Return Fire 2 - PC Review - Gamecenter

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Return Fire 2

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Return to Where?
Still, RF2 is not without faults. Although learning how to operate each vehicle is part of the challenge, the jet is a little too challenging. In fact, I would say the jet is downright buggy because it constantly spins in circles, and often Return Fire 2 I couldn't control it at all. I know that I said everything is circular, but I didn't think anyone listened to me. Also annoying is the inability to get back to Windows. Alt-Tab, the Windows key, and Alt-Ctrl-Delete have all been disabled. How am I supposed to play this game at work now?
Finally, the menu interface looks very cool with integrated CGI graphics, but using the interface can be very confusing and nonintuitive. The interface for configuring the controls is especially difficult to deal with. FYI, joysticks generally work better than a gamepad in RF2. A joystick with a throttle and a twisting rudder (such as the SideWinder Precision Pro) is especially useful.
Those with Voodoo Graphics cards or force-feedback joysticks may want to get RF2 simply to show off. Besides looking great on high-end systems, it is also a truly fun multiplayer game. Like most great action games, it's simple to understand but hard to master. As in the original, RF2 requires some strategic thinking to know which vehicles are most useful to counter the enemy's choice of vehicle, and with the advent of team play, strategy is more important than ever.
So Return Fire has come full circle, and it's a whole game this time around. I suggest you get the CD (that's Circular Disk) and round up your friends. If you don't believe my theory that everything is circular, find me online. I'll run rings around you, make your head spin, and leave you with zero points. (That was supposed to be a challenge; at least that's what I told my instructor at self-assertiveness class.)
Tips
-This may seem obvious, but it often causes players to lose the game. Jeeps are your most valuable resource because they are the only vehicle choice that can return the enemy's flag to your bunker. Loose your jeeps and a stalemate is the best you can hope for.
-Don't forget that the PT boat can also carry the flag. Although you can't win with the PT boat, this is a particularly nasty way to hide your own flag.
-When attacking a base with a tank, ram the walls and shoot them at the same time. This will not only bring down the missile sites quicker, it will partially block you from the remaining missile sites.
-Return to your bunker or aircraft carrier often. If you ever survive an encounter with the enemy, your best chance to retain vehicle supremacy is to reload and repair.
-Along the same lines, after using your plane to drop a bomb, immediately return to the carrier to re-arm and drop another. Once you learn how, bombs are a quick way to do a lot a damage. Also, planes run out of fuel quickly so they have limited use for other purposes.

If you like this game, you might want to check out Delta Force or Axis & Allies.
Make it public: Go to the CNET Message Boards and discuss this review.

This article marks Hugh Falk's 50th for Gamecenter. It also marks his last review. Think modern-day Logan's Run: after 50 articles, the jewel in Hugh's hand has started to blink, and he's been scheduled for execution. Agree or disagree with this review? Let us know.

Facts

Return Fire 2
Ripcord Games, 888/797-5867
Price: $55
Pentium-100, Windows 95, 16MB RAM, 2X CD-ROM, PCI video card, 150MB disk space, 16-bit sound card

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Return Fire 2

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