July 15, 2002 Update

Last Friday, Volition released six new screenshots of Red Faction II. Sorry that I didn't post them earlier -- I was busy all this weekend. Anyway, enjoy the swank screenshots in the links below:

Screenshot 1 | Screenshot 2 | Screenshot 3 | Screenshot 4 | Screenshot 5 | Screenshot 6

Much like many First Person Shooter titles these days, Red Faction II will focus more on teamwork, rather than individual combat like in the last game. Allied troops will fight along side you more often, and will provide cover-fire and such as you progress through the game. Naturally, the AI of both allies and enemies has been beefed up to create more realistic battles. Troops will be programmed to make good use of the terrain/environment. In other words, you won't be the only one using the Geo-Mod engine to your advantage.

Speaking of the Geo-Mod engine - more surfaces in Red Faction II will be destructible. Many people felt that the last game didn't use the Geo-Mod technology enough, but Volition promises that it will play an even bigger role in RFII.

More info later.

Volition and THQ have just released brand new screenshots of Red Faction II today via their website. It is still fairly early, but RFII seems to be shaping up quite nicely. The people who complained about the original Red Faction's mediocre graphics will be pleased to know that the sequel is significantly better looking than its predecessor.

In addition to improved graphics, Red Faction II also includes beefed up gameplay as well. Here are some of the game's new features from Volition and THQ's website:

• Revamped Geo-Mod engine - the only FPS with real-time, arbitrary geometry modification
• All-new storyline & characters - fight as a member of an elite squad of six
• Enhanced graphics and prerendered cutscenes for a completely immersive experience
• Utilize four varied vehicles in combat, including a tank, a hover flyer and a submarine
• Acquire superior firepower from multiple boss battles
• 14 specialized weapons of mass destruction, including dual-handed pistols and machine guns
• All-new inventory of useful items - health kits, night vision goggles, numerous grenades and more
• Stealth, puzzle solving and action-oriented objectives
• Advanced AI behavior - AI works in squads and reacts realistically to events
• High replay value due to multiple endings based on player actions
• 4 player mode - split screen death match and create your own bots
• USB keyboard/mouse support

We will have more on Red Faction II soon.