First off, a little bit on the installation: the pack says you will require as a minimum 128k of Ram. Just as well, since the test machine we had in mind had just enough (look if you keep this up you will be back on the 486 – Editor). Only problem is that that the first install screen warned that a minimum of 256k was required. Rather than try and raid the editor's change drawer again we went ahead and installed it anyway. The thing is, it works fine on 128k but this was the first of many inconsistencies between the packaging/manual and the game itself.

On with the story then: you play one James Anderson - a LT in the Allied army which, by a strange turn of events, is now basically a corporate company supported by a bunch of shareholders. That's OK, because to spice it up a bit you are fighting the Russians, who are no longer communists but under a dictatorship. As usual the war ain't going so well and it's all upon your shoulders to put it right.

The story - although quirky - has given the developers an opportunity to deploy a curious mix of technologies. As you run, crawl and duck your way around the levels you will come across WW1 tanks, trench systems, helicopters, gas, and nukes. All this makes for an interesting and varied level design.

The graphics are done well, with the frame rate being pretty smooth on our minimum spec machine. Realistic colors and scenery design certainly set the scene for the game. The trench system can feel quite claustrophobic, with enemies coming at you from above as well as along the trench. At first, the enemies (being the guys in beige…and the ones generally shooting at you), are difficult to tell apart from your own side (dressed in deep blue). 'Easy' you think? Well the graphics engine replicates solar glare, so you can stroll around a bend, cop the sun in your eyes and barely make out a humanoid figure. This is quite a cool effect and, coupled with weather effects, makes for quite a challenge.

People's faces are a bit on the angular side, and up close can appear a bit flat, but overall they are adequate for the job. There were a couple of instances where our hero got stuck but these were rare (trying to stand up when under an overhead obstruction can do it). Overall though, reasonable graphics with a few good high points.

At first it can seem confusing with regards to what you are supposed to do, what with a whole heap of your comrades rushing about, explosions, aircraft flying overhead and bullets ricocheting uncomfortably close. Firstly, you have to take out some snipers so an attack squad can go in. Figuring out enemy locations took quite a bit of time, and it's also worth noting the manual's keystroke for the scoped rifle is incorrect. You quickly learn that head shots are the only way to score a sure kill and once you've mastered this technique you're off on a roller coaster ride, running from one position to another and slaughtering the opposition as you go. Yes, there are copious quantities of the red stuff in this game, so be aware this really is targeted at a mature audience.