Joint Task Force

E3 2006 First Look Preview

Set in recent theatres of war, JTF – Joint Task Force is a real-time strategy title that traces the work of an international task force operating in worldwide locations.

JTF is from Most Wanted Entertainment and Vivendi Universal Games, and is slated for release on the PC in the fall. It is a contemporary RTS with a solid look and some new approaches to what has been stock treatment in the genre.

For example, in most RTS titles, you have to manage resources and they provide the basis for troop generation. The resources are akin to power and food, and that sort of thing. The resource system in JTF is based on money. Do a mission and you earn more coin to spend on upgrading your unit. In addition to primary missions, there are also secondary missions with payoffs, but they are optional. As the units progress during the course of the game, you have to take care of them otherwise you will be spending your time replacing them and entering combat zones with raw recruits. Units can be re-modeled as you progress with both primary and secondary abilities. Micromanaging is possible, if players wish to go that route.

The game itself is story-driven with five campaigns embracing 20 scenarios. The JTF will also have to be concerned with its reputation. Killing civilians will harm the reputation of your force. Another scenario may have a press corps attached to your unit. In addition to carrying out the operation, you will have to keep them alive as they capture every nuance of your journey through the mission structure.

The game uses rag-doll physics and weather can have an effect on your mission, as well. The AI has been modeled to reflect true life as much as possible. Units not being player-driven forward may retreat or call for back-up if confronted by superior numbers.

JTF sports a point-and-click interface but to keep things simple, the units only have three formations they can use. Enemy vehicles can be confiscated but the JTF force will not be as proficient using the ‘borrowed’ vehicles as the bad guys would be. Civilian vehicles can be used to set up road blocks.

The game has a very tactical feel to it and the typical unit has both infantry and ‘heroes.’ Regular troops can progress to level four and then through use of resources can be moved to hero status. Heroes have area effects on allied troops and can move from one mission to another.

Multiplayer will have pre-defined game modes but using rules of engagement will enable players to customize multiplayer matches. Modes will include four-versus-four online and co-op mode in the single-player campaigns.  The game will support dedicated multiplayer servers and will include a match-making tool.

Graphically JTF is very nice, with great details on the units and solid physics. The gameplay appears strong and should afford RTS fans both challenges and solid entertainment value.

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