Fortunately, you can trade in these computer-controlled numbskulls for some human help in the incredibly fun co-op mode. Co-op enables you to join up to three buddies for an online frag-fest, running through the single-player storyline. If you don't have three friends to play with, the computer will control the remainder as long as you have at least one. This gives human players an additional chance, since they can take over for the computer if they get killed.

You won't get any more slack than that, however. Gone are the checkpoint saves from the single-player game. You need to run the table and survive the mission with at least your leader, and if Scott gets killed at any point, it's game over. Completing a mission with your team intact is a euphoric accomplishment that rivals any narcotic we know of.

Reminding us a bit of Battlefield and Unreal Tournament, the 32-player online multiplayer "domination" is a 16-vs-16 tug-of-war for zone control. Controlling a string of connected zones will let you respawn deep into enemy territory, layering on depth and variability. Racking up kills and taking over zones earns you tactical points, and spending them enables you to spawn with your squad leader, instead of way back at your home base.

Despite all of the nifty toys, GRAW’s triumph is that it forces players to utilize tried-and-true infantry tactics that work swimmingly against computer and human opponents alike. Flanking, ambushing and setting up cross-fire zones are extremely satisfying when pulled off successfully. The wide-open levels make it possible to perform these feats of strategy, but the intricate design of the battle grounds make for nearly endless tactical possibilities.