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Five different multiplayer arenas deliver dynamic multi-objective based multiplayer combat for two teams. Gameplay pits operatives against terrorist groups from around the globe and includes hacking data satellites, launching space shuttles, bombing oil refineries and escorting convoys.
The game provides support for at least 16 players online and 32 players on LAN, across the two teams, but has no upper limit, and features full in-game chat functionality. IGI 2: Covert Strike also supports the major popular client-matching applications such as GameSpy and All-Seeing Eye for easy game browsing.
Each player will have access to a cash reserve. However, buying a new weapon from the game's arsenal of 30 realistic arms – from pistols to rifles to rocket launchers – isn't the only way to spend the cash. Players will also have to think about purchasing more specialist kit and paying to re-enter the game if killed.
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However, the cost to players to buy themselves back into the game decreases over time to zero. This presents players with the tactical choice of spending all their cash on a quick re-entry and buying little hardware, or waiting for the time to expire and rejoining play tooled up – but that could be too late; no other game combines these elements to make for great tactical play. Once the cash has been paid, the location where a player opts to be respawned adds a further tactical element.
Players will also be able to access real-time satellite data of their surroundings with unprecedented detail via the Map Computer. Using the device will enable players to assess the lay of the land, zoom in low to spot the enemy and enemy armaments, observe your teammates and objectives, and plan a tactical approach to victory.
The style of the multiplayer games reflects the stealth and tactical approach of the single-player game. Reconnaissance elements provide for a new style of FPS multiplayer gaming, blending stealth and surveillance with action and gunplay. Rather than solely relying on the small and tight, or open and empty, environments found in most multiplayer FPS titles, IGI 2: Covert Strike uses terrain in a dynamic way to make for exciting and tense gameplay.
IGI 2: Covert Strike is scheduled to be published by Codemasters in February on PC CD-ROM.