DESCRIPTION

IGI 2: Covert Strike, the sequel to Innerloop's Project IGI: I'm Going In, is a stealth-based action title in which players assume the role of David Jones; a British operative of the IGI organization, a clandestine agency that is responsible for the security and general sanctity of the western world. Which is of course where you, as Mr. Jones, come in: Armed with your wits and a modicum of weapons and gadgetry you'll be thrust into a series of 19 missions, spanning such locales as Russia, Libya and China, where stealth and silent infiltration is imperative in order to successfully complete your assigned objectives. Throughout the title you'll be in contact with Major Rebecca Anya, an expert in surveillance and communications and Republican Senator Pat Lenehan, the founder of IGI.

Among the arsenal of gadgets at your disposal are thermal imaging goggles, binoculars as well as a vital aide: the GPS-style computer map you carry. With it, you're able to ascertain the position of enemies and security cameras as well as the layout of the area in which you find yourself, all in real-time. An onscreen meter displays the likelihood of detection, offering players a tangible indication of the guards' awareness. Going undetected will allow players to sneak up behind enemies and perform stealth kills by either breaking their necks or killing them with a knife. In a pinch, you can also make use of pistols, automatic rifles, shotguns and various explosives, however, you can only carry two weapons over and above your standard issue items. Unlike its predecessor, IGI 2: Covert Strike provides players with a handful of saves to utilize within any given mission; the number provided determined by the difficulty level.

A multiplayer component has also been included, pitting players (as members of two opposing teams) against one another on six different maps. Each team is provided with a list of objectives to complete, with monetary incentives granted for successful completion of said objectives. Money plays a vital role in this mode: Prior to each mission, combatants are given limited finances with which to purchase weaponry, and during the game itself, will be 'charged' for each respawn, with each successive respawn costing less until such time as they're free of charge. This mode supports up to 16 players for LAN and Internet play. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide