Act of War: Direct Action

Logan Booker gets some action.

   Dale Brown is considered up there with the likes of Tom Clancy, and even Alistair MacLean, as far as thriller/suspense writers go. Although I wouldn’t describe The Tin Man as a pulsing dynamo of action and turbulent real world politics that burrows into my very soul and displaces my world view, I do consider it a decent piece of writing. Brown’s most defi ning quality is the blend of reality and fi ction that permeates all his works. Act of War: Direct Action is the first attempt by a publisher – Atari – to take Brown’s work and mould it into a game. Instead of taking the easy route of a point-and-click adventure, developer Eugen Systems has concocted a realtime strategy that brings much to the table.

 Like Brown’s books, Direct Action has a semi-believable plot. The price of oil has hit ridiculous levels thanks to an energy crisis, the US economy is taking a beating and certain unruly terrorist groups have decided to act in the country’s time of weakness.

 Using both the forces of the US Army, and special group known as Strike Force Talon, it’s up to you to put a stop to these shenanigans. Unsurprisingly, as you progress, it becomes known that a mysterious organisation known as the Consortium is funding their nefarious efforts, and it is here that things go pear-shaped.

 The game proper is traditional RTS fare, with the odd injection of originality from time to time. Although you only play as the US Army and Strike Force Talon in the single player, the Consortium is available in skirmish and multiplayer. The units of each side vary greatly, with the US Army relying on brute force and power, while the Consortium favours large numbers. Resources are gathered by building oil derricks next to wells, however, players can seize banks and take prisoners of war to generate more funds.

 Unfortunately, Direct Action delivers unyielding hordes of actors performing from above average all the way to downright woeful. Although we’ve come a long way since the days of C&C, Direct Action really ends any argument that FMV adds to a game. It still doesn’t, and although the implementation is well done, Direct Action takes itself too seriously to make it great.

 There’s much to be said for the graphics of RTS games these days, and Direct Action continues to make sure there’s plenty to say. It’s a very pretty engine running the show, with explosions, dynamic shadows and nifty lighting effects. The feel is similar to C&C Generals, mainly because of the modern setting. Overall, Direct Action is a solid RTS title with a credible, solid plot, if you can bare the FMV sequences.

 It might not permanently pull people away from C&C, but it will distract them long enough for them to enjoy it.