Tom Clancy's EndWar (Sony Playstation 3, 2008)

In EndWar, Tom Clancy has returned to what made him famous in the first place: a plausible yet futuristic plot centered around the doomsday scenario of failed diplomacy and gritty war. The plot and general concept of the game deserve a five-star rating, as there are few games that have taken the same approach as EndWar. Its intricacies keep the player engaged and interested, unlike some redundant action games. The strategic component, alone, sets it apart from almost all other games.

There's very little to disagree with, and what little there is can't be blamed too much on the game and its developers since they were actually brave enough to try something few (if any) have done before. Assuming you get the hang of combat and proceed to win rather quickly, the single-player game actually doesn't last very long.

But where the single-player lacks, the multi-player and game graphics excel. Granted, a co-op mode would've been nice, but it's a small price to pay. The superb graphics, however, make the environments incredibly realistic, and thus the gameplay is more enjoyable. The online play, which can keep you occupied for a very, very long time, is a lot like the single-player game but more difficult. Would some different online modes have made it better? Perhaps, but with as much as they invested in perfecting the AI and graphics - and let's not forget the developers' audacity to try something new - it's very fair to say that you're getting your money's worth by buying this game.

I like tradition RTS games and i had the obvious doubts at first about the transition to the console. Many games like Starcraft were killer on pc with the Mouse and Keyboard interface but seriously lacked in their console renditions due to the bulkiness of video game controllers.

But this game takes a different spin on the RTS genre with no character spawning, more of a hands on approach to commanding a wartime assault. There are fewer units to keep track of and they are already divided into small groups, both of which make use of the controller much more tangible than in previous games.

Then come voice-controls. I will say that sometimes i feel like i'm yelling at my bluetooth just to get a command recognized, with the mic volume all the way up. But when it does hear you it takes the strategy to a new level. The ability to command forces off screen is completely ground-breaking and absolutely essential to successful gameplay.

This game didn't get fantastic reviews elsewhere, but i thought it was pretty awesome.

The one thing all RTS players have always been quilty of is yeling at the pixelated army they command.

EndWar finally lets us do all the yelling we want nd they actually listen. With a set command lexicon of over a hundred words, you take direct vocal command of your troops. Advancing to locations, attacking and seizing strategic points, bring down the wrath of WMD's, you just have to say the words.
I have played with the Sony Bluetooth and the Mic built into th PSEye from eye of judgement and voice recog is about 85 %. The learning curve is a little steep and progression of difficulty is fast, so play the tutorials all the way through and some of them more than once to get a good feel for things. Some of the lower level commands like take cover for the infantry or board and unboard transports still require controller input, so learning to switch views fast is important.
All in all a great game, with a great story, and a well implented voice control feature. Endwar offers two story modes and online play with many hours of playtime, and Trophies for PS3 players. Well worth the price and getting cheaper all the time.

Great strategy game. You are the general of the entire game, and you command your squad. 7 different kinds of squads to choose from: riflemen, tanks, engineers, gunships, transports, artillery, and command vehicles. Its not the best looking game out there but the game runs well picture is decent. I highly recommend this game if you like strategy/tactical games.

Graphics are impressive, but the interface is awkward and clumsy.

At various points in the game there are screens or dialogues taking place that are irrelevant to the story line.

Limited "strategy" involved in my opinion. For what I paid for it, it was entertaining, but I wouldn't pay more than $10 for this game.