Conflict: Desert Storm II (PS2)

Though Conflict: Desert Storm II runs the risk of seeming too insensitive even for video game players, this sequel is still set in the original 1991 Gulf War. It's a squad-based shooter that follows the testosterone-enriched adventures of soldiers Bradley, Foley, Connors and Jones as they travel 300 km further behind enemy lines beginning with--and couldn't you just guess it--a rescue mission at a downed Black Hawk helicopter within a heavily fortified city.

Of course, replicating dangerously jingoistic American movies is exactly what Conflict: Desert Storm II is all about and there's a ton of new hardware in this sequel to get even the most steadfast pacifist reaching for the Arnie one-liners. You've got new phosphor grenades, a laser designator to call in helicopters and jet planes and, best of all, the chance to jump in a jeep and spray bad guys with heavy machine gun fire.

As well as adding new features Conflict: Desert Storm II also fixes problems with the original game, in particular the often highly erratic frame rate, which is a lot smoother than before. The co-op mode is also back and better than ever, especially as you can now pick any level from the single-player mode to play through at any time. --David Jenkins

"A meaty shoot-'em-up with tricky tactical elements. 8/10."

"If it's fun with guns you're after then few current squad-based titles provide it better than this."

"Gun-toting fun with enough tactics to keep you interested. 85%."

"Brilliant, brilliant and brilliant. Everything the last game was plus everything you ever wanted [but with a few niggles]. 88%."

Conflict: Desert Storm II is a direct sequel to Conflict: Desert Storm, extending the action with further missions and characters and concentrating on the SAS and Delta Force teams sent into Iraq during Desert Shield. In this new game, survival is as important as full-on battle action.

Though Conflict: Desert Storm II runs the risk of seeming too insensitive even for video game players, this sequel is still set in the original 1991 Gulf War. It's a squad-based shooter that follows the testosterone-enriched adventures of soldiers Bradley, Foley, Connors and Jones as they travel 300 km further behind enemy lines beginning with--and couldn't you just guess it--a rescue mission at a downed Black Hawk helicopter within a heavily fortified city.

Of course, replicating dangerously jingoistic American movies is exactly what Conflict: Desert Storm II is all about and there's a ton of new hardware in this sequel to get even the most steadfast pacifist reaching for the Arnie one-liners. You've got new phosphor grenades, a laser designator to call in helicopters and jet planes and, best of all, the chance to jump in a jeep and spray bad guys with heavy machine gun fire.

• Detailed fighting game featuring special forces in Gulf War
• Four elite specialists complete 10 missions
• Highly developed squad-based gameplay
• Develop troops' skill levels between missions
• For 1 or 2 players