Items, Maps, Modes

Game items

Raven created 7 different combat items for Soldier of Fortune, but there were only 2 available in the multiplayer OEM (3 if you count the body armor). The two are flash bang grenades and C4 plastic explosive. The flash bang grenades work like they would in real life. If you are facing one when it goes off, the screen goes white, then slowly fades back into view. Your hearing doesn't seem to be affected as much as in Rogue Spear, but the blinding effect is still very disorienting. If you want a throwable weapon that actually does some damage, you'll have to turn to the C4. Plastique basically serves as the hand grenades of Soldier of Fortune, except that they don't bounce. C4 will stick to the first surface it hits, which can be useful. If you're trying to hit someone on a ledge above you, you can aim at the ledge just underneath their feet. The C4 will stick there and knock them into next week. It's worth noting though, that thrown C4 will emit a characteristic beeping. If you hear that nearby, that means it's time to run!

Muzzle flash

Those are flashbangs on the ground

Maps

Four maps were included in our multiplayer OEM - one resembling a NYC subway, another set in a freight warehouse, one resembling the sewers of Kosovo, and another set in a chemical plant. The plant level features volumetric fog all throughout the level, which can obscure your view as distance increases. Other than that, there's not that much special to report. All the levels are reasonably well laid out, with the more powerful weapons placed in areas that can be very vulnerable to attack. Some of the corridors in the Kosovo level were a bit cramped for comfort, but in general there are plenty of open areas and changes in elevation to exploit.

Shot in the back with a shotty

In the back with a .44 - I'm such a coward

Multiplayer Gameplay Modes

The multiplayer OEM includes only standard deathmatch and team DM modes. The retail version will include a number of other modes like Capture the Flag, Arsenal and Assassin. Arsenal is an interesting concept - the object of this game is to get at least one kill with every single weapon in the level. The first one to do so wins. Playing this mode would obviously prevent players from hogging up certain weapons or being a "one-gun wonder." Assassin is another interesting DM derivation. Here's how Raven describes it:

In assassin, you are assigned a specific player in the match to hunt down and kill. Meanwhile, another player is being assigned to hunt you down. You score points (or kills) for taking out your assigned target and you lose points for killing bystanders or people you aren't assigned to kill. If you run into the person who's trying to kill you and take them out, you aren't penalized. After all...it was self-defense, right? =) Assassin made its first appearance in a Raven game in Take No Prisoners...

Shoulder hits rock him back

Here I go again with the sneaking...