Warzones, for better or worse, is more akin to an expansion pack than to a full blown sequel. The gameplay and graphical engine remain the same while giving players a change in scenery and mission objectives - a little something old and a little something new, if you will. Speaking of old, the graphics haven't changed much from when Smuggler's Run first debuted on PS2. Back in the day it touted the most impressive draw distance to date, and by today's standards it's still impressive. The only letdown is that with such an amazing vanishing point off in the distance, there isn't much to see; brush, trees, foliage of every type sprinkled across the vast hills of Russia, Vietnam, and Eastern Europe. Every now and then you'll spot a town or a lake, but for the most part it'll be just you, the hills, and your pursuers. On a technical level, Rockstar has really done a bang up job by pushing so much geometry and keeping a constant 60fps, but on an aesthetic side there's not much to see. Honestly, after a few hours of play everything will look the same, and you'll be surprised to come across any break in the monotony - bridges, houses, et al.

Monotony seems to run true through Warzones, especially in the gameplay department. The basis of everything rests on three modes of play - smuggling, chasing, and turf wars. Smuggling is essential to everything, there will always be some contraband to track down, pick up, and deliver to a designated spot. There are different spins on the idea, such as carrying explosive items, or following air drops, but the concept can always be simplified as going from Point A to Point B, ad nauseum. Chasing missions require analog-wielding skills in a race to tackle and destroy an opponent before he outruns you. It's entertaining for awhile, but much like smuggling aspect of the game, is a bit too simple and repetitive to gain any long-term admiration. Turf Wars is a combination of smuggling, car-chasing, and good old-fashioned "Capture the Flag". The objective requires you to form a group of 3 grabbing as much contraband as you can deliver and battling against rival groups. These tend to be the most enjoyable, but outside of the multi-player mode, the missions are relatively simple.,

When I think about it, the difficulty is quite imbalanced overall. Some missions are incredibly easy and mundane, while others are saturated with police, a tight time limit, and an excess of cargo to deliver. It's tolerable, albeit somewhat erratic.

Smuggler's Run: Warzones at best is worth renting. It's unfortunate that it's so repetitious, an element that I doubt any will consider enjoyable. Though in my case, I always found a reason to push on to the next mission or continue playing, even when an objective seemed impossible. Minor flaws withstanding, Warzones is exceptionally fun with enough appeal to kill some time on a slumber day.

· · · Hero