Soldier of Fortune II Double Helix

GRAPHICS: 9/10The graphics can be one of two things; jaw-dropping, or [bad]. A good gaming rig is almost necessary to enjoy these graphics. Anything below 1280x1024 resolution with 2x antialias isn't much better than the first SOF. Luckily, I have a top-of-the-line system and was able to enjoy the detail of this game. You can see the pores in the faces of enemies and NPCs. Especially notable is the character's eyes... so real it's almost creepy... The gore graphics are extremely realistic... This is definately not a family game.SOUND: 10/10This game makes me thank god every day for my Audigy Platinum Sound Card. The EAX Advanced HD sound is unbelievable, and a new standard in interactive entertainment. If you've heard the DTS sound in Saving Private Ryan's intro battle, that's very similar to the quality in this game. By far, this is the best sound I've heard in a game to date. The music is fantastic and very suspensful. The Dynamic Music Engine is a brilliant idea, and I wish it was used more in games. The voice acting is pretty good. Mark Hamil (AKA Luke Skywalker in the original Star Wars trilogy) lends his voice to one of the game's leading roles.STORY: 6/10The story is only mildly interesting, and way too short and simple. It's also been done before. However, the way the story is delivered is very cinematic. The cut-scenes, like in most games, are in an "anamorphic" format. You play John Mullins, in his furthur adventures after the incidents that took place in the first SOF game as a top secret military operative working for an anti-terrorist organization known as "The Shop". The sequel's first mission is more like a "prequel" or flashback. after that, it picks up where the first one left off. In this game John has to fend off biological warfare. The story is kind of shallow though, and parts that are supposed to be emotional moments don't succeed. This, I think, is due to the general lack of character development. I didn't time my playing time, but it seems like SOF2 was a lot shorter than the first one.MULTIPLAYER: 9/10I'm more of a singleplayer gamer, but the MP in this game is very enjoyable. This game certainly replaces Quake 3 for my MP needs (however few and far between they may be). You'll never have more fun digitally shooting your friend's intestines out than you will in this game. That is, until SOF3 comes out.GAMEPLAY: 8/10Very fun. Only reason it didn't get a 10 is because nothing about the gameplay is original.FINAL SCORE: 7/10

This is one gamer who began his military video gaming experiences with DF5: Black Hawk Down so when I was introduced to this title, I had some high hopes. Thankfully, the game does not entirely disappoint. I will say it is average when compared to Black Hawk's look and feel. It should be realized that this is a different game from a slightly different time. I'd say the graphics are comparable to Max Payne, the cut scenes anyway. Maybe slightly less well done but they pull it off well. If you go into it with that mindset, you'll be pleased. As for the gore that people comment on, why do you buy a game like this when what you expect is Candyland? Action games have action/violence/gore. That's why they're called FIRST PERSON SHOOTERS/ADVENTURE games. Nothing is too gorey. Play Postal 2 and follow it up with this one and settle down.Perhaps my only gripe in this game is the fact that the enemies herein are incredibly tough SOBs. I've shot a bad guy point blank in the face with the .45 and watched him shrug it off like I slapped him with a wet noodle. What's up with that? I set the game for FULL VIOLENCE so I guess this just means that if I want to be more effective I have to empty an entire clip into him next time. Well ok.Stealth also appears to be nearly impossible. How does a guy a block away hear me throw a knife into his buddy's neck, dropping him like a sack of potatoes. No screaming, cause like, he's got a blade in his jugular. Never mind it's raining like cats and dogs too. I guess I should just full tilt boogy and fire away from now on. Well, ok.Decent graphics, NECESSARY gore, rock em sock em shoot em up bang bang. It's enough to make anyone lay down the dead presidents regardless.

Read that this has been recommended over Counter-strike-Condition Zero just dont no how amazon can say that since Counter-strike-Condition Zero isnt released untill october. that said Sof2 is ok has a good graphics engine but you need a decent PC, probably 1500Mhz+ and geforce3/Ati 8500 or better to avoid lag or alternativly have poor detail. The game can be annoying if you dont like having to go through the level time and again due to it been easy to die and a long time between restart points, so if your 5m short of the end you have to start again if you die. The enemy are quite intelligent and will grenade you if you hang back and dont stay in the same place so there fun to play against but they can kill you quick. later levels are better than the early ones which is a shame as the 1st 3 levels might put you off, later levels see you leading a squad but to be honest you still have to do all the work. The gore level is high but this can be turned off for the younger player and is probably an attraction to a teen player and the effects are good if bloody. The multiplayer maps are large and detailed and played in the doom/quake style and this version of the game is the most fun as its better to play with someone else then yourself. I cant see there being a large online community for SOF2 as the maps are to be honest too big and its an effort to find a bad guy to kill. Myself id rather play the medal of honour series or mafia in fact as an overall game id rather play half life again and save £30. Online SOF2 has nothing on counterstrike. Counterstrike has better maps more players more community and a lot more shelf life, oh and its free i no what ill play. at the end of the day Sof2 is a solid 1st person shooter but its nothing mould breaking wait until its out on budget.