The
best way to describe Freedom Force vs. The 3rd Reich
is as a classic comicbook come to life. Actually that
description is much too simple and obvious because
Freedom Force vs. The 3rd Reich is a classic comic
book come to life.
The
only things missing in this game is a 12-cent price
tag on the cover and an appearance by the Hulk. If
you've ever read classic superhero comics from the
50s you'll have an understanding where this game is
coming from. What is unique about this game is that
it's squad-based and uses superheroes instead of soldiers.
It's also an RPG in that the heroes are able to upgrade
their skills.
Since
this is a sequel I am hesitant to use words like "unique"
and "original" since those words have already
been used to describe the first game. I guess we can
use these words to describe the series because nothing
about this sequel is old news. It picks up where the
last game left off and takes an interesting detour.
Instead of battling new enemies, the Freedom Force
tackles old enemies and I'm not just talking about
the ones from the last game. The Force goes back in
time to 1942 to take on the Nazis in WWII. Without
giving too much away let's just say that time travel
is not always perfect and you can expect some problems
with parallel universes, time warps and paradoxes.
The
story is handled smartly. It's not a lampoon nor is
it completely serious. It's got the perfect blend
of fantasy and reality that gives you a reason to
believe. The scientific facts are logical and probable.
They form the foundation of the story. We find the
superheroes to be so altruistic and even a little
naïve to the degree that we can't help but want
to believe in them and see them succeed.
Each
superhero has unique powers. While they each have
a different personality they are somewhat shallow.
As if to give them more depth, in this version we
are treated to the origins of some of our favorite
heroes from the last game. Not all of these guys started
out on the side of good as you'll see. There are some
former criminals and even murderers mixed in with
the Force which helps foreshadow the heavy vibe of
the Nazi encounter.
Taking
control of a party of four superheroes, you will use
the powers of one hero at a time to achieve your goal
whether it be old faves such as Sky King, Black Jack
and Tricolour or the new additions of Tombstone, Green
Genie and Quetzacoatl. Unlike the first game your
objectives, both primary and secondary, will be outlined
for you before you start the mission. This takes away
the anxiety of trial and error and also simplified
and speeds up the leveling-up process.
Teamwork
is absolutely essential for the completion of your
missions. The game pauses as you issue commands. Strategies
change as you adapt to each new twist in the objective.
Even though objectives are outlined, the way you deal
with each of them is your problem. Things do change
and you'll have to roll with the punches. That's what
makes the gameplay interesting.
Expect
bold, primary colors. This is a virtual live-action
comic book after all. Compared to the last game the
environments are less sterile and empty. They take
on damage with craters on the streets and buildings
that can be reduced to rubble. The particle and light
effects are more vibrant and fluid than before. Character
models are still pretty much the same. You can create
your own heroes and outfit them with an almost endless
combination of powers, costumes and colors and take
them into the Rumble Room to test them out against
various enemies.
The
multi-player mode has been enhanced although it's
not as deep as the single-player story mode. It does
add some replay value and is more than just an add-on.
Other modes such as the Rumble Room let you exercise
different aspects of the story mode gameplay and further
increase the replay value. With a great story, excellent
controls, graphics and voiceovers you are certain
to get your money's worth out of this game.
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