Force 21

From the makers of Rainbow Six, Force 21 is strikingly different from most other realtime strategy games in that instead of hovertanks with death rays, you get to command a range of military equipment currently in service with China and the USA.

The year, however is 2015, and China has had the nerve to invade Russia. As the US Army's Force 21, the aim is to stop the Chinese dead in their tracks. Thankfully, those of a more left-wing persuasion can choose to control Chinese forces and between the two sides there are a number of units to direct, from old Russian BMPs, M1 Abrams tanks, various attack helicopters and bridge-building units. The great news is that each of the vehicles looks spot-on and, being in glorious 3D-o-rama, they move and act convincingly as well. Missiles leave neat smoke trails, buildings pepper the levels and for once we have a game with trees.

Unfortunately, the game itself leaves much to be desired. Mission objectives are vague, there are no infantry units and firing on enemy units is irregular. Sometimes a tank can fire off three shots in as many seconds and then stay silent for ages while being pummelled by the enemy.

When directing your units as platoons, it's surprising to find a lack of strategic options. While you can order your ground and air units into one of four set formations, tell them to hold fire, entrench, or let rip, the ponderous pace of the game leaves little to do but spin the camera around. Force 21's biggest sin, however, is that it doesn't have that magical 'X' factor. Think partial annihilation, rather than total.