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View Full Version : R U buying Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix ?



Brevity
05-27-2003, 08:21 AM
Are you getting this game? And if your a DDC or G-unit member, please dont just do the poll actually tell us, so we will know who. I think I am getting it. Here is a link for buying it some screens and a preview from gamespot.

Buy it here: Get it at EB and get free shipping!(click here) (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/products/product.asp?pf_id=233208)

Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix Preview
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We get an exclusive look at the Xbox version of Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix.


Soldier of Fortune II has finally made the jump from the PC to the Xbox, and from the looks of it, the Xbox version successfully reproduces almost everything that made the single-player and multiplayer aspects of the PC first-person shooter so fun to play. In the game, you assume the role of John Mullins, a member of a top-secret agency who's sent to various locations around the world to combat terrorists. Interestingly, John Mullins' real-life counterpart (who shares the same name, was a Green Beret, and could probably kill a man five times before he hit the ground) helped in the development of the game by providing his input on various aspects of the gameplay.


The single-player campaign begins with a flashback in Prague, where you'll start to familiarize yourself with some of the basic gameplay mechanics. In fact, you'll have to learn quickly, because there are three or four guards posted just outside the small alleyway where Mullins makes his entrance. Since the first guard is about 15 feet away from his buddies, you'll have an opportunity to use some stealth. Like in other games that feature stealth mechanics, sound is an important factor in successfully getting the jump on an enemy. So, if you're running up to the guard, there's a higher chance that he'll turn around and start shooting. Conversely, if you slowly stalk the guard, you can get close enough to use one of your knives, which can be quietly plunged into the back of the guard's skull without the other guards even knowing there's a problem. Using the butt of your equipped weapon is also effective, but the guard you knock out will eventually recover and start firing. Another important thing to realize is that guns are really loud, and the second you fire one of your weapons, you're going to alert most, if not all, of the guards in the immediate area.


But when that does happen, you'll find that the Xbox controller does a pretty good job of handling the PC controls. The game uses the basic Halo first-person shooter controls as the default, so you can move around with the left analog stick and view the environment using the right analog stick. The weapon and item inventory can be accessed using the D pad. You can also perform a variety of other actions as well. For example, when you're up against a wall, you can use the D pad to peek out around a corner and fire at enemies while maintaining cover behind the wall. Crouching is another valuable skill that comes into play during heated firefights, allowing you to take cover behind boxes, couches, or other small objects. It's also useful because you'll find that most enemies like to stay in a crouching position when they're firing, so you don't have to adjust your aim if John is already in that position.

Not all the missions in Soldier of Fortune II are of the typical first-person shooter variety. At various points in the game, you'll have to jump into a vehicle (like a truck or a helicopter) and man a massive gun. When this happens, Soldier of Fortune II almost turns into an old-school arcade shooter, with enemies popping out from behind doors and other objects in the environment. One of the early missions of this type places you in a car chase where you're on the back of a truck, and what makes this situation particularly fun is that you can either shoot the troops on the enemy trucks or target the engine of the trucks themselves, causing them to explode.

In some missions, the risk of detection is so great that you won't be able to fire your weapons at all. The mission at the Prague train station requires you to pick up some papers from a contact and then quietly escort a VIP onto the train without alerting any of the guards. If you want to be especially careful, you can take out a few of the guards using your knife, but it's best to avoid confrontation unless it's absolutely necessary.


There's no question that the main single-player campaign in Soldier of Fortune II offers a variety of different missions, but to add even more diversity, the game also includes a random-mission generator for the single-player campaign. Obviously, you won't get the story arc of the main single-player game, nor will you get maps that are quite as detailed as those in the main portion of the game, but the random-mission generator works pretty well. You can set the type of mission (assassination, demolition, escape, or infiltration), the location (snow, jungle, desert, or hills), the time of day, and the difficulty. The time limit and the selectable inventory can also be toggled on or off.

It's worth pointing out that the AI in Soldier of Fortune II is pretty solid. While you will occasionally see an enemy soldier walk right up to you without seeming to notice you, most of the time they're pretty good at spotting you, firing a few rounds, and then taking cover. The enemies also do a good job of determining where you are in relation to the environment and will try to sneak up behind you if you're not careful. In addition, some enemies will even overturn furniture (like tables) and use it as cover, so you'll definitely be kept on your toes throughout much of the single-player game.


If you're tired of the single-player campaign and you feel like some multiplayer competition, Soldier of Fortune II will have plenty to offer. The game's multiplayer mode contains all the standard Xbox Live features, such as quick match, optimatch, and create session, as well as a number of different match types, including deathmatch, capture the flag, infiltration, team deathmatch, elimination, and demolition. There are also options to view your friends list and download new content.

Visually, Soldier of Fortune II doesn't look quite as good as its PC counterpart. There are some strange color-banding issues in the first level, and the textures and character models don't look quite as sharp. Also, in the current build of the game, cutscenes that were done in real time on the PC are now full-motion video. Still, the weapon models look quite good, and there are plenty of cool little effects, such as the damage model for the enemies, which actually registers hits to different parts of the body, causing the enemy to react accordingly. Soldier of Fortune II is scheduled for release in June.



--Content Courtesy of GameSpot
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen001.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen002.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen004.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen005.jpg

Brevity
05-27-2003, 08:25 AM
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen006.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen007.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen008.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen009.jpg
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen010.jpg
More at the DDC and Here (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/soldieroffortune2dh/screenindex.html)

carlbme
05-27-2003, 08:30 AM
Already have it for the PC and beat it a few times....so I'll pass on it.

Brevity
05-27-2003, 08:48 AM
BTW: isnt this a fine example of what a "Poll" of (R U gonna buy_____?) should look? I hate seeing one that is cluttered with Q's about the game or ppl asking where can I buy it, or can someone give me a link to some screens. I think this is very complet. ("hurts arm patting self on back") LOL:p

Shadow20002
05-27-2003, 12:45 PM
No, simple as that. By the time this game is out Ninja Gaiden is also, so pick it instead of old FPS. :p

VeNoMiZA
05-27-2003, 01:24 PM
aheM! i will be getting this. it looks phat as hell. plus! we need a army start game that you can actually see the damned gun.:eek: and to me since this is done by activison it will be on par with wolfenstein and or even BETTER! so this is a must get. anyways my Bday is on the 22nd and this comes out on the 17th, according to EB.. :watchout: but you know them. they suck. so i will get this for a fact.

sabca
05-27-2003, 01:36 PM
Not sure yet. I'd have to think about this one.

borka105
05-27-2003, 02:45 PM
it's 50%-50% right now. But with midtown madness 3 coming out close to that date......... it doesn't look good.


Reviews will decide it though....

-borka105

Waterspout
05-27-2003, 06:01 PM
After Brute Force, Soldier of Fortune is the game I am looking forward to.

Variation-XBA
05-27-2003, 06:08 PM
I wont be

No Fear 23
05-27-2003, 07:22 PM
i prolly wont get it, maybe later if it turns out to be good. im waiting for midtown madness 3

JJaX
05-27-2003, 09:50 PM
I have it on the PC.

I havent gotten a chance to play it much, but it is fun.

# 1 Stunner
05-27-2003, 10:02 PM
looks sweet..bring on them fps's..i cant get enough of em...

l Maximus l
05-27-2003, 10:25 PM
My problem with FPSs on the XBox is that I basically compare them all with Halo. And because of this, they all seem to fall short and next thing I know, I'm back to playing Halo again.

One of these days, developers will actually play Halo and realize that they need to build from the new benchmark.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Wolfenstein. I think Co-op sucks on it, though...it's really choppy as hell. XBox Live is bad ass, though...and of course the single player Campaign is sweet (I've almost beat the game).

As for Soldier of Fortune...I don't know much about it. I've heard the name as it is a popular name...but, I have never played it. For me to throw $50 down on it, I'm going to have to love it. Therefore, I'm renting it first and then I'll decide. I'm assuming that it's XBox Live which makes it more intriguing, for sure.

Toonz
05-27-2003, 10:35 PM
Normally I am a console fan but this game is best played on the PC. It has a huge modding community so there is never a shortage of maps and mods that add to its longevity. If you have a PC that can handle it drop the cash on the PC version. If you don't definetly get the Xbox version though its a great game and if they port it as well as RTCW it will definetly be worth the price of admission. For people who like standard DM and CTF type games this will def fill the void untill HALO 2.

VeNoMiZA
05-27-2003, 10:36 PM
Originally posted by Maximus-XBA
My problem with FPSs on the XBox is that I basically compare them all with Halo. And because of this, they all seem to fall short and next thing I know, I'm back to playing Halo again.

One of these days, developers will actually play Halo and realize that they need to build from the new benchmark.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Wolfenstein. I think Co-op sucks on it, though...it's really choppy as hell. XBox Live is bad ass, though...and of course the single player Campaign is sweet (I've almost beat the game).

As for Soldier of Fortune...I don't know much about it. I've heard the name as it is a popular name...but, I have never played it. For me to throw $50 down on it, I'm going to have to love it. Therefore, I'm renting it first and then I'll decide. I'm assuming that it's XBox Live which makes it more intriguing, for sure. yeah man the co-op sux ASS! LOL, i was playing with my friend and i was throwing kicks like chuck norris. i tried to see how it looks like ot throw kicks. i told my buddy to look at me and it dosnt show me throwing kicks!!! ITS WACK!!!:cuss: plus co0op makes it much harder ot play for the fact im used to the whole damn screen to my self. lol.

l Maximus l
05-27-2003, 11:12 PM
Originally posted by VeNoMiZA
yeah man the co-op sux ASS! LOL, i was playing with my friend and i was throwing kicks like chuck norris. i tried to see how it looks like ot throw kicks. i told my buddy to look at me and it dosnt show me throwing kicks!!! ITS WACK!!!:cuss: plus co0op makes it much harder ot play for the fact im used to the whole damn screen to my self. lol.

lol, about the kick thing...yeah, it definately is lacking detail in co-op mode...but, that's my main gripe...my main complaint is that the characters move around so choppy looking...like they stutter step or something. It's not like Halo where everyone glides naturally. Know what I mean!? :watchout:

JJaX
05-28-2003, 12:09 AM
Originally posted by Maximus-XBA
My problem with FPSs on the XBox is that I basically compare them all with Halo. And because of this, they all seem to fall short and next thing I know, I'm back to playing Halo again.


Well according to the latest EGM, its rumored that Sega is hard at work on a "Halo killer"

So secret, it wasnt even mentioned at E3.
:cry:

MerimacHamwich
05-28-2003, 12:31 AM
Sega most likely won't bring out any title that will even come close to as good as Halo. Seriously, you people give that company too much credit, they don't even have bump mapping in any of thier games.

Back to the topic. SOFII is just another old PC game port to the Xbox. RTCW was understandable becuase it was somewhat revolutionary on the PC, so the same can be said about its place on the Xbox. However, SOFII is just basically another FPS. On op of that it has outdated graphics. It is a definite pass for me.

Diddy
05-28-2003, 01:46 PM
I think the first few levels of this game are crap. The xbox graphics for this game are as well. Im probably gonna get it because i cant get my PC version to work anymore. If you get this game, get it only for the live support. The SP is a few bullets short of a magazine. (The Load Bar in the SOF series;) )

VenoM
05-28-2003, 03:27 PM
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen006.jpg

after seeing that shot....no,i rather stick with 007 goldeneye for the n64 instead....is this a joke?:huh:

JJaX
05-28-2003, 07:25 PM
Originally posted by VenoM
http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2003/xbox/soldieroffortune2/0521/sof2_screen006.jpg

after seeing that shot....no,i rather stick with 007 goldeneye for the n64 instead....is this a joke?:huh:

Shoot the dead guy in the face and see what happens. That might change your mind ;)

The game is gory :D

VenoM
05-28-2003, 07:57 PM
Originally posted by JJaX


Shoot the dead guy in the face and see what happens. That might change your mind ;)

The game is gory :D

yea i played the first one on dreamcast...guts and other organs everywhere :D wish it looked better graphically then those screenshots though

Diddy
05-29-2003, 11:03 AM
Thats true, the graphics arent too great, they even say that in OXM's Preview. But the Singeplayer sucks, so what, it sucked as well in the PC, BUT THE WHERE THE REAL FUN IS AT, IS THE LIVE PLAY! Theres like 5 Modes, DM TDM CTF DEmolition and Infiltration I think. 20 Maps, plus 5 rumored for DL. And theres mad weapons to choose from, from the AKs to the M60s. Im totally getting this game now, tho i doubt ill even touch the SP, maybe just to get used to the controls.

aj142
05-29-2003, 04:26 PM
Hmmm.... tempting....

Hitman101
05-29-2003, 05:35 PM
I might buy this title, but after seeing the way the graphics have been toned down I might just pass on this. Are they trying to bring this to ps2 or something????? :eek: It might be a long wait for Counter-Strike CZ but microsoft is promising it will be better then the PC version with the extra lighting effects and graphical upgrades instore for it. As well as periodical updates on XBL just like the PC version. (Thank god its not another UC:D ) Anyway I think SOF 2 will get blown away by CS and other titles like Full Specturm Warrior soon............I just might................pass.

l Maximus l
05-30-2003, 01:16 AM
Originally posted by JJaX


Well according to the latest EGM, its rumored that Sega is hard at work on a "Halo killer"

So secret, it wasnt even mentioned at E3.
:cry:

Now, that's what I like to hear. But, more importantly, that's what I would like to play. Hell, Sega may have a chance...but, damn! It's going to be tough as hell.

sojourner
05-30-2003, 04:56 AM
Is the multi player anything like wolfenstein? If it is Ill pass. I hope its not though!:confused:

Brevity
05-30-2003, 12:47 PM
Originally posted by sojourner
Is the multi player anything like wolfenstein? If it is Ill pass. I hope its not though!:confused:
From what I read its more tactical making it more like GR, but its faster than that so I would put it right in b/w the two in style and pace.

smack_roscoe
05-31-2003, 11:37 AM
Just Bring It.

Cant get enough of FPS's.

Diddy
05-31-2003, 02:45 PM
If you like FPSs get this game, i guarantee you it will be great, tho i dont know about the server quality. And the graphics arent that toned down from the PC version, the PCs graphics arent that great in the first place. It'll look fine, not RTCW, but it will look average.

diranged
06-17-2003, 02:33 AM
hey i just wanted to know whos gonna buy and what you think about sof 2. the game comes out tomorrow, cant wait!!!!!
:cheers:

prakeem
06-17-2003, 04:03 AM
im gonna buy it because i got an in-store credit!!!! Should be good, heard good stuff about it!

Flood
06-17-2003, 06:05 AM
once i have money i'll probably pick it up...looks like it will be fun on XBL

Variation-XBA
06-17-2003, 06:20 AM
Gunna give it a rent first.

Brevity
06-17-2003, 06:42 AM
Bump,,,Well I get it today or I bet tomorrow. I hope it good. I bumped this cus there is someone else wanting to know who is getting this game.

Brevity
06-17-2003, 06:42 AM
http://www.xboxaddict.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=445695#post445695

Chaotic
06-17-2003, 08:17 AM
I most likely will buy this game :cheers:

Casper
06-17-2003, 09:52 AM
I dunno..I gotta see...hell, I have RTCW, MC2, and IP and get to play a whole...what, 2-3 hours a week due to it being summer? Eh, I'll wait and see what the boys say and then I'll roll from there.

RudedogX
06-17-2003, 09:57 AM
Originally posted by casper
I dunno..I gotta see...hell, I have RTCW, MC2, and IP and get to play a whole...what, 2-3 hours a week due to it being summer? Eh, I'll wait and see what the boys say and then I'll roll from there.

Ditto. It'll only cost me 25 but still, I think I'll wait a bit.

Diddy
06-17-2003, 10:08 AM
Im totally getting it, I entered 4 times to win a copy and an Xbox console at gamespy lmao! Me, My dad, mom, and sister! Plus SOF2 is only gonna cost me 20 bucks.

Kraft
06-17-2003, 10:15 AM
I'm debating on whether or not this game is going to be worth it... especially with Full Spectrum Warriors just around the corner.

RudedogX
06-17-2003, 10:19 AM
Originally posted by Kraft-XBA
I'm debating on whether or not this game is going to be worth it... especially with Full Spectrum Warriors just around the corner.
I knew there was another reason not to pick this up yet!

Diddy
06-17-2003, 10:23 AM
I heard it was coming out in 2004.

diranged
06-17-2003, 12:12 PM
thanx Brevity :cheers:

Dyslexic Chaos
06-17-2003, 02:10 PM
shouldi trade some games in or get it today, or wait and get it on thursday. Decisions decisions...

borka105
06-17-2003, 02:26 PM
yeah, this is a tough one.


I am not feeling MC2, so I might trade it for this game..........


I know MM3 is a must buy, so why keep two racers?


-borka105

Brevity
06-17-2003, 03:22 PM
Originally posted by rudedogX

I knew there was another reason not to pick this up yet!

Link me to info on that game? I gots no clue I think. Atleast I cant recall NE thing off the top of my head.

prakeem
06-18-2003, 03:17 AM
Wait a sec, I changed my mind. I dont think I'll pick up this game. I just palyed it for PC, and wasn't impressed......ah well. Maybe a rental will do...

Duke
06-18-2003, 10:06 AM
Think i might pick this one up today. Just return it if it's no good. Don't really feel like waiting the month it's gonna take to hit the rental shelves here.

Eh, and those who are waiting for FSW "just around the corner"

Release date for now is 1/12/04. FSW at EB (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/236812.asp)

RudedogX
06-18-2003, 10:08 AM
Originally posted by DukeBuckhorn
Think i might pick this one up today. Just return it if it's no good. Don't really feel like waiting the month it's gonna take to hit the rental shelves here.

Eh, and those who are waiting for FSW "just around the corner"

Release date for now is 1/12/04. FSW at EB (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/236812.asp)
With that said, hmmm....I think I'll wait to here what Duke says about this game. I'm still not sure about this game, no matter how 'gory' it is.

borka105
06-18-2003, 04:52 PM
for goodness sakes, pick up a first party title that was designed by microsoft and for the xbox and not some lame 2 year old pc port.


MIDTOWN MADNESS 3 is the must have game this summer. God, I gotta get rid of my copy of MC2 (biggest pile of cr*p I ever bought).


-borka105

Jafo232
06-18-2003, 05:25 PM
Well, I picked it up today.

I have played it for about 15 minutes online and about 40 minutes in single player.

Let me just say that you should NOT trade in your RTCW or Ghost Recon for this game.

Maybe I need more game time, but I have a feeling SOF is going to make a GREAT trade-in.

I was rather disappointed.

MerimacHamwich
06-18-2003, 05:47 PM
Originally posted by Jafo232
Well, I picked it up today.

I have played it for about 15 minutes online and about 40 minutes in single player.

Let me just say that you should NOT trade in your RTCW or Ghost Recon for this game.

Maybe I need more game time, but I have a feeling SOF is going to make a GREAT trade-in.

I was rather disappointed.
That's kinda what I figured. Putting that game on Xbox with no graphical upgradges is a disgrace. I never played it though so I can't comment on gameplay.

Brevity
06-18-2003, 06:44 PM
Check this out I got a friend that got his today and said there are dedicated servers hosted by activision. So I got on here to tell you guys and check other boards and found lots of comment like this.

Originally posted by sext0n
Chiming back in....Apparently Activision is hosting servers for this game. A guy over on Teamxbox claimed to have seen serves makred xserver101, 102, etc under optimatch. Also in this months OXMs Activision said they would host this game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Yes there are dedicated servers,I seen 9 of them.And there could of been some full.

# 1 Stunner
06-19-2003, 10:15 AM
so this game is no good?

Duke
06-19-2003, 10:36 AM
I wouldn't say no good. It seems from the people I talk to that half of them never want to touch it again (Jafo) and others that have found their new favorite shooter.

I posted some initial impressions over at the ddc, but I gotta say if you're thinking about this one, RENT IT FIRST.

Brevity
06-19-2003, 11:08 AM
From IGN

Presentation
This game suffers from uber long load times, boring loading screens and menus, pretty blah graphics, horrid collision detections, and a huge neon sign pointing out this is one heck of a sloppy port. 4.0
Graphics
When a game a next generation console game's graphics can be likened to Ghost Recon and Goldeneye, you know something is wrong. 4.0
Sound
Repetitive, annoying sound effects and an almost non-existent soundtrack leaves a lot to be aurally desired. 5.0
Gameplay
It's a standard straightforward shooter. You don't need tactics or stealth to get through this one. 6.0
Lasting Appeal
With plenty of single player and multiplayer options, you could play this game for months to come. Heaven help you. 8.0
OVERALL SCORE (not an average) 5.8

Chaotic
06-19-2003, 11:10 AM
wow

thank god i waited..

This game sounds like it sucks and i was under the impression it was gonna be good :o

mrmp3
06-19-2003, 07:04 PM
I'll try to go into more detail about this game. I've only played it

for PC, but man once you get to the jungle the missions just suck.

I couldn't stand the jungle missions. As for graphics, I heard the

Xbox port got the shaft in that department and looks very

mediocre. My friend as an ATI 128MB DDR SDRAM Video Card and

boy does it look sweet with everything turned up (antiscropic

filtering trilinear filtering anti-aliasing 6x). But the crap graphics u

guys see in these screen shots are what your gonna get when u

buy this. Personally I'd get the PC version just cause

SOF2files.com has so many damn mod files for this you can easily

squeeze a couple more months out of the game. Multiplayer I'll

admit was fun, but the AK and the M4 Assault Rifle (I think) are

just too damn powerful and too easy to get head shots. The

single player is a stinker that's for sure. Multiplayer is a blast for a

while but eventually becomes just a mediocre online title that

you'll only pick up once in a blue moon. I'd keep the $$$ for

somethin else (maybe MM3 if your into racing) or just pre-

purchase another game. Signing off...

Splinter-Seal
06-20-2003, 07:13 PM
Well, I picked up Double Helix today. I'm not terribly impressed with it thus far. It's an "ok" game, but it really lacks that "bite" to inspire me.

It's a rather mediocre game. Rent it first!

I also bought Mace Griffin. I played SOF for about an hour, got shockingly bored with it and popped in Mace. Now this game is cool. I know it's going to miss alot of love due to it's Non-Live, but it's still a damn fine FPS, IMO. I'd reccomend it to the "solo" gamers out there. Honestly, as far as single player goes it's the closest thing to Halo I have played. *Ducks*

Check it out.