Preview: Joint Task Force

Vivendi Universal gives us a first look at their new tactical combat RTS.

In the second of our Vivendi Universal previews, we’re having a look at Joint Task Force (JTF), a new RTS for PC which should be with us around September. We also had a look at F.E.A.R. on Xbox 360, click here to check it out.


JTF is an immensely detailed RTS, based around modern tactical combat. It’s set in Iraq, Afghanistan and other current conflict hotspots. The combat system works by representing the firing range as a circle around your unit, and units with multiple weapons get a range circle for each weapon. When you upgrade your units, the same principle applies, and they have to be within range of your Commander. Your funding comes from a UN-style body of support countries that support your cause, who play politics. If you take out civilians while the press are around, they will cut your budget.

JTF utilises the Ageia PhysX card for collapsing buildings which your troops can enter but even without it dust storms still blow over your units and tanks deploy smoke for camouflage and to extend the fog of war. There are a hundred licensed weapons and units finally bury insurgents in an avalanche of heavy handed justice. You can zoom from a very wide world view right up to the exhaust and shadow of a Harrier.

It looks slick and feels very Black Hawk Down, except you can make events unfold with reckless disregard for the lives of your soldiers. You shouldn’t though, because you’ll miss out on their special skills. Unfortunately we didn’t get to test the co-operative campaign mode, but we have been told that it supports four players that have shared control over the forces.

Even in their early development stages, they are both shaping up nicely. We’ll be keeping our eyes on them for you.