Conflict: Desert Storm

Considering the West's current issues with Iraq, it can safely be said that the release of a video game based around the events of the Gulf War is controversial to say the least. Nevertheless, this third person, squad-based action game places an emphasis on depth and realism, delivering fast-paced action, stealth and tactical warfare.

Based on the offensive operations codenamed 'Desert Storm' which were prepared by the opposing coalition forces following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the game casts players as members of the Elite Special Forces. Small teams of highly trained soldiers, the Elite Special Forces were fundamental to subsequent success of Desert Storm.

Players take control of a squad of four British SAS or United States Delta Force soldiers as they infiltrate enemy territory, neutralise key targets and gather intelligence critical to the success of each mission. Each squad is made up of soldiers excelling in their own area of expertise: Rifleman, Heavy Weapons, Electronics, Infiltration and Sniper. Although each member of the squad can perform all tasks, the specialists are far superior in their respective areas and their expertise can be perfected as they progress through each mission. The longer the squad stays alive, the more experience points they pick up, improving accuracy, and also making them harder to kill.

A total of 15 missions make up the single player game, each one involving both explosive action and tactical stealth. Multiple solutions to each missions can be found and a heavy emphasis on teamplay presides throughout.

The inclusion of a fully researched and realistic range of modern weapons, as well as the implementation of an intelligent computer AI, which learns from experience, adds to the authenticity of what is already a comprehensive simulation.