Neat Features

Neat Features

Let us preface this next section by telling you that the blue and silver box Fireteam comes in is as impressive as it gets. Opening the box, you'll find a CD case embedded into a silver frame. (If we didn't know any better, we would have assumed it was a mission from the IMF, and that it'd explode in 30 seconds.) Delve a little further, and you'll come across a pair of Andrea Electronics NC-65 GameWare headsets. You might be wondering why in the world a pair of headsets would be included with a game. Well, this is where Fireteam takes the online gaming experience to a whole new dimension.

Real-Time Voice Communication

Yup, that was no typo, Fireteam has real-time voice communication built-in using its patented TeamTalk(tm) voice technology! Not only can you chat with people in the Fireteam chatrooms, you can also communicate with your teammates in real time during the game. We had our doubts before we hopped into a game. We've all come to learn that any little interference in our internet connections can really screw up gameplay, and transmitting voices should be no different. We were wrong. We first tested the game on our T-1, where the voice communication worked flawlessly. There were no hitches in the game whatsoever. When we tested on the 28.8 modem, we were expecting something ugly; instead, we were completely shocked by how smoothly it ran. Granted, there were a few hitches here and there with the acceptable lag time in between communication, but otherwise, the game worked beautifully. Kudos to Multitude for pulling out this amazing feat.

Who do I play with?

In such a multiple player dependent game, one might have concerns with having trouble finding other players to play with. Fear not, Multitude has implemented a service not unlike Blizzard's ever-so popular Battlenet - there are servers with built-in chatrooms, and the best part is, there are no monthly charges!

One of the more awkward things you may encounter about Fireteam is the fact that you are suddenly talking to a bunch of people you've never met before. However, all of the people we met online were nice, helpful, and all around great folks. In addition, there are Multitude volunteers that idle in the channel to chat, answer questions, and even play with you while you're there. So take our advice - kick off those shoes and woop some ass, 'cause you're all there to have fun!

Fireteam Chat server

In game screenshot