WHAT'S THE STORY? Originally created as a training tool for the US Army to rectify shortcomings in the first Gulf War, development on this version has been in progress since before the latest Iraq scrap. Scarcely dumbed down for release, this is hardcore military action that sees you take control of two squads of four, or one squad each on XBOX Live. Although mildly bewildering, the tension is clear and present.

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING? Third-person real-time strategy.

PLAYS LIKE? A close-up Command & Conquer.

WORTH STAYING IN FOR? It's more fun than watching it on the news.