Finally, there is an Army Men title that utilizes the PlayStation 2’s capabilities and power. After a couple of attempts, I was about to give up on seeing a good version of the beloved PS games on the PS2. Air Attack 2 shows fantastic visuals and great game play. Not that Sarge’s Heroes 2 was a flop; it just didn’t push the envelope any. Granted, this is the Air Attack series, so we still have to wait for a great ground command title. Who knows…maybe Portal Runner will do the trick.
Graphically this is 3DO’s finest showcase on the PS2 to date. The engine is sharp, showing a fast frame rate and high polygon count. For starters, each level is detailed wonderfully. What’s more, now you have more enemies and objects on the screen at once without the worry of slow down. Each level is unique in visuals as are the helicopters you command. As usual, the cut scenes are well done and very entertaining. I even have to think back to the Nuclear Strike series to remember a copter game I was so visually wrapped up in. This is a very excellent looking game and is a hope of things to come from 3DO.
Sounds are also crafted well, supplying not only great voice-overs and sound FX, but a surprisingly well orchestrated score as well. The audio is very fitting to the game and makes for exciting game play when you can feel your speakers tremble. To use an 80’s reference, “The audio totally kicks ass!”
Game play is the icing on the cake that makes this game the best Army Men game to date. Not only do you have the fascinating enjoyment of pick up and play, but also this game will grow tougher in the later levels. Very responsive controls let you fight the enemies and the environments, not the controller. Like so many Army Men titles before it, the controls have been what has hampered the series, and it’s nice to see it finally done correctly.
The game also has replay value up the wazoo. Not only do you get to storm through 25 levels of insanity, but you have many extras to unlock as well. To add to the fun is 6 multiplayer modes including a terrific co-operative mode. Tired of playing against the CPU? Try knocking your friends out of the sky in one of 5 head to head battles. There is plenty to do and see, which easily warrants a purchase here.
I’ve always been a fan of the Army Men series, and it pained me to see the first two offerings had no love behind them. Luckily, Army Men Air Attack 2 shows exactly what love has to do with it. If you’re a fan of the series, this is a must buy. If not, try it anyway…it’s a sure fire blast.
