Once I got past the tutorial it was onto the campaign missions themselves. You have to select your squad and their equipment for each particular mission. As each mission may comprise a few levels and there's no re-supply option, getting your loadout correct at the beginning is of paramount importance. Taking a nicely balanced team into the field gives you plenty of options when it comes to deciding how you want to tackle each map. A strength in H&D 2: there's a healthy number of levels where the player can choose what to do. Real tactical fighting is on offer here as you can split your team up, maybe one half to scout or lay down suppressing fire while the other half blows up a gun or takes a prisoner. The objectives and goals for the missions are kept fresh throughout the game and players will have the opportunity to blow up battleships and hunt through dense jungle for hidden enemies. There are plenty of environments and locations to take your team through, all of which means that things rarely become repetitive. There is definitely some enjoyment to be had with the possibilities that the developers have given the players, it's just a shame that the actual game itself isn't up to providing a decent enough platform for it all. The AI is ropey and the enemies are the enhanced kind that can place a bullet square between your eyes from the other side of a foggy map. Path-finding is also poor and the difficulty surrounding successful moves is so great that it basically negates any chance of using the silent and deadly method unless absolutely called for. Oh dear, this is beginning to look more like the Italian infantry rather then the cream of the Allies' fighting forces.

The graphics engine used here is - to be kind - not the best. While some of the later levels have some grand architecture and varied environments both the textures and models are ugly. Being a DirectX 8 engine particle effects and pixel shaders are noticeable by their absence with the result that the bland graphics look lifeless and dull. Apart from a slightly noticeable increase in polygons and textures H&D 2 looks not all that far removed from the original. The animation is also below par as your men all look like they are in desperate need of a good massage and some Deep Heat. There is a physics engine here which provides some semblance of realism as it allows ricochets and takes a pragmatic approach to the bullet-stopping capabilities of various materials. The sounds do a fine job even thought they are not up to the high standards set by MOHAA. The interface has been improved a little from the last outing but still presents some play-stopping instances, although getting your men to do your bidding is definitely an easier proposition than in Hidden and Dangerous.

Bugs. So many bugs that a scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of came to mind. The first title was notoriously plagued with them and although someone has been round with a can of Raid there are still an unforgivable number of them scurrying about. For the developers to release the sequel to the most infamously bugged game in such a similar state is absolutely unforgivable. Even if the publishers must take some responsibility whoever was the project lead on this game did a poor job by not ensuring that stability and reliability were at the top of the goal list. A patch has already come out to address some of these issues. Requiring a deuce-and-a-half to get to your computer as it comes in at over 20 megs - I can't tell you how it improves the game because installing the patch negated my serial key, necessitating another lengthy install.

While there is a good game in this mess of code struggling to get out, its way is hampered by bugs, poor graphics and AI, as well as a generally poor standard of design and programming. I couldn't make myself play the whole game through as intended and resorted to cheats to get to some of the better levels. And while they did provide some enjoyment nothing could shake my conviction that this game was a stinker. If it had been released back in 1999, thereby becoming the first H&D, then things would have been fine. As it is we have a game that feels a couple of years old AND in need of another year's to get things just right. The co-operative mode has been cut out. How many sequels have you played that ship with less features then the original? Seeing as co-op was the most entertaining, (and least frustrating) way to play the first game I am just baffled as to why this decision was made. If you are desperate to play this nothing will stop you. If you are just curious then I recommend you download the original game, released for free and available in our downloads section. If you were hoping for the finest WW2 tactical then, like me, you have some more waiting to do.

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By Sam Gibson