Initially when I saw the screenshot for Full Spectrum Warrior, my first impression is that some game company is making a FPS¹ game based on Black Hawk Down movie. After I went through some independent reviews and statements, I realized the game wasn't a FPS game at all but rather a look at the tactical side of the American Army specifically trained on urban combat. Just like what you've seen on the movie.

However, the different side of the game is that it allows player to control two 4-man team, Alpha & Bravo. Players are required to use the environment, taking cover, laying covering fire and beat the enemies at their own territories. The interesting part was that unless you plan your men's movement properly, you'll end up with 4 or more body bags shipped back to America.

The game gives you arsenals such as M249 SAW, M4 Carbine, M203 attached grenade launcher and grenades. In addition, player will have access to smoke grenade which is imperative if there are some situation where covering fire just doesn't cut it. Another interesting note is that players is able to call artillery shots, so once a situation becomes grim when an armour (tanks) is blocking, the artillery will do short work out of the soldiers.

The AI in the game is quite superb, whereby if covering fire is not laid, the enemy can escape if they see your men advancing to their position. Your men too knows how to take cover if they walked into the wrong position. If no cover could be found, they'll prone to the ground to hold position.

Since the game is presented in 3D, from a slightly elevated position of your men (3rd person view), it can easily be mistaken for a FPS game. However, by having this format, players are still limited to the sights of their men rather than having a bird's eye view like other games.

My review? A thumbs up. Get this game if American Army is your cup of tea and wanted to learn about their experience & tactics. Just hope in the future they can use this same engine for a SWAT-like game such as Rainbow Six.

¹ No no, FPS does not mean Frames Per Second but rather First Person Shooter. Popularized by Wolfenstein 3D during the late 1980s, it allows user to immerse into a virtual world where they can move as if they're there themselves.