I think we can all agree that war is, at its heart, an abomination of humanity.  It should be the last resort to resolve any differences as the physical and mental destruction it causes can take centuries to rebuild.  Having said all that, there’s nothing like picking up a PS2 controller, invading a country and blowing the natives to bits in the name of patriotism, world protection, and upholding the peace (or whatever you’d like to call it) in the world of video games. 

This thrill of virtual invasions is splendidly portrayed in Conflict: Desert Storm II – Back to Baghdad (heretofore known as Conflict 2).  Although it may not have the sharpest features or hyper-polished gameplay, Conflict 2’s use of brainpower over manpower fantastically illustrates how having a good head on your shoulders can result in the enemy losing theirs altogether. 

Conflict 2 is a squad-based shooter, like Ghost Recon, but is much more action packed, like SOCOM.  The blend of the two is a pleasant surprise for those who thought Ghost Recon was a bit slow (crawling on your belly for 200 yards isn’t exactly glorious).  Unlike SOCOM, however, Conflict 2 relies on using all your squad members in their specific roles to get out of the level in one piece.  None of that SOCOM Rambo-style devastation.

As you can guess from the title, the game takes place during the early 90’s Middle Eastern campaign, Desert Storm.  Most of the missions are urban-based, so there are plenty of buildings to clear out, walls to use as cover, and strongholds to dismantle.  There are a decent variety of objectives throughout the ten missions, and they’ll have your squad blowing up important Iraqi installations, protecting other troops, and rescuing each other, all the while spilling the blood of countless enemy soldiers. 

The single player campaign sees gamers as the head of an Elite four-person squad.  There’s no changing guys in and out, and there’s no customizing the squad.  You’re stuck with the four the developers provide, so make sure you protect their necks, because if they die, the mission is a failure.  Each team member has a specific role: Sergeant John Bradley is the leader of the group and the eyes, ears, and mouth of the group.  Corporal Paul Foley’s adeptness with sniper weapons makes him a very important member of the group.  Corporal Mick Connors is great with the heavy machinery, including mounted machine guns and anti-tank rocket launchers.  Corporal David Jones is the blow-up-stuff guy, specializing in demolitions.  In order to keep everyone’s ticker ticking, it’ll be important to know each of their roles like the back of your rifle butt and use them strategically.

Positioning your squad will mean the difference between coming home plastered with heroic medals or coming home in several odd-shaped body bags.  While you can direct a member to move to a certain location, it’s often easiest to switch between players and move them manually.  They will continue to hold that position until further orders are given.  Once everyone is in place, it’s time to take control of one man and let your team go to work.  For example, in one part of Mission Two, a couple well-placed team members will protect the sides from ambushes and a team member at a mounted machine gun will plow through distant enemies while the manually-controlled sniper picks off stragglers.  It’s the closest to single-player teamwork as you can get in a game nowadays. 

Anyone in the unit can issue commands, and although at first they may be intimidating, after taking a few bullets in the head, gamers will be giving orders in the middle of heavy fire like it’s second nature.  The commands are simple enough (members can be ordered to follow, advance to a position, or hold position), but when used correctly the unit mows down enemies like poetry in motion.  When proceeding through a mission, the unit will often encounter a situation that seems impossible to beat.  But as any good Afterschool Special or great war campaign illustrates, success often relies on teamwork, and this is where Conflict 2 is very rewarding.

Conflict 2 plays seamlessly in either 3^rd-person of 1^st-person modes, and there will be plenty of times where switching back and forth is a good idea.  While in 3^rd-person mode, targets auto-lock (although accuracy suffers).  It may seem to cheapen the game, but it’s great for running and shooting at the same time.  1^st-person mode is a must for sniping or when shooting from a still position.  Players can also zoom in by clicking the left analog stick. 

Missions are generally accomplished by completing three or four objectives.  Unlike other games, the objectives can only be completed in order, and each mission tends to be very linear.  It’s clear the developers at Pivotal Games wanted to keep the game moving in a single direction.  Though the cities look expansive and open, there is really only one way through these missions, as rubble or closed doors prevent soldiers from veering off course.  The level design seems to be pretty good, however, with firefights occurring at strategic points with elevation or plenty of cover. 

Team members will sometimes come across controllable vehicles.  These can be a blast when all four team members are in one vehicle at different gunner positions.  You can decide whether to drive, shoot, or just sit quietly in the passenger side enjoying the carnage and the lovely Iraqi landscape.  There are only a few instances of controllable vehicles in the game, however. 

The multiplayer mode for the PS2 version only allows for two people to play cooperatively (The Xbox allows four), but there isn’t any competitive play to be found.  In co-op mode, each player controls two squad members, which can be a relief because controlling four is often a bit tough, even for the nimble-fingered. 

The graphics system is done fairly well in Conflict 2.  I was particularly pleased with graphics over great distances.  Stationary enemies are difficult to see, but you can clearly see them moving very realistically when mobile.  The textures and terrains are better than average, but they usually amount to a lot of browns and beiges, so it isn’t exactly colorful.  Close-ups of fellow squad members are slightly disappointing, but most of the action takes place at a distance. 

Aside from the disappointing barking sergeant in the training mission, the sounds of the game are average.  Each gun sounds different and the sounds of war are all there, but they lack the realistic sounds of Ghost Recon.  Squad members will announce when they eliminate the enemy, but again, it sounds a little garbled compared to the aurally superior Ghost Recon.

Conflict: Desert Storm II – Back to Baghdad does outshine its predecessor in nearly every aspect, and is a great game to lose yourself in.  It may not have the uber-realism Ghost Recon has, but its combination of brains and brawn make it more accessible to the casual gamer.  Fans of military squad games will take a liking to Conflict 2, but other gamers should think about renting this one to see if it’s for them. 

Conflict: Desert Storm II – Back to Baghdad is rated T for Teen with Violence and Blood. 

Gameplay: 8.5

The controls are a bit tricky at first, but it’s only a matter of time before you earn your stripes.  The only downside is its linear progression.  There aren’t many places to explore.   

Graphics: 8.0

The graphics are certainly better than average, but nothing mind-blowing.  Although looking at an enemy’s face through your sniper scope is very fulfilling. 

Sound: 6.5

The game is lacking quality audio, but there is a Dolby Surround option. 

Difficulty: Medium

Just as I thought the game was a piece of cake, difficult parts would spring up requiring some serious brainpower.  The difficulty level can be adjusted to fit everybody’s playing level, from cakewalk to suicide. 

Concept: 8.0

Someone finally made a game that requires thinking and a quick trigger finger!  Yippee! 

Multiplayer: 8.5

The multi-player mode is a lot of fun, even though it is only co-op.  The screen is amply split, allowing both players to get in on the action.

Overall: 8.2

This game is better than it gets credit for, but in the shadow of juggernauts like Ghost Recon and SOCOM, it won’t get the justice its due.  But if you like shooting the bejeezus out of people and occasionally using some sharp tactics, Conflict 2 is your type of game.