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SPEC OPS: PRO PACK
Developed by:Zombie Games (1998)
Genre: Modern military
sim
System Requirements: Windows
95, P 90+, CD ROM, 16 MB RAM, Mouse, Modem.
OVERVIEW: The Spec Ops Pro Pack contains all of the add-ons and updated patches for Spec Ops: Rangers Lead The Way. While not a true first person perspective combat sim, Spec Ops offer some of the best small unit/commando action you'll ever find on the PC.
Spec Ops is kind of a quasi-shooter: you can take a somewhat first person perspective but most of the time you're looking over your Ranger's shoulder in the 3d person. While this sounds rather confusing- it's not. This is one of the best designed games of it's kind available today- and possible one of the best looking. The overall graphic/sound ambience and effect is excellent.
Basically the game revolves around a variety of missions which take place all over the globe. You'll find yourself sneaking through the moonlit forest of Northern Russia, the tangled (and rainy) jungle of Vietnam, the desert of Iraq and a few other "nice" locations most people leave off their international travel calendar (like Bosnia and North Korea). The terrain rendering is awesome- you can see that the design team at Zombie really put an effort into it (and it shows). The sounds are equally as convincing- the enemy (be they Iraqi, Russian, Korean...) will actually use their native language to call out to you- and warn their buddies. Pretty darn cool.
The only problem I had was in the computer AI. While overall pretty good- sometimes the computer controlled Ranger (and enemy troops) do some amazingly stupid things like blowing themselves up or running into objects rather than going around them. I also noticed that the computer controlled Ranger will use up his ammo rather quickly and tends to get wasted by performing some idiotic action (like standing up while being shot at). On the other hand the computer AI will do amazing things like having enemy troops drop prone, roll to avoid your fire- then unload on you! So overall the AI is pretty good with a few glitches.
I must mention the rendering of the Rangers and the enemy troops. They are some of the best I have ever seen! It's incredible- the animation is fluid and extremely life-like. The uniform, weapons and equipment renderings are dead on correct. You just have to see it to really appreciate it.
Game controls are pretty simple. Spec Ops uses a range of various key commands in order to perform in-game actions (like tossing grenades or setting satchel charges). Players can jump from one Ranger to another, which comes in handy at times. It takes a few games to get it all down but once you do you'll have a blast!
The Spec Ops Pro Pack is a great deal. I recommend this one to anyone interested in small unit/commando style sims. Zombie Games is apparently working on an entire series of elite unit sims: British SAS, Navy SEALs....I can't wait!
THE SCOUTING REPORT:
THE PROS:
THE CONS: