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Project IGI 2: Covert Strike continues the story of David Jones, an elite operative working for the Institute for Geotactical Intelligence (IGI). The game places players in a series of missions across varied global locations, ranging from military installations to remote outposts, where stealth, precision, and planning are often more effective than brute force.
One of the strongest aspects of IGI 2 is its level design. Missions are set in large, open maps with multiple paths to objectives, giving players freedom of choice. The environments encourage tactical thinking—whether to infiltrate silently using silenced weapons and gadgets, or to engage enemies directly in firefights.
The game also emphasizes realism. Weapons behave in a grounded way, without excessive arcade mechanics, and players must manage ammunition and health carefully. Alarms, cameras, and enemy patrols add to the challenge, as mistakes can escalate quickly.
Graphically, for its time, IGI 2 offered detailed outdoor landscapes, advanced lighting, and large viewing distances. While character models and animations feel dated today, the immersive environments were impressive in 2003.
The sound design also contributes significantly to the experience: radio chatter, ambient noises, and weapon effects all build tension.
On the downside, the game received mixed reviews due to its AI, which could be inconsistent—sometimes enemies would spot you unrealistically fast, while at other times they seemed blind. The lack of a mid-mission save system frustrated many players, as failing late in a mission often meant restarting from the beginning.
Despite these flaws, Project IGI 2 stands out as a cult classic tactical shooter. It rewards patience, strategy, and precision, making it appealing to players who enjoy stealth and methodical gameplay rather than all-out action.
