In the original CDS the game ended with a failing attempt to capture Saddam, now (like real life) we are heading back to Baghdad to get that S.O.B. No spider holes will be investigated in this version, but the intense battles, complete with many casualties, are evident in this sequel. Does this tactical action title out do the original, or is the game more of the same? Thankfully the game is a step above its predecessor, and will be enjoyed by fans of the series and the genre alike.

Visually the game does look better than the original, if not hit and miss. Cut scenes between missions set up the levels appropriately, done with some decent CG and full of drama and action. The environments are greatly detailed. Varied locals provide for some interesting battles in Iraq. What’s more, the levels range from desert land to enemy camps, each with a great diversity among each stage. Lighting effects are done adequately, even if not in real time. Unfortunately the texture quality is a bit washed out, which takes away from some of the luster. Character models also suffer the same fate. Sporting greatly detailed models and rag doll physics, the animations are quite stiff and limited. The frame rate is steady and never dips even in the most heated action. Overall the game won’t win any beauty contests, but it does get by will more than passable visuals.

Audio is outstanding. Supporting Dolby Pro Logic II, the game brings the battles right into your living room. Aircrafts fly over your head, gunfire whizzes past your ears, and the explosions are loud and boisterous. There is a small amount of voice acting, mainly from your companions calling out orders or warnings. Other voice acting is found in the early training missions, with your Sergeant barking out orders and cheesy movie style one-liners. The game’s score is orchestrated and provides some heart pounding songs, which follow the action appropriately. All in all the game sounds fantastic.

Game play is simple enough for rookies to the tactical game, but allows advanced strategy for fans of this genre. The game’s utilizes most every button on the GC controller, and allows for easy weapon switching or targeting on the fly. Speaking of targeting, the game does offer an auto lock on, which may seem cheap in certain circumstances. For instance, when you are in a dark fighting area, and an enemy is fighting behind a bunker, your helpful lock on cursor spots him out before you do. Also, when multiple enemies are in your line of fire, the game has a hard time picking which is the best enemy to shoot, which may lead to some critical damage taken. Otherwise, the game play is pretty solid, with some smart A.I. on the higher difficulty settings.

CDS 2 offers up to 4 player simultaneous game play in a co-op setting. This can make for some good times when you and 3 buddies are wiping out enemies together. The game unfortunately offers only story mode for single and multiplayer actions. No head to head death matches, no randomly generated maps to conquer. This hurts the replay value of this game quite a bit, with little to go back for.

If you enjoy tactical or squad based titles, such as Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, you will get some pleasure from this title. Fans of the old run and gun action, may want to look elsewhere as this game is a team-based title and loosing your team members equals failing your missions. Sure the game may be taking advantage of a war we are currently involved in, but in the end CDS 2 provides some solid hours of entertainment.