America's Army: Rise of a Soldier (Xbox, 2005)

This game is very similar to the version out on the computer and it is addicting because of the character objectives. Your goal in the game is to add skill and experience points to your character.In the game you earn skill points and experience points for qualifying with each firearm, finishing missions, and completing extra objectives during the game. You try to add skill points to your character's different skill categories that positively affect you and your team's performance during gameplay including: stealth, marksmanship, honor, lifesaving, and leadership just to name a few. At first, before you have enough exp. points to become a squad leader, you have to follow around a sergeant for the missions. But eventually you get to lead the squad and make your own decisions. By gaining more exp. points you move up the ranks. As you beat missions you unlock missions for different types of soldiers. So each set of soldiers has about 4 missions. Some soldiers types include rifleman, grenadier, sniper, squad support role (SAW), and SF (special forces). Once you get further along, you can custimize your M4 and add different scopes and camo patterns and the likes. The graphics are good but not eye-opening. The game is pretty realistic in the sense that you can't rush into a room and mow everybody down halo style. You sometimes have to develop a strategy if you get stuck in certain parts of a mission. But don't get the misconception that this game takes forever to beat, or you'll stop playing it because you get stuck on one level and can't beat the game. This was a very addicting FPS, but I haven't been able to enjoy it on Xbox Live yet.

I use to play America's Army on the regular xbox. Forgot how badly the graphics are but structure of the game is really good. If you are looking for a FIRST person shooter that is just like the real USA army itself, then this is just the game. Also if you like old xbox games this is a good game to look into. It works on the xbox 360.

Con: Graphics are bad compare to today's games. It lags when you are in major gun battles. Some frezzing can be a problem, especially when you are at the end of a level. Customization is limited in single player mood.

Overall I like this game and would recommend it to anyone who likes 1st person shooter games. You have to go through training missions where you learn moves or how to use various pieces of equipment or weapons. Then you go on missions. The weapons seems very realistic...you use M16s, M203 grenade launchers, SAWs, M24 & M82 sniper rifles. I was disappointed that Ubisoft didn't model ballistics at all for the sniper shots so no matter how far away the target is there's no range compensation...just put the crosshairs over the target, pull the trigger, and down he goes. There's Mil Dots on the M82 reticle, but you don't do use them for anything. Anyway it's still pretty fun, but as far as action shooting games go I still prefer the Brother in Arms games.

America's Army: Rise of a Soldier is a game that puts your character through the rigors of boot camp all the way to the excitement of being in the Special Forces. With a realistic concept of injury to your player, an in-depth look at small unit strategy and an interesting story-line; this game can provide hours of entertainment to any fan of first person shooters.

I think this game is awesome. It has very realistic maps, very realistic gun control, and it has VERY realistic missions, even on xbox live! I did not lag once on xbox live even though there are very detailed maps, players, weapons, and scenery. If you like 1st person shooters this is definately the game for you.

I give it 5 STARS *****