FireBlade GameCube

As part of an elite team of freedom fighters known as FireBlade, players must halt the progress of terrorist cells positioned around the world using an attack helicopter armed with the latest in advanced technology. The game is divided into four multi-level campaigns: Mountains of Switzerland, South American Desert, Latin America, and Arctic Circle. Missions involve a mix of search-and-destroy, defense, and stealth operations against artillery, infantry, armored vehicles, and both naval and air forces.

Radar is available at the top of the screen to help players find enemy targets while navigating the terrain from a third-person perspective, but a more detailed overhead map can also be accessed to review objectives, whether it's destroying a bridge to stop a terrorist advance or defending headquarters from oncoming threats. Completing a mission lets players view a summary screen of how many kills were recorded and whether a gold, silver, or bronze medal was earned for their performance.

Each of the two attack helicopters used in the game is outfitted with a mini-gun, non-guided rockets, and a special weapon, such as swarmer missiles or a rail-gun. While the mini-gun has unlimited ammo, players will need to replenish their stocks of rockets and special weapons by hovering over supply crates found along the ground. The helicopters can also enter a stealth mode, to disappear from enemy radar, as well as use thermal imaging to highlight enemy targets in times of low visibility.

Once in stealth mode, players can zoom-in on targets using a sniper rifle or fire an EMP charge to temporarily disable enemy vehicles. One of the choppers can also escape using turbo boosts to propel it at high speeds. As players progress through the game, they will be able to unlock and view various movies detailing the story line. A special bonus film, "The Roar of War," is included as a documentary on the history of attack helicopters. Progress during the 18 missions can automatically be saved to a memory card. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide