The virtual fantasy worlds of gaming and the real world of war intersect in "America's Army: True Soldiers," the latest version of a video game that in many ways could be viewed as a recruiting tool for the nation's armed forces.
While there are plenty of military-themed first-person shooter games, half of this game's development team comes from the U.S. Army. Its combat scenarios may be set in fictional locations, but the game features authentic state-of-the-art weapons and technology used in current military operations, as well as life-like situations.
The game has been commended by soldiers for its accuracy and attention to detail. "Our soldiers have provided the specs, information and details about weapons, training, vehicles and battle scenarios," says Maj. Mike Marty, operations officer for the "America's Army" game project. The soldiers also "make sure that Army values are being accurately portrayed in the game."
By using a pop culture medium, this and earlier versions of the "America's Army" series have proved to be an effective way to communicate a message to a large audience. Col. E. Casey Wardynski came up with the concept for an Army-based video game in 1999, and three years later, the first edition of "America's Army" -- "Operations RECON" -- was launched. The game went on to become one of the most popular online multiplayer games.
The goal was to simulate what the military experience is really like. But the Army wanted the game to be more than about how to shoot straight. It also tries to communicate the military code of values. Scoring is tied to mission accomplishment, teamwork and leadership. Players earn points for honorable actions and for teamwork when playing with others through Xbox Live.
"True Soldiers," the latest "America's Army" release, debuted exclusively for Xbox 360, so players will notice sharper next-generation graphics than in previous editions. The game, developed by Red Storm Entertainment and the Army, was published by Ubisoft.
The soldier pictured on the game case cover is a real person -- Sgt. Tommy Rieman. In December 2003, while on a reconnaissance mission south of Baghdad, he and his team were attacked. Rieman used his body as a shield to protect a fellow gunner and suffered multiple shrapnel wounds. He was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart for courage under fire. Rieman served as a creative consultant on the Real Heroes game and appears as a character in the game.
"America's Army" has released a companion set of Real Heroes action figures of Rieman and three others who have been honored for distinguished service: Sgt. Matthew Zedwick, Major Jason Amerine and Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Wolford. Their likenesses are also used as characters in the "True Soldiers" game.
"The mission of the 'America's Army' Real Heroes program is to inspire young adults and the American public to explore the U.S. Army's values, as well as soldier's attributes of teamwork and personal courage, by telling heroic and personal soldier stories through the 'America's Army' brand, which includes the PC game, Web sites and a line of action figures," Marty says. "Young people can look up to these soldiers and see how values such as such as loyalty, personal courage, integrity have not only helped these individuals succeed in the Army, but in their personal lives as well."
The game has a Teen rating (ages 13 and up), with an ESRB content rating for blood and violence.
Parental controls allow parents to set the game play action at a level they feel is appropriate. "The parental control features allow parents to customize the experience that is comfortable for their family," Marty says. "It makes the game more like paintball, so players won't be taking a virtual life, but learning more about the strategy and teamwork elements."
Another new military-themed game in the first-person shooter category is Electronic Arts' "Medal of Honor Heroes 2" for Wii and PSP. This one takes players back to World War II, where players can go on eight missions, from Normandy to a secret Nazi base.
It has an arcade mode, which works for players of all skill levels, and a multiplayer mode. The game features classic World War II weapons -- among them, the Thompson machine gun, MP40 and bazooka. It also has a Teen rating.
Source: Post-Gazette