Raging Tiger: The Second Korean War Review - VGLN.com PC Reviews

Shrapnel Games is a company that is best known for the depth and thought put into their games. We've previously reviewed Dominions II: The Ascension Wars, and Space Empires: Starfury. Both games were amazingly deep, and pushed the limits of their respective genres by attempting to do interesting things. Raging Tiger is no different, and if you're willing to put in a few hours of time, it can be a satisfying strategy experience for you.

First off, the 100+ page manual should be a sufficient indicator of exactly how complex this game is. The interface, the way movement and time is handled, to the different types of units are all covered, and you'll need to do your reading. The game attempts to model the modern battlefield which will include things like biological warfare (slime attacks), guerilla warfare, and even the possibility of nuclear attack.

Secondly, what you realize from the start is that, unlike games like C&C: Generals you aren't going to be controlling your units in some sort of instantaneous method. Think of yourself as more of the commander who sits comfortably behind the lines, and issues orders. Sure you have some real-time control, but your units will take orders on the fly, and attempt to accomplish them based on their A.I.

The "fantasy" plot of the story centers on an agressive North Korea who is still actively developing their nuclear weapons program, and generally being a nuisance in their attempt to reunify the two Koreas. As a response to a preemptive invasion, you are put into action to stop it, cold.

The game takes place over a whole campaign made up of numerous missions. The only thing though is that the missions are all unlocked as you begin the game which I found somewhat peculiar. However, the beginning missions are naturally much more "easier" to handle (they still will challenge most gamers). So if you choose to skip to a later mission in the campaign, be prepared for a frustrating gameplay experience unless this type of game is right up your alley.

The mission goals will vary, and you'll be given different units (tanks, aircraft, soldiers) to accomplish those goals with each mission. Some missions have variable conditions that involve biological attacks, or even chaotic refugee hordes to deal with. Remember, this may be war, but the Rules of Engagement still apply. Don't needlessly endanger the lives of civilians unless it cannot be helped, and 99% of the time, it can be (at least in the game).

Occasionally, a mission will come up where you are teamed with the A.I. This means that they will control some units, and will aid you in your mission. This is a double edged sword. Since the computer is acting as a commander, you won't have 100% control over what the computer does, much like in the real-world with other commanders. While I haven't noticed the computer doing anything out of the ordinary that would be a detriment to my mission, I wouldn't be surprised, especially if the A.I is modeled as realistically as the stat-based combat.

Now Raging Tiger is one of the deepest modern combat strategy games on the market, hands down. Still, if you're looking for graphical flair, you may have to wait for the next incarnation of Harpoon from Ubisoft (if it ever gets uncancelled) because Raging Tiger is simply not a game for the visually hungry. The bitmap graphics, and poor sound bites that make up the sound effects are barely adequate in this day and age of DirectX 9.0 graphical goodness. Raging Tiger is not a game that will test your shiny new Nvidia 6800 GT graphics card.

However, if you're not into the visuals so much, and admittedly some of you exist (heh heh), then Raging Tiger is a game that will probably fit your fancy. Just be prepared to put in some time to get the most out of your experience.

--- Jolex Del Pilar

	Gameplay: [9.0] Amazingly deep gameplay, but be prepared to put in some study time if you want to enjoy it.
	Graphics: [5.0] Visually, Raging Tiger reminds me of the smart girl in college that you just wanted to be friends with...
	Sound: [5.0] The game is not epically scored, or full of inspiring sound effects. It's simply enough to give the illusion of a game.
	Presentation: [6.0] Raging Tiger is plain and simple a deep strategy war game, unfortunately it isn't built on the concepts of bells or whistles.
	Replay Value: [9.0] With it's deep gameplay, and multiplayer options, I wouldn't be surprised if this game became very popular with actual U.S Military personnel.
	Global Score: [7.4] Raging Tiger: The Second Korean War is surely about as deep as any strategy game out there. Just be prepared to put in some time with the game, and use your imagination sometimes when you play through it.

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