The newest version (v2.1) of AA:SF, codename America's Army: Special Forces (Downrange) has been released. This latest release in the America's Army game series continues to focus on the critical, specialized role of the Army's Special Forces within the U.S. Army as they fight the Global War on Terrorism, but expands the scope to include Stryker vehicles, and the M136 AT4.

New in this edition of America's Army is the implementation of the Karma Physics Engine. This new feature applies real life physics to all player characters in the game producing real-time unique animations for each character during gameplay. These unique animations are calculated using real life physics as well as many other factors including, the gun/bullet type used, the distance from a frag grenade, the damage location on the body, etc.

AA:SF (SFAS) also includes the following new features and improvements:

New weapon available:

The M136 AT4 (the Army's primary light anti-tank weapon) is a recoilless rifle used primarily by
Infantry Forces for engagement and defeat of light armor.

New Stryker Armored Vehicle:

This version of America's Army introduces the Army's new Interim Armored Vehicle, a.k.a. the Stryker. The Stryker vehicle is currently implemented as a stationary vehicle with a fully functioning .50 cal turret usable by the player. The Stryker turret zoom in/out keys are defaulted to the MouseWheelUp and MouseWheelDown keys, however they can be changed through the settings menu.

New RPG and AT4 3D Ironsights with Adjustable Range Settings:

Both the RPG-7 and the AT-4 have new adjustable 3D ironsights in this latest version of America's Army. These weapons both have the new functionality of 'adjustable range settings' based on the distance to target. The RPG/AT4 can be set to the following ranges: 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 meters.

New 'Tournament Mode':

This version of America's Army features new tournament mode features, which are accessible either via the command line or a GUI interface. These include an adjustable pre-match warm-up period with an in-game notification that the match is beginning. The time remaining until the tournament start is also displayed on the score screen, as well as in-game reminders, and a final 10-second countdown.

New Tournament Squad Leader or Admin abilities:

-Restart the tournament when the tournament is over or during play
- Force the start of the tournament
- Force the start of the warm-up period
- Force the start of the tournament with a 10 second count down
- Mute a players on same team or whole team
- Place players on team
- Place players on specific fire teams in specific classes
- Set the Tournament start time

New Demo/Kiosk Mode:

New in this version of America's Army is a Demo/Kiosk mode. This 'Demo Mode' allows for the game to run demos either at the press of a button or after a customizable set time limit. This demo mode allows for the gameplay to be demonstrated without having internet connectivity. Player created demos can be used in this demo mode as
well.

Two New Maps:

- SF Arctic
- SF Village

DEMO REVIEW
I hope that other developers will adopt this format. Why? Because you need to complete basic training before you can play online. When you complete basic training you are “ranked” by your success in basic training and you are placed in the field accordingly.

Imagine for a moment if, for instance, Papyrus would adopt similar rules for the NASCAR series where you had to prove your ability to drive the car before you could ever get online. Then you are placed with other drivers of similar skills. If this were the case I would return to online racing again.

The graphics and sound are very good; very smooth frame rates on your average machine.

One tip -- when you are on the rifle range pay special attention to your solder’s breathing. I’ll let you figure it out from there.

America’s Army installation is very good. The setup went without any problems. Since this really isn’t a demo anymore there are a wide range of adjustments to tailor this game to your machine.

Reviewed by Duane Wooters.