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Freedom Fighters
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Graphics & Sound:
Overall, Freedom Fighters is very impressive graphically. The game's environments are expansive and build upon just about every advancement that has been made in the past few years in terms of level design. If you can see something in the horizon, you can more than likely reach it. There are very few impassible areas of the game, which gives the game a very open feel. The image of a Russian-controlled New York is really interesting and helps to further sell you on the idea that the Russians really did win. Although the effect is rather subtle as you make your way through ruined buildings, old warehouses and all kinds of rubble, this all changes once you come across the 'Red' versions of famous NYC landmarks like Times Square. It's moments like this where you're slapped back into the game's 'reality' that the entire effect is really sold. Even the smallest details are looked after, such as both pro- and anti-Soviet literature posted on nearly every wall. This mood is also carried over into the game's excellent cut scenes. Topping off this already amazing presentation are some excellent, yet subtle special effects. You can literally stand around for hours staring at the subtle, yet amazing lighting effects. For a good idea of just how detailed things get, as time in the game progresses, leaves will change color as the fall months set in. Another neat aspect of the game is watching your character 'evolve' over the course of the game. Although a few games have, in the past, altered your character's appearance over the course of the game -- the changes have usually just been a graphical 'tool' to show time has passed. Chris' transition throughout the game not only shows the passage of time, but also gives you a glimpse into the mindset of the characters. As Chris delves deeper into the resistance's plight, he adopts military fatigues and begins to look like a true guerilla fighter. Sound is just as good as the graphics. Sure, the Russian accents sound phony -- but who cares, at least the New Yorkers sound authentic. Most of the game's dialog takes the form of battlefield commands or simple chatter between troops as you sneak up on them, but you do run into a few conversations along the way. These instances are not only used to push the story along, but also show simple interactions between people. Nearly everyone has something to say, whether they're cheering on your movement or telling you to 'buzz off' (if your charisma isn't high). Freedom Fighters is one of those games that REALLY makes me wish that more game soundtracks were released in stores. It's just that damn good. The Russian-styled orchestral tracks really add something to the atmosphere of the game, and sound great when set against the pro-Soviet propaganda posters and newscasts found throughout the game. |
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Gameplay:
This is the future that many of your parents or grandparents feared. The Cold War never happened; Russia got 'the bomb' first and ended WWII. Using their new found nuclear power, the Russians basically conquered everything that stood in their way, culminating with an invasion of the United States. You take the role of Chris Stone, mild-mannered plumber who gets caught up in the anti-communist movement and is thrust into the middle of the conflict. Freedom Fighters takes place over several linear missions where you must complete all of the mission's goals before proceeding to the next mission. How you choose to tackle these missions, and in which order, are completely up to you. Most of the game's action unfolds as a simple run and gun action game -- at least that's how the game begins. You have the normal weapon selection of shotguns, machine guns and sniper rifles. The trick is that you can only hold one gun at once. If you start out with a shotgun, then find a really sweet machine gun, you'll have to drop the shotgun. If, for some reason you prefer the shotgun, the only way to re-equip it is to find another one. The system is a bit limiting considering the 'bottomless backpack' scenario most games present, but it works within the confines of the game. As you progress through each mission, you'll eventually be able to recruit squad members, giving the game a squad-based feel. The squad-based element is where Freedom Fighters really begins to shine. As you accomplish missions or accomplish other 'hero-y' tasks, your Charisma Bar increases. Every time you reach a new charisma level, you'll be able to approach other resistance members (or civilians) and ask them to join you. I really enjoyed the 'team' feeling this gave to the game. Since any number of deeds can net you Charisma Points, such as healing comrades, you begin to feel like you're part of something a little bigger and then things are going on around you. The squad-based combat -- which may come as a turn off to those reading this, especially after I mention that at one point in the game, you'll have up to 12 guys under your control -- is very refined and kept simple and manageable. This is thanks to the incredible AI that IO has managed to put together for the game. Both your Russian adversaries and your American allies respond to their environment in a very smart manner. Rarely will you find yourself cursing your teammate's parentage as he walks through oncoming fire. I was also impressed with the amount of thought each squad-mate put into their movements. For example, after ordering someone to cover an area, the AI will actually find the best spot to cover the entrance from. AI fighters also have a fiercely independent streak in them. Whereas most AI troops will stand around and wait for your orders like lemmings, your squad mates will sometimes go off on their own. This gives a realistic feeling to the game since it's possible to imagine one or two hot heads in your group who would rather shoot first and sort the particulars out later. AI troops will even take control of mounted turrets if you tell them too. The multiplayer aspect is one of the game's weak spots. This mode basically breaks down to a squad-based Capture The Flag game. Unfortunately, there's no online component to the game. Although an Online mode would more than likely be an online iteration of the game's Multiplayer mode, the idea of squad-based online Deathmatches is too good to pass up. |
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Difficulty:
Of course, the great AI doesn't just work for you, but it works against you. Enemy troops are just as cunning and smart as yours are -- meaning they'll give you a good challenge. Any gun you can take charge of, or obstacle you can traverse, they can too. Enemies will also react to your tactics, making this just as much a thinking game as a shooting one. Just because you think your brilliant plan to send 10 troops into a firefight is the greatest tactical maneuver since the Rebels sent snub fighters against the Death Star doesn't mean it will work out that way. Firefights in Freedom Fighters is all about taking positions and losing them. This makes smart management of your troops a key to success. Simply sending your troops to their deaths for the good of the American people is NOT how you'll win the game. Eventually, you'll run out of troops, which will spell disaster for your little insurrection. Killing troops off just for the hell of it will also have negative effects on your charisma, making recruitment even more difficult. The longer you play Freedom Fighters, the more challenging it gets. However, at the same time, your skills are also improving, providing a nice challenge. |
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Game Mechanics:
Managing up to 12 squad members as well as covering your own ass at the same time may seem daunting, but thanks to an easy to use interface, it's a cake walk. Unlike games like SOCOM, which give you more control commands than troops on the field, Freedom Fighters gives you three basic commands: Attack, Move and Defend. It's in the execution of these commands that the brilliance of the scheme shows through. If you only want to have one person perform an action, you simply have to tap the button. Holding the button will send your entire squad into whatever motion you want them in. You can also zoom in on a particular location and tell your troops exactly where you want them. For example, if you want two of your guys to watch a door, all you have to do is zoom in on the door and click Defend. The scheme does have a few bumps, most of which occur when fighting in enclosed spaces. Unless you're really careful, you can sometimes end up zooming on the wrong area and having you fighter march to his doom. The game's 'Red Dawn' -style story is a refreshing change of pace from the typical alien invasions and government conspiracies we've seen in other games of this type. This is one of those games you have to play, whether you love squad-based action or just single-player shoot 'em ups. Freedom Fighters provides a rich world and a deep gameplay experience you shouldn't miss out on. |
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-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker |
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