Ah, Insurgency. If you don't know what it is, Insurgency is an online shooter(Half-Life 2 mod) that focuses on realism. A lot have games have tried this, but most don't achieve anything close to reality. Insurgency does. This game is about as close as you can get to the reality of combat. The gameplay, the graphics, and the sound all contribute to the amazing experience of Insurgency.

Let's start out with the gameplay. Basically, you are the infantry of either the Iraqi insurgents, or the U.S. Marines. There are different classes with different weapons. Your goal is to either attack and capture certain points on the map, or defend them from being captured. I know you're thinking, "Wow, how original! I'm sure there are no other games like this! (Sarcasm)", but this is where Insurgency sets itself apart. You can die in one or two hits, meaning you have to be very tactical and smart, and work as a team. Like in a real combat situation, you and your team must move from cover to cover, give each other suppressing fire to advance, and other things like that. There is also no hud other than where your objective is. This not only adds to the realism, but it adds some more space for watching out for the enemy, and it feels a lot less cluttered.

The graphics are phenomenal! They really add something to the game. Camouflage actually works! It's going to be more difficult to spot your foes through the haze and against the desert backdrop (did I mention it takes place in the Middle-East?). You'll often have to rely on your enemies muzzle flashes.Even for a mod, Insurgency looks better than alot of games on the market, and even provides an intense atmosphere. Knowing that you could die at any moment definitely adds a little more intensity into the mix.

The sound design is very well done. Guns are loud, and you'll know when someone's firing at you. The artillery, planes, and gunfire in the background make you feel like you are in the middle of a war zone.

Insurgency is very different than the deathmatch-style shooters that clutter the market today. It's a smart, well made game that will have you hooked for a while. I only have one minor complaint (which is probably my fault anyway, but...), sometimes, from a distance, it can be hard to tell friend from foe. Other than that, you have a solid multiplayer shooter that you need to download right now.

Ona completely unrelated topic, what happened to my PC Gamer and Good Taste emblems?