Based on a training aid developed for the US Army, FSW introduces you to the cruel, hard face of war in the new urban combat world where small teams of indespensible troops are the new tanks. Realism in a war game is pretty important and FSW delivers in more ways than one. If the background music doesn't do it for you, the gritty (and sometimes R rated) banter between the soldiers of teams Alpha and Bravo will. FSW carrys a MA15+ rating for a good reason and it certainly adds to the realism factor (even if the game is based in a fictitious country called Zekistan).

The interesting part of this game is how to classify it - it's not really a 'shooter' because you don't actually do any shooting yourself. The objective of the game is basically to stay alive as much as to clear out battlezones. A large part of the gameplay involves organisation and tactical deployment of the two teams you command. This game was made for those who were blessed with the ability to multi-task and multi task you will (or die trying).

Each team consists of four soldiers: the team leader whom you deliver orders to and calls the commands to the rest of the team, a grenadier, automatic rifleman and rifleman. It's very important to learn how to use each of your team members in the field. It's also strongly suggested that you go through the training (don't spend too much time on it, just enough to understand each character's role and what his purpose is). Being successful is all about teamwork, which really does make for a more enjoyable and challenging experience. Running around with a gun shooting up bad guys may not sound that challenging, but try doing that with eight different characters who have four separate roles to play!

The important thing to remember is to focus on the objective. FSW has a few extra tools to help you reach your objectives a little more easily. The team leaders have the ability to use both the GPS and radio to communicate with the platoon leader. That means that the GPS will become invaluable should you want to obtain a more detailed idea of where you are. The GPS will show you exactly where your teams are located on the map and will also show you where your objective lies. Tactically this tool will prove very useful if you know how to cover ground well enough with both teams without being used for target practice by the enemy.