IGI 2: Covert Strike ballistics update

Codemasters has announced that its forthcoming stealth-based first-person shooter sequel IGI 2: Covert Strike will feature an arsenal of more than 30 different real-world weapons, and each one will perform exactly as you'd expect it to in real life.

The game's developer, Oslo-based Innerloop Studios, has built a full ballistics system using real-world data that allows for the accurate re-creation of all manner of weapon effects. So the different weapons' fire rates will be 100-percent accurate, and each and every one of the 750 bullets that leaves a player's G36 assault rifle in a minute will do exactly the kind of damage it would in real life. The calculation for material penetration, such as bullets through wood, steel, plastics, or flesh, will take into account everything from the bullet caliber and muzzle velocity to the density of the material itself.

Each weapon in the game will also weigh players down, adversely affecting their ability to move quickly if they're trying to carry too much or have opted for heavy weapons. It almost goes without saying that each of the weapons will have accurate data regarding clip capacity, reload times, and range, but in IGI 2, even the muzzle flashes, gun smoke, and ejected bullet casings will behave exactly as they should.

Though perhaps the most significant feature of the ballistics model, at least in terms of gameplay, is the game's dynamically adjusted reactive targeting system. This means that the targeting reticle will be affected not only by a player's movement and stance, but also by the accurately re-created accuracy and kickback of the weapon being fired.

IGI 2: Covert Strike is the sequel to Project IGI , which was published by Eidos in December 2000. Like the original, IGI 2 is a first-person shooter that places the emphasis firmly on stealth rather than on gung-ho frontal assaults. For more information, check out our Project IGI of the game.