Ground Control II: Operation Exodus review

These days, most strategy games force you to spend more time acquiring resources than getting into the tactical nitty-gritty of warfare.

If you'd rather be mixing it up on the battlefield than wasting time collecting firewood and food, the stunning-looking sequel is the game for you.

Two challenging (if rather similar) campaigns allow you to control either human or alien forces. In both, you're charged with saving your planet from a powerful invading Empire. Missions vary from massive sprawling battles in which you fight alongside computer-controlled allies, to easy-does-it operations relying on stealth.

You begin most levels with a handful of units, which you must use to capture and hold Victory Locations and Landing Zones (strategic points on the map). In doing so, you will gain Acquisition Points, which can then be spent on calling down reinforcements. These are delivered to one of your Landing Zones by a Dropship. The more strategic areas you hold, the faster your Acquisition Points will clock up. It's a simple yet effective system that keep the action coming thick and fast.

Every level's terrain allows tactical opportunities. With the right strategy, a small but well-marshalled group of infantry can take out a disorganised column of tanks. Seizing the high ground or flanking vehicles and hitting them where their armour is weakest can yield devastating results.

While the story is a little predictable, it's still entertaining. It's a shame that the artificial intelligence is generally so poor, though. Stupid enemies are no fun to kill. Units often wander off in completely the wrong direction, or stop for no reason. What's more, selecting individual units is more fiddly than trying to untie a child's knotted shoelaces.

Ground Control II is fast, furious and tactically fascinating. Yet at times it's hugely frustrating too. Even so, the quality and polish shine through. If you love strategy games, this is one war you won't to want to miss.