DESCRIPTION

As a new recruit in the United Peace Force, players assume the role of a dropship pilot who must engage in conflicts spanning the globe — from China to the Middle East to South America. The dropship represents the most advanced VTOL (vertical-take-off-and-landing) aircraft known to man, and players will take the reigns of several versions of the dropship (Assault, Defender, Lifter) through 20 missions. Each craft has its own particular strengths and weaknesses, from agile but poorly armored to bulky, yet tough. The ship itself is capable of two distinct flying modes: hover and flight. The former is used only when the player wishes to take-off and land. Forward movement is disengaged and the speed of your ascent and descent is slowed considerably. Once high enough in the air, flight mode can be initiated, wherein the craft behaves much like a normal plane would. The title makes use of the PS2's analog buttons, allowing players to decelerate or accelerate gently or with urgency, as the situation dictates.

The missions in Dropship: United Peace Force range in scope and breadth from standard escort to search-and-destroy missions, though oftentimes objectives will change mid-level, requiring players to drop off or pick up cargo before engaging in air combat with hostile enemies. Though designed mostly for transport, the various dropships at your command are far from helpless, as they're equipped with armaments such as machine guns and various missiles. Also at your fingertips are wingmen who will obey your every command, attacking designated targets on land and in the air. Particular missions will also require the player to commandeer and make use of an armored assault vehicle or medium tank.

During the course of a mission, players will be inundated with radio chatter from various members of the UPF including wingmates, headquarters, and your ship's passengers. CG cut-scenes are interjected between missions to keep the player abreast of the storyline and the various global conflicts in which the UPF must immerse itself. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide