Soldier of Fortune II (Xbox)

Forgettable storylines aside, there is much on offer in the single-player campaign as you find yourself battling your way through a vast number of real-world environments, from the Columbian jungle to storm-battered battleships. SoF2 introduces variety into the gameplay by tempering mindless blasting with some notable set-pieces and a number of levels where a stealthy approach is needed.

SoF2 has always attempted to distinguish itself from other first-person-shooters by offering one of the most visceral FPS experiences ever. However, the high body counts cannot detract from the games obvious flaws. The graphical power of the Xbox has been wasted here, character models look worse than the PC version and actually vanish after they are shot. Textures are bland and messy, while the sound is dull and often muffled. Enemy AI is average and groups of enemies all scramble around as individuals as opposed to working to any group dynamic. If you really want a challenge then SoF2 supports up to 12 players via system link on Xbox Live.

Despite being a huge single-player game there really isn't much here to elevate SoF2 above the average--this could have been a great chance to rework and improve on what was a great PC game, but it turns out to be a missed opportunity. --Chris Ryan

101/10
Dissected by Killa


Not as bad as others make out.....   November 10, 2003
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

OK, so this game has some flaws. The graphics are a bit dodgy in places (pacticularly on the darker levels like the first one which doesn't give a good first impression) but overall I'd say it was a reasonable FPS worthy of a look (assuming you've played Halo & Medal of Honor).

In the later levels with good light you get to play with a very full kit of guns, some of which are an absolute blast (M60 is my favorite). Missions have good variety in different locations around the world. The game can be saved AT ANY POINT. Now that is a great feature for a FPS and removes that annoying feeling you get when you can't get past a hard bit and need to do the five minutes before it each time....As such, there's very little frustration other than the graphics at times. On that subject, the cutscenes are very poor and the dialogue is too quiet compared to the game, but in gameplay terms, which is what counts, you'll be dispatching terrorists with ruthless efficiency and having a blast while doing it.

Overall, it's not what you'd call a classic like Half Life or the others mentioned, but for FPS fans this can be a satisfying game if you overcome some of it's flaws.


John Mullins is back.....Yawn!   September 30, 2003
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Back as John Mullins in this high gore feast. If you`ve got limbs kiss them goodbye. This first person shooter is not a bad game, but is not thrilling and has a vague storyline.
First the graphics are below average, mainly the terrain detail that lacks polish. It looks dull on many levels, and the designers must have a fetish for shades of green. Cut scenes are ok, but the worst thing about this game is the sound. The sound of a bullet hitting your armour sounds like a high pitch sudden scratch on a jumpy vinyl record, you hear a voice as though the enemy is two feet in front of you however he is more than a mile away. Grenades make a heavy clunk clunk on most surfaces.
Game control feels heavy and sluggish even if you adjust the sensitivity. This makes it easier to aim, but slows the action.
These hinder the playability of the game. From the South American jungle to a city hospital, from a hotel to the snowy landscape of Russia, and the bowels of a ship to a chinese market. Level design (barring a little blandness of the graphics) is what keeps you going. Only waste is the `walking-around-trying-to-find-your-way` at the initial SHOP HQ levels. BORING.
Extras include the Random Mission Generator, which is good for practice, but unfortunately is all you can do as it seems undeveloped. BUT Boy it could have potential.
Disappointing is no split screen multiplayer. Only live enable and link two boxes, probably as in later levels (using night vision in the SHOP) some slowdown occurs. Some of this may be due the rampant spinning of the DVD playing dull music.
In conclusion
It`s OK but it doesn`t convince me that I have to or want to play it. The graphics bore me and the sound annoys me. There are better!


why did they bother??   September 16, 2003
cj (oxford)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I am always on the lookout for genuinely engaging and quirky games or ones that exploit the xbox's huge potential. This one does niether. If you look at games a few years back like kingpin and max payne or more recently the jaw dropping splinter cell and up coming XIII. Those games broke boundaries with their playing style, storylines and graphics. So i ask you how can you produce a game like sof2 today and keep a straight face. The graphics are poor by todays standards, the story is so dull and slow you just dont care, enemies can see you and hear you from miles away so bang goes the stealth aspect, but the worst thing is the sound. There is just no atmosphere, voices sound the same whether 3 feet away or a mile off. At one point your being stalked by a badly drawn helicopter, but can you hear it in glorious surround, nooooo!, if it wasnt shooting at you, you wouldnt know it was there.
This game is nothing new, just a very dull 1st person shooter, which may be enough for some people, but I just wanted to get through it fast so i could sell it.
If you want a great story about a special ops agent, that has amazing graphics, sound and gameplay, then go for sam fisher in splinter cell. Avoid john mullins, he certainly isnt worth the money!!