Dogs of War

Unlike most real-time strategy games, Dogs of War throws resource management and base building out the window and gets right into the action, while adding an arcade element that will appeal to action fans as well as strategy buffs.

Unlike most real-time strategy games, Dogs of War throws resource management and base building out the window and gets right into the action, while adding an arcade element that will appeal to action fans as well as strategy buffs. While there are no resources to manage, each mission requires planning, an aspect which might be better suited to strategy gamers than casual newcomers. The setup to each mission shows you which units are available and allows you to plan how to enter the engagement. The game requires the right balance of forces, and strategy is crucial -- a quick heated "tank rush" will only rush forces to their death.

The action takes place on Primus IV, where three factions are battling for control of the planet. The Imperial Order and the mercenary army known as the Warmonkeys make up the human contingent, while the Mantai represent the planet's indigenous alien race. Though each faction features unique units, the three sides remain well balanced.

The 25 missions vary in geography from frozen wastelands to lava fields, including plenty of urban battles, which are not as commonly seen in real-time titles. Some of the battlefields are as large as 25 kilometers and allow you to lead up to 100 units into battle. The expanse of the battlefield makes for epic fights, though it often takes a long time to reach the action.

Dogs of War features a zoomable map that lets players change angles, zoom in, and even jump into the first-person view from the perspective of any unit during combat. With highly detailed graphics in the terrain and units, the game blends seamlessly from cut-scenes to playable missions, thanks again to the game's zoomable 3D engine, a feature that is becoming increasingly prevalent in real-time titles.

While the engine allows players to choose a view that gives them the best perspective for any given moment, units can almost disappear when zoomed all the way out. Infantry units especially have a habit of blending a little bit too well into the incredibly rendered, but mostly neutral, background.

Dogs of War is narrated by Craig Charles, best known for his role as Lister on the British sci-fi comedy series Red Dwarf, and Silicon Dreams has enlisted the music of FatBoy Slim to punctuate the action.

With three well-balanced races and a variety of missions and units, Dogs of War offers a compelling playing experience. In this battle between humans and bug-like, Starship Troopers-inspired aliens, the real victor is you.

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