EndWar's simplification of the real-time strategy model extends to its control scheme as well. If you have a headset for your PS3, you can use voice commands to give orders to your units. Sure, it's kind of a gimmick, but it's a pretty cool gimmick. To issue a voice command, you hold a trigger and speak a few words that follow a simple format such as "unit one attack hostile two". If you don't have a headset then you use the controller to enter unit commands using the same basic format. However using a headset adds a new layer of immersion to the game, as actually telling your units what to do will make you feel more like a real commander. You can do a lot in the game through the voice commands, even set the camera position and mode, but overall the command set is limited when compared to those in a typical strategy game – don't expect to create a combined arms group and set it through a series of way points.

EndWar is most impressive in the way it brings its battles to life. As you jump from unit to unit the game puts you in the middle of the action and you'll watch the battle unfold in the midst of the fighting. The chaos of the battles coupled with the constant radio chatter from your units makes for plenty of immersive and exciting game action. You could easily mistake EndWar for an action game if all you saw was a few minutes of the battle action.

Your enjoyment of EndWar will depend a lot on what you expect from it. If you're a serious strategy gamer, you're going to find the whole thing far too simple for your tastes. If you just want to play commander without worrying too much about employing sound tactics and detailed battle plans, then EndWar will fit the bill.

In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated: 72%. EndWar is the supermodel of strategy games – it's nice to look at but won't present you with much of an intellectual challenge.

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