FORGOTTEN CLASSIC
I bought this game on a whim when I was younger based solely on the box art and that it had some mention of Hitman on the box info. What first stood out to me however was how satisfying the squad combat and commands were, especially in comparison to many other games at that juncture. Also, the ease of gameplay made a great impression after recently playing a few Armored Core games, making it almost a palette cleanser of sorts. However, after getting past a decent amount of plot points, many other elements began to sink into and fortify the experience. When considering the plot synopsis, one would think that this game would be an overly bombastic and obnoxious shooter that wears it's welcome almost immediately. This could not be further from the truth. What you really get is a very grounded and subdued portrayal of war without seeming bland or tasteless. Thought there is a decent amount of dialogue and cutscenes, the game takes on a pretty cold, lonely, and desolate feel, which immensely backs up the notion that you, and your potential squad of twelve, are truly the only ones able to drive out the Soviet oppressors. This feeling is also intensified greatly by both the snowy environment and the fantastic score by Jasper Kyd. The score is a mix of ambient, industrial, unique choral pieces, and morale-lifting electronic passages. After completion, this is certainly a game in which the tone and atmosphere will stick with you for a very long while.
