Freedom Fighters (PS2, Xbox, Cube)

Reviewed by JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * * )

What if the Russians emerged as the dominant superpower after WWII and the Cold War never ended? Freedom Fighters (above) takes place in a parallel history in which these scenarios have come true. In fact, the all-conquering Soviets have just marched into New York.

You play Christopher Stone, a wrench-wielding plumber, who is drafted into the resistance when his brother is detained by the Russians.

The game divides into two modes. Single-player, which offers around 20 objective-based missions, and multiplayer, which lets you play out capture-the-flag type scenarios in either dual or quad split screen. Every good resistance movement needs a secret hideout. A quick raft trip down into the sewer takes you underground. From here players will be able to access the game's levels through a number of manholes.

The game is played almost entirely in the third person, but players can switch to a closer, over-the-shoulder view (as seen in Hitman 2) for a more accurate aim. Weapon selection is a simple matter of pressing in the left thumbstick and selecting from eight menu options, ranging from simple pistols and Molotov cocktails to rocket launchers and sniper rifles. Remember to pick up ammo where you find it because it's fairly scarce.

Because wars are not fought and won alone, your fate depends on your ability to enlist and command your fellow revolutionaries into battle. The successes of games such as SOCOM: Navy Seals and Brute Force have elevated team-based combat into the spotlight, and they are proving popular among console gamers.

Freedom Fighters is slightly different. Rather than give detailed commands to specific squad members, you issue more broad instructions, such as "stay here" or "attack", to a large group.

Your orders determine the mob's actions and your choices and your overall performance as a leader will cement your rise from plumber to the Che Guevara of New York.

Price: $99.95

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