A good simulation of small squad infantry combat. Only for those who understand teamwork.
I'm really surprised by how well this game turned out for the Xbox (I haven't played the PS2 version). Most of the features from the PC game are intact in the multiplayer game and there is a new single player campaign. The single player game is more or less there to teach you how to play the game but it is very entertaining by itself. It is not quite long enough for me to recommend the game for those without Xbox live.
The multiplayer is what this type of game is all about and this game does it well. The missions are mostly objective based and a nice change of pace from the "capture the flags" conquest mode of so many games today including the similar Battlefield 2:Modern Combat (which I also enjoy playing). There aren't any vehicles (at least none I've encountered yet), this is all small squad infantry combat. Team work is essential so if you want straight-up deathmatch mode stick to HALO 2 (please, those of us who like team-based games beg you).
There is a bit of a roleplaying aspect added to the game as your "character" will get skill points the more you play. You can choose where to spend those points depending on what type of role you prefer to play in combat; the combat medic, the stealthy sniper/forward observer, the squad leader, etc., keep in mind that you will not always get to be in the role you want though. One of the things I like most is that there is a limit to the number of each type of kit (snipers, grenadiers, rifleman, squad leader) on each team, this keeps things balanced. It is something that more games need to employ. It is tough to assault an enemy stronghold when you have ten snipers and no riflemen on a team.
You will get promoted as you progress and those with a higher rank get first choice on the kit they want. Voice communication is the biggest improvement on the PC version, thanks to the xbox communicator a good team will constantly update their teammates on enemy positions.
This is a much more realistic game than most, you won't be able to get shot twenty times and keep going. The effects of suppressing fire can severely limit your effectiveness too. You won't be able to hit much (if anything) by circle strafing either, your aim improves if you go prone. I think that fans of Ghost Recon (NOT GR2) and Rainbow Six will find a lot to like here.
There is a lot to discover in this game and I must admit that I have not been playing it long enough to find it all yet. I was going to wait to write a review but so many people have posted bad reviews that I wanted to tell the other side for those who might be interested.