The earth is under attack from the Communist forces of evil and only one group of superheroes can save the planet. The Freedom Force are here for the PC and they've brought spectacular gameplay and style with them. A role playing game in the vein of Marvel and DC comics, Freedom Force introduces square-jawed flying superheroes and neckless adversaries in great form through a fully deformable 3-D world which reeks of quality. So much so it really feels like you're playing a graphic novel.
In action, FF plays as a real-time squad-based action game with RPG elements. All of the characters have the usual array of hit points and special powers and can be ordered around in real-time. For times when the action gets too hectic, a quick press of the space bar invokes pause mode and orders can be given at the player's leisure. It all works beautifully allowing strategies to be developed with thought behind them and then played out once play resumes.
Graphically, this is a real gem. Team leader Minuteman and his motley band of chums can fly, leap tall buildings, punch people clean across the city and even pick up cars and lamp posts and use them as weapons.
Sound plays a major part in the action and there are plenty of grunts, groans, background tunes and odd tinkly bits to keep the player happy. Authors Irrational Games, have also assigned each superhero their own corny catchphrases which are uttered with hysterical regularity during the heat of battle.
Comic book heroes have always received short shrift in the world of computer games but in Freedom Force this is firmly set to rights. It looks good, it plays well and it has the kind of hook that'll keep you pinned to the screen longer than a re-run of Batman. --Chris Russell
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