Software review: PC: IronStorm
- — 24 March, 2003 07:18
So World War I never ended, right? No, of course not. It carried on going right up to 1964, when the game is set. Axis and Allied armies still exist, but under different names. Waging war is an expensive business, so in order to raise cash both armies floated themselves on the stock exchange and pay their troops by way of share options and bonuses. Not too dissimilar to modern day venture capitalists — except they know when not to cross the line.
IronStorm is definitely one of the more beautiful first-person shooter games about. We played it on a reasonably powerful PC so we could appreciate the visual treat that this game delivers (See here for a screenshot). Player and enemy models are well drawn, with specific detail given to the faces. The game features atmospheric lighting that is realistic throughout. You try sniping while facing into the sun — it just doesn’t happen! The game runs well and never slowed beyond 30fps.
There are all manner of modern weapons from shotguns and assault rifles to gas grenades, all of which are available from the early stages. The balance of the game is set so that weapon selection is of huge importance. Enemy AI is very impressive: they don’t charge headlong at you, they duck, bob and weave, throwing grenades if you stand still for too long. The overall game is quite difficult, even on easy mode. Our one tip is to save your game often. The controls work well, with the exception of the view, which can inhibit shooting options.
IronStorm really excels online and most people buying this game will do so for its multiplayer offering. An entertaining and thoroughly challenging game with an excellent multiplayer feature.
Publisher: Wanadoo/Dreamcatcher Interactive
Developer: 4X Studio
URL: www.iron-storm.com
