Rogue Trooper [PS2]

Download and Buy Rogue Trooper at Yahoo! Games on Demand.

Unless you're a comic book fan, you've probably never heard of Rogue Trooper. Created in the UK and originally published in the pages of 2000AD, the futuristic sci-fi creation was something of a hit in the mid-80s. After a recent resurgence in popularity on the other side of the Atlantic, Rebellion and Eidos teamed up to bring the blue super trooper to game consoles worldwide. While the story is just as intriguing as ever, the gameplay doesn't really stand out from the pack.

Set in the far future, the game is a retelling of the titular character's origin story. The planet of Nu Earth has been ravaged by war. With an atmosphere that's hostile to life, this hunk of rock has one thing that keeps the Norts and the Southers fighting for control -- strategic importance. Close to a vital wormhole, both sides will do anything to win the planet.

As part of their strategy, the Southers created the Genetic Infantry, an army of blue-skinned soldiers that were bred to survive on the surface of Nu Earth and trained to fight. Shortly after being sent into battle, the Genetic Infantry were betrayed by one of their own and massacred. As the sole survivor, you no longer care about fighting the war. Your only purpose in life is to track down the one responsible and make him pay.

Though the single-player game is ostensibly a solo affair, you don't technically play through the game alone. As part of the Genetic Infantry design, each solider has an implanted bio-chip that carries his consciousness. If retrieved from a fallen comrade, the chip can be implanted in a weapon or piece of armor. The end result is an item with a personality of its own.

As you trek through the wastelands of Nu Earth you are joined by Gunnar (in your gun), Bagman (in your backpack) and Helm (in your helmet). Gunnar serves double duty as an auto aim as well as a sentry gun. If you ever need some cover fire, you can set him up on a stationary mount and let him blast away. Bagman is the eternal supplier, manufacturing ammo and upgrades from the salvage that you collect. Finally, Helm gives you tactical advice, as well as assisting when it comes time to create a distraction.