Hidden and Dangerous Deluxe

Take 2's Hidden and Dangerous and its Fight for Freedom expansion were excellent strategy games that immersed players in a thoroughly convincing first-person world. Well, a little time has passed now, and the two titles have been bundled together in a very attractive package at a budget price in Hidden and Dangerous Deluxe.

Set in World War II, this mission-based epic has you take control of the Special Air Service (SAS) operatives. Do you have what it takes to defeat the Germans?

The stunning visuals have been made to look dark and dirty in a successful attempt to give an eerie and realistic atmospheric feel to H&D; it rains almost constantly. Hmm, must have been a bad weather year. These environmental effects also reduce the visibility of both your team and your opposition. You are able to control up to four troops at a time, in designated missions of both stealth and combat. Once you have made your choice of troops, you have a specific amount of storage space, with which you can choose a series of weapon, defence, and medical items. Choose your equipment wisely, the more valued your choices are, the more space they will take in your inventory.

As for the accompanying expansion pack, additional features include a whole new set of vehicles and weapons, including the Parabelum PO8 Pistol. Also, there are three new campaigns, totalling to nine new missions. Once you are ready infiltrate or be infiltrated, you must rely primarily on strategy to succeed in your mission. This isn't an all out combat-based game, so be patient.