'Escalation' is the kind of game you just can't put down...addictive...deep...in two words: Digital crack.
User Rating: 9.6 | Joint Operations: Escalation PC
Being a long time gamer of the original Joint Ops: Typhoon Rising, I'll say now that the expansion, Escalation, blew me away! As with the original, you'll need a fairly fast connection (56kers beware!) and a pretty new video card (around 128 mb and up). For those of you have both of these, you are indeed in for a treat! The graphics are top notch when cranked up (the network code is excellent and has been revamped, so even relatvely old PC's should run it well), the maps are balanced extremely well...and, as for the weapons and new vehicles...read on! They're great! Not only are the new weapons/accessories cool (the new parachute, the javelin anti-tank missile, body armor, anti-tank mines,etc.), but they add just that much more to the experience to make it even more deep and rewarding. First time players will find that they will learn fast, as the learning curve and overall gameplay is so well balanced that you can be a newbie and vet alike and still jump in with great ease. I also noticed a dramatic increase in how spectacular all of the explosions and sounds come together: This expansion pack actually makes the game feel more like a real battefield more than ever-easier access to vehicles, better countermeasures, and a more cohesive feel in terms of teamwork and manuevering-no more hoofing it half a mile just to get to the action! Vehicles: Simply amazing. Introducing tanks, new heli's, and dirt bikes....there's just no rush like hitting a hill and going 50 ft through the air in a dirt bike with the guy behind you lighting up the enemy bunker with a spray of bullets! There's also not a better feeling than being a pilot or a gunner and working together to lay fire and waste to the enemy down below-just spectacular! As for replay value, look no further: Not only are there a ton of new maps, but you can also play the old original Typhoon Rising maps too (you just need to find the right server or set up your own) with the new 'Escalation' add ons! Take it from me: You'll be dodging work and girlfriends/boyfrieds like they were the plague once you get your hands on this puppy! I'll see you guys on the battlefield! -Underwear X 
