May 12th, 2011
By TheFlood

Genre: First Person Shooter
Systems: Xbox and PC
Developer: Pandemic
Publisher: THQ
Release Date: June 2011

Give a Tom Clancy game better graphics, implement some real-time strategy, throw in a dash of 24, and what do you get? You get Full Spectrum Warrior, the newest tactical shooter from THQ.

Pandemic has developed a third person shooter based on the trainer the US military uses. Using real-time strategy, you control two teams, Alpha and Beta, through a Middle Eastern city over the course of 24 hours. The city is not a real place, but it is easy to figure out where it could be located. As you progress through the city, you will meet other members of the coalition, such as British and Pakistani troops. All will interact with your own squad men, who have their own personalities and voice.

You won't do any shooting in Full Spectrum Warrior. You will control the troops and their movements and can point them in the direction of the enemy, but you can't shoot. Then I guess we could call the game Rainbow Six: Middle East or something. Don't fret because you can't shoot crazy terrorists, you will still have your work cut out for you. As you move 8 men through a city of hostiles, you have to position each one to make the most of their fire lanes, cover, and teamwork skills. If you leave them behind a car for example, they won't be too safe for too long as the car will eventually turn into the equivalent of Swiss cheese and provide no protection. And on the topic of shooting, hope one of your members doesn't get shot, as you will lose two guns as one guy must carry the body along with him, effectively disabling him too. Controlling the troops will be simple. Taking fire? Press B and they will take cover under anything they can find

Graphically, the game is shaping up beautifully. There is no fog, only what your men can see. Throw a grenade and shrapnel will be flying everywhere. Hit a man and it will be flesh chunks, not just metal shards flying. The lighting will also provide some help as you must constantly battle the sun and shade for cover. The camera is also very promising to see in action. It bounces with the troops as they move, and it will automatically switch to trouble areas and people that need help.

Full Spectrum Warrior is shaping up for a June 2011 release, so be prepared for the most realistic city fight this side of the military.