FutureFive New Zealand - Consumer technology news & reviews from the future
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Sun, 1st May 2005
FYI, this story is more than a year old

The Regiment is a first-person shooter that puts you in the role of a soldier in the British Special Air Service to participate in historically accurate counter-terrorism scenarios. In the shadowy world of international terrorism one real name is feared: the S.A.S. Trained in the most realistic conditions and honed to a fine edge, the S.A.S. are the World’s most respected and feared counter-terrorism force.

The Regiment promises to be a tense, accurate simulation of close quarters combat. It plays out over four campaigns including the London Metro (a fictitious London Tube station called Trafalgar) and the Houses Of Parliament with a heavily moustachioed Scot John MacAleese (an S.A.S. veteran of the infamous Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980) providing video briefings prior to each mission to give the game that all-important air of authenticity. You lead four-man teams in assaults on terrorist strongholds, rescuing hostages before embarking on the deadly climax at the Iranian Embassy Siege of 1980.

While you may think of the Rainbow Six series, this game is not a copycat affair and there are a fair number of promising subtleties and differences to make this game one to look out for. First of all, unlike the Rainbow mob, the S.A.S. can’t get away with gratuitously executing terrorists. As Phil McDonnell - producer on the project - points out: “Every kill has to be justified. If you shoot a terrorist’s weapon out of his hand they will attempt to surrender. Executing them is a no-no and you’ll suffer a penalty.” Another key difference is how the panicking hostages react to you; unlike Rainbow Six they won’t just stand there dumbstruck waiting for you to cuff them, but may actually attempt to flee the scene and as such need pacifying. A punch in the face should do the trick, and The Regiment allows you to do just that, somewhat amusingly.

The game also promises to have comprehensive multiplayer support for the PC and PS2 when it gets released. Visit the official site at www.konami-regiment.com for more on Konami’s entrant into the dangerous world of counter terrorism - British Special Air Service style.