Conflict: Desert Storm II (PS2)

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

From my point of view - as someone who likes to play computer/console games from time to time but who isn't particularly great at them - it is ok. The basics of the game are enjoyable - you run about shooting and blowing things up, however there are two major flaws which spoil the game.

The first flaw is how awkward it is to end a level. Far too often in the game you find that you have killed all the bad guys and are just running around an empty set. You then have to find some obscure objective to "finish" the game. This means the first five minutes of a level are enjoyable, the next fifteen - twenty minutes are spent trying to work out what you need to do to finish the level. One particularly memorable point was where the squad had got to a balcony and then couldn't get any further. I moved them all back on the street and ran around looking for some other exit - couldn't find anything. Eventually after looking everywhere I moved them back onto the balcony where they had been twenty minutes before only to find that the door at the far end was now open. Hurrah - how enjoyable it was to run around empty streets for twenty minutes, when the exit was opened on the whim of the game developer.

The second flaw is that you can't save when you want, but only when the game decides it will let you save. So you can be playing for an hour or so, unable to save, when suddenly out of nowhere some missile lands and kills one of your men and the mission is over. You then have to start all over again from the start of the level. This is just pure laziness on the part of a games developer. They can't be bothered to make the game genuinely last a decent length of time, so they have to make the player continually re-play levels they have already been on. I think this has really killed the game for me, I can play a level perhaps two or three times but to have to just keep going back to the beginning of a level you have been on for an hour is absurd.

So, if they had allowed you to save when you want, and avoided contrived "objectives" it would have been a decent game, as it is you either have to be a very good games player or have a lot of patience.


Good game, but get it for the xbox instead   February 27, 2004
Gerard (N.I)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I've played Conflict Desert Storm: 1&2 for both the Ps2 and the Xbox. The game, if you don't know the background is set during the Gulf War. You take control of 4 characters simultaneously, switching between them as you progress. Otherwise, you can control one of them and have the rest follow. The game mechanics are pretty good, and to get the most out of the game I enjoy switching between them moving them to corners and doorways individually like a true SAS squad member. You have the usual 'run of the mill' arsenal at your disposal with tank busters, automatic rifles, land mines, sniper rifles, C4 and the ability to call in an air support being among the top range of weaponary available. So if you enjoy games such as Hidden and Dangerous or Project Eden then this will be your cup of tea, similarly, if you enjoy war-based games or 3rd person shooters/adventure (ALA syphon filter) then get this game. If you own a Xbox this is one of the best shooters of its genre. If you only own a PS2 then this is worth a look. The major complaint about the Ps2 is the graphics, they're glitchy and sometimes it's hard to see your enemies. The comparison between the Xbox&Ps2 always makes me think of a Ps2 compared to the first Playstation, anyway - enough babbling - go get it and try it out yourself - if you haven't played the first Conflict pick that up first and you'll get a good taste of things to come!


The pros and cons of C D S 2   February 14, 2004
G. Meister (Exeter)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I got into Conflict Desert Storm 2 through a demo I had played at my friends house. When I played it, I didn't think it much of it, but on the menu there was a choice of multiplayer, unavailable on the demo version. I realised how good this game could be at 2 player. I ordered the game and played it with my brother. we had immense fun, but it didn't last. we had completed the game before we realised it. The game is way too short and if you want something lasting, I wouldn't get this. I did, however find it a lot better than "Medal of Honour". At least this is more variable and involves skill. If you want something fun that you can play with someone else, get this. If you want something lasting, don't. The demo itself is already 1/10 of the game.


Excellent   January 29, 2004
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

The first game was great. This one is excellent. The graphics and scenery are amazing. The storyline is brilliant.

A fun and exciting game where you control a squad of 4 SAS or US Special Forces soldiers. You can switch very easily to any of your 4 men whilst the others fire and move independently, or under your orders. You get to drive landrovers and armoured vehicles, which is very enjoyable.

If you have a child or friend who wants to play too then the 2 player game is a very welcome addition.

Not quite Medal of Honor but almost. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good quality and action packed gaming.