Freeloader It (Hidden & Dangerous (PC))

Member Name: JRW

Product:	Hidden & Dangerous (PC)
Date:	29/07/00 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free, graphics, gameplay

Disadvantages: The freeloader version often freezes and crashes

I must confess a terrible sin. I shamedly did not pay for this game. I got it for free at no cost. But don't start worrying now - I downloaded the game from freeloader.com - and yes, before you ask, it's perfectly legal.

I tell a lie: I have downloaded the first seven missions but freeloader.com will release the full game eventually. However, in these seven missions I have been, on the whole, extremely impressed with Hidden & Dangerous.

This game is what I would call an evolutionary Doom. In other words, it can be played as a first person shoot-'em-up but you won't get very far if you do actually do this. Instead you have to use stealth and brains, in addition to brawn, to succeed in various missions - such as destroying a dam vital to the enemies' war plans.

Set in World War II, you are able to select a team of up to four men for each mission, each with their own qualities and characteristics so that you can pick the right men for the job. Otherwise, you can just press the auto set-up button and get on with it.

There are many weapons to pick from - such as knives, bazookas, machine guns and sniper rifles - so that you can equip your team with thebest kit. However, you are going to have to think and plan in this game. Using the map you can assign routines and formations and plan advances. For example you can tell your sniper to follow or cover your light machine gunner whilst he secures a certain area.

Fortunately for this game, the gameplay lives up to the graphics and Hidden & Dangerous really involves you in the world of the SAS. I can't wait for episode eight on freeloader.com. Can you?

Summary: