication a realistic flair when you call for artillery assistance. The entire sound presentation is outstanding.

There is also Internet support provided you have broadband access. GameSpy is fully supported so it’s easy to host or join a game and the Deathmatch and Occupation game modes offer a modest selection of additional gameplay.