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Online multiplayer mode has firepower in 'Fuel of War'

By Jeb Haught
Copley News Service


JEB HAUGHT
'FRONTLINES: FUEL OF WAR' - In 'Frontlines: Fuel of War,' up to 32 players can choose a side and annihilate each other with 60 different weapons and vehicles. CNS Photo courtesy of THQ.
 
MULTIPLAYER ACTION - 'Frontlines: Fuel of War' offers exciting combat on gigantic maps with a huge variety of weapons and vehicles. CNS Photo courtesy of THQ.
 
'DARK SECTOR' - 'Dark Sector' is a thoroughly enjoyable title that most gamers will enjoy. CNS photo by Microsoft.
 
BIO-WEAPONRY - In 'Dark Sector,' the components may not be unique, but the end result is like nothing you've ever played. CNS Photo courtesy of Microsfot.
Game: "Frontlines: Fuel of War"

Publisher: THQ

System: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3, PC)

Cost: $60

ESRB rating: T

Review rating: 3 stars

Years ago, a band of (gaming) brothers set to work creating a modified version of the World War II PC title "Battlefield 1942." Titled "Desert Combat," this modern-day combat modification eventually became more popular than the original. Now the former garage-based programmers have created Kaos Studios, and their first release is the action-packed "Frontlines: Fuel of War."

Online multiplayer is where this title shines, as up to 32 players can choose a side and annihilate each other with 60 different weapons and vehicles. Sure, it's fun to shred enemies with automatic gunfire, but how about swooping in from overhead and firing rockets from your trusty helicopter? Or blasting enemy vehicles with a heavy tank?

Once you choose a weapon loadout, then it's time to pick one of four roles. Will you rain down fire from above by calling in airstrikes as air support or use unmanned drones to do your dirty work as a drone tech? Performing well in battle upgrades your current role's abilities, giving you access to even more destructive firepower.

Unlike similar games, Kaos Studios doesn't simply offer dumbed-down A.I.-controlled characters on multiplayer maps as the single-player mode. Instead, a full-fledged single-player campaign is available with missions that constantly update. While it's no "Call of Duty 4," it is a fun alternative to the multiplayer action.

"Frontlines: Fuel of War" offers exciting combat on gigantic maps with a huge variety of weapons and vehicles.

 

Game: "Dark Sector"

Publisher: D3

System: Microsoft Xbox 360 (PS3)

Cost: $60

ESRB rating: M

Review rating: 3 stars

Originality. Hollywood seems to have forgotten what this word means, and the video game industry isn't far behind. Most modern games have taken bits and pieces from previous games, added some new content, and introduced it as a "new" game. D3 has taken this concept one step further by "borrowing" nearly every feature in their latest action game, "Dark Sector," from previous games and movies.

Fortunately, the developers have still managed to create a thoroughly enjoyable title that most gamers will enjoy. Sure, the story isn't terribly interesting, but it does provide a convincing reason for the protagonist's unusual bio-weapons.

Shortly after the game begins, Hayden (the hero) acquires the almighty Glaive, which is a giant, metallic shuriken that slices through enemies like a Ginsu. This formidable blade also returns to Hayden's arm after every throw, which makes it handy for picking up weapons and items in the distance. On top of that, it can be powered up with fire, ice, or electricity, an ability that most enemies find quite - err - shocking.

Even further carnage can be unleashed by dual-wielding a pistol and the Glaive. Skilled players will discover that peppering the enemy with gunshots while the Glaive is on its way for an informal introduction is an effective strategy. Later in the adventure, targeting multiple enemies with the Glaive while blasting additional threats with different weapons is the only way to survive enemy onslaughts.

Hopefully, the incredibly slow beginning of "Dark Sector" won't dissuade players from continuing with the game. The components may not be unique, but the end result is like nothing you've ever played.

RATING KEY

4 stars - Must have

3 stars - Pretty good

2 stars - So-so

1 star - Don't waste your time

- - -

Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

E: Everyone

T: Teen (13 and older)

E10-plus: (Everyone 10 and older)

M: Mature (17 and older)

Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.

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