Caveat Emptor: I played this on XBox, not PC. Conflict: Desert Storm is an enigma of a game. It went an entirely different direction than the now wildly successful twitch shooters like the Medal of Honor and Call of Duty series. Twitch shooters can be considered "tactical" to a degree, they're still largely first person shooters that reward fast reactions more than situational approach. Whereas Conflict: Desert Storm attempts to provide a much more thorough, strategic, objective-based gameplay style. I will say that the game attempts far more than it exceeds. But as a lover of the novel, I appreciate this perhaps more than most. Where some may see flaws, I prefer to use the term potential. There is a potential for a wonderful gameplay experience here, you just have to exert a bit of effort to find it. Unfortunately the game doesn't always respond like you want it to and you have to learn its language. But when you do, it's incredibly enjoyable. Setting up ambushes, coordinating strikes. It's all wonderful fun and well worth the effort. I cannot stress this part enough: play with a friend. Multiple friends preferably. Your experience will be enhanced twenty-fold, I guarantee it. I give it 4 stars because it actually offers a more in-depth experience than you'd otherwise fine, though perhaps not overly challenging. If you're looking for just a shooter pass this up. if you're looking for a solid tactical simulator. Well, it's mostly there.
