Although this sequel could be easily mistaken for a tribute to the most recent battles in Iraq, Back to Baghdad instead continues its fight in the 1991 Gulf War. Unfortunately, like the first Conflict, this follow-up still retains the same clunky control scheme that should have ended this war before it even started. There are several features in Back to Baghdad that make it a worthy sequel. New weaponry, an intuitive targeting system, smarter enemy A.I., and decent visual and audio improvements over the original can’t be dismissed. And if you’re into realistic modern-day military exploits that involve the U.S. Delta Force or the British SAS, you’ll definitely take to the story. But the one thing that was never fixed from the first Conflict and now once again overshadows everything else, is the frustrating controls. Quick reflexes are what elite troops are known for on the battlefield, but in this game you feel like you’re still in training at boot camp. The control setup just doesn’t work—especially when you’re trading bullets in real time with a bunch of Republican Guards. Directing your entire four-man squad to move, shoot, give cover fire, swap items, heal, and everything else that comes with a Special Forces group constantly on the move is tiring to the fingers. You’ll also be continuously annoyed with your team’s unrealistic movements—whether they run right in front of each other when firing their weapons or walk stupidly into enemy fodder. If only the controls had been fixed, Back to Baghdad could have been a war story worthy of being played. Of course, those who enjoyed the first Conflict will certainly be pleased with this sequel. Everyone else, though, should look elsewhere to shoot their gun.
