911: First Responders (PC)

“It's hard to say why 911: First Responders (Emergency 4 outside of the US) is as good as it is. On it's own it's really not that great, but in combination with the known "LA MOD", it becomes an excellent little RTS that involves various...”

“It's hard to say why 911: First Responders (Emergency 4 outside of the US) is as good as it is. On it's own it's really not that great, but in combination with the known "LA MOD", it becomes an excellent little RTS that involves various emergency vehicles.

The main idea behind the game is that you are the commanding "officer" of various medical, technical, police, and fire departments. Ranging from a simple town that you manage with various emergencies ranging from simple medical calls to arson in the volatile industrial districts, to police standoffs. Outside of that, you have specific missions that make up your career. These are generally focused disasters that have a twist or two involved.

While things aren't as shiny as they are in more modern titles, with things like “LA MOD”, the details in vehicles and units, as well as the intricacies of what each unit can do and how they should be used is astounding. However, these visuals and interesting abilities come at a minor performance cost.

The engine that it runs on seems to have issues with multiple light sources, and having too many units selected at the same time. Should you select five or more units, the framerate will drop noticeably. With multiple emergency vehicles on scene with their lights flashing, the framerate can drop as well, however this can be countered by simply turning them off.

I find myself wondering where Emergency 5 may be. With no news on it, I grow a bit disappointed every few months as I would love to see more disasters, and more scenarios both American and European in a much better system. However, as it is now, it's still a decent title that can prove to be quite a challenge at times.”