Two years ago when Full Spectrum Warrior hit the PC and consoles, it introduced a new and unique way of playing a military games. Controlling two squads of marines in the Middle East that used authentic military commands and movement, some would say it was the most realistic modern day action-military game produced. The action focused more on strategy and planning tactics rather than the run and gun flurry of many other military games on the market at the time. Now Full Spectrum Warrior is making its return with the sequel Ten Hammers, and looks to expand on the strategic accomplishments of its predecessor by adding several new features such as the ability to split up your squad and giving you the ability to use vehicles such as Bradley tanks and armored Humvees instead of just calling for them to help out.
The demo that we had a chance to sit down with showed that the same tried and true method of moving your squad from cover to cover is still implemented and is still as solid as ever. Objective markers are still shown by an on-screen blue diamond that show you where your next objective spot is as well as what the distance is to reach it. Squad commands are still issued through an on screen menu using the D-pad to select which option you want to perform, from regrouping, tossing out grenades to scouting and laying down suppressive fire that helps keep the enemies in place while the squad splits up to take a better vantage point to remove them.
Aside from the Team Leader, Grenadiers and Riflemen make up the rest of the 4 man squad and each have their own way of getting out of a sticky situation when the need arises. Like the original, you will find yourself moving through 12 different missions, set within the modern day, battle ravaged Middle East, each fraught with their own varied and heart pounding objectives.
Enemy insurgents will be around every corner and in every nook and cranny looking to stop you from completing your goals and it’s up to you to take them down before they get the jump on you. New to FSW: Ten Hammers, along with the ability to operate vehicles at times, is the ability to enter buildings, set up sniper points as well as climbing stairs and being able to locate and rescue hostages.
Unlike the previous games, when you call in for the support of a tank or heavy artillery, you don’t just sit back and watch it go to work. You will now control it, drive it and take out enemies with it. The CASEVAC’s return and will let you reload on ammo when needed as well you still have the ability to heal fallen team mates if they are unfortunate enough to enter the line of fire. If you find that you are having troubles getting past a certain point, Ten Hammers features an in-game replay video system that allows you to see what you did wrong and to learn from your mistakes. Although it was not available in the demo, it is definitely a feature that many players will find useful when you get taken out and you are left scratching your head wondering how it happened.
The audio in Full Spectrum Warrior was top notch and the sequel is just as fantastic. Radio squawk and commands are clear and authentic sounding as are the booming explosions and rounds of gun fire. Squad mates will call out commands, have nervous chatter, shout out instructions and yammer on about whatever else is on their minds. Your squad isn’t the only ones who like to blab away either. Enemies will shout at you and each other, as will civilians as they run for cover or cry over a loved one that has been caught in the crossfire and shot in the street.
The music is grand and symphonic and other times ominous and dark. As the range of music changes, it always seems to match the atmosphere of the game perfectly. The demo showed burnt out streets, destroyed buildings, hanging wires, debris blowing along the deserted roads and it all superbly reflects what you would expect to see within a war torn environment.
In addition to the single player campaign, FSW: Ten Hammers will feature a hearty multiplayer side as well. Xbox Live features are to include a co-op mode so that players can team up and play through the game together, completing objectives as well as a head to head mode with up to eight players where they can face off against each other. Although we didn’t get a chance to try out the multiplayer portion of the game, if the gameplay of the single player is any indication of how it will play out, it looks to be a real winner for those looking to square off against real opponents in real-time tactical combat.
All in all, the follow up to Full Spectrum Warrior looks like it is going be even more intense and more realistic than ever before. With the addition of the brand new features to the series such as commanding vehicles and being able to enter buildings, the game will deliver more of what FSW fans experienced in the past and kick it up another notch. Be on the lookout of Full Spectrum Warrior: Ten Hammers to be available near the end of March.
