It's often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Zombie's game contains a few too many flashbacks from too many Red Storm games (Rainbow Six, Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon ) for comfort. In the graphical realization of this title, in its sturdy (but predictable) AI and its dark, oppressive scenario, there's absolutely no reason to doubt that it'll turn out as a solidly competent FPS.
Above: In multiplayer, the central 'tile' in the level map changes every two hours.
What's problematic is how determinedly imitative it is; from its hand-waving healing animations to the troop-rallying reticule, from the dystopian future North Korea to its strategic ammunition pick-ups.
Wherever it goes from here, the fact remains that Richard Marcinko, in publishing terms at least, is no match for Tom Clancy. Likewise, even at this embryonic stage, it seems probable that the Rogue Warrior franchise will turn out to pose no credible threat to Ghost Recon.
