Game Review - by Jeremiah Pratt
The return of the highly awaited sequel is soon to be here. This year Return Fire II will blow the walls off of the action-strategy gaming et with the most advanced features in gaming -- including a new 3D engine, full support for 3-D accelerator boards as well as full joystick support including Microsoft Force Feedback. Through intense combat scenarios and new aerial dogfights, you play against your computer or your friends in death matches via the Internet or LAN.

Gameplay:
The game is simple you must "Capture the Flag". Ah but wait sounds easy right: wrong. You must utilize up to six different vehicles - the Double Barrel Tank, a PT Boat, a Harrier Jump Jet, the Helicopter, Armored Support Vehicle, and finally the Jeep. Unfortunately you can only use one vehicle at time. In addition to that you must face anti-aircraft missiles, gun turrents, and much more. But here's the kicker the enemy has the same six vehicles you do.

The combination of situations is endless, and strategy becomes a big factor. Don't expect to just run around in your tank ramming and shooting everything in sight. You'll face an early grave. You must manage your time and vehicles smartly to overcome the opposition.

Features:
One of my favorite features is the extensive multi-player option. Two players can compete cooperatively against the computer via team play. Two to sixteen players can battle in the Competitive Mode or pair up in the Partner Mode. Dogfighting is independent from the main game, pitting player vs. player in an airborne shootout.

Graphics:
The Graphics in the game are good, but not overly impressive. The gameplay is smooth and I noticed no slowdown or tears in the graphics. You'll love the explosions and the sheer joy of running over a jeep is enough for me. The overall gameplay is confusing at first, but if you keep it simple: Defend, Destroy, Capture Flag, you'll do fine. The computer AI is aggressive, but they seem to follow the same pattern.

Sound FX:
Unfortunately the sound in Return Fire 2 is not up to snuff. There's a really rocking intro but that's it. You're subjected to just weapon sound effects during gameplay. I was disappointed at this but it will pass. Also there is no soundtrack, to keep you from falling asleep.

Overall:
Finally, I enjoyed playing Return Fire 2; it had all the qualities of a good real-time strategy game. They're plenty of features for you mess with, Single - double, multi-player online. Which will keep you busy a long time. You can tell this game was built for Multiplayer action. The single player campaigns are not that involved. But this game has the one factor that keeps it alive "fun".