Armed and Dangerous is a third person shooter that was released for the Microsoft Xbox console in the United States during the year 2003. The game was developed by Planet Moon Studios and published by LucasArts, bringing a unique blend of action-packed third person shooting mechanics combined with real time squad command and strategy elements to the Xbox platform. This title was added to the iOctavio.com database on December 6th, 2003.
Summary
Armed and Dangerous places the player in the boots of a ragtag group of heroes led by the charismatic and voiced protagonist Rexus, who finds himself caught up in a grand adventure against a powerful and sinister corporation known as Torlan Industries. The story follows Rexus and his band of unlikely allies as they battle through a variety of environments and encounters to stop the evil forces from achieving their nefarious goals. The game weaves together a narrative that balances lighthearted comedic tone with genuine action sequences, giving players a distinctive experience that stands apart from more serious military themed shooters of the era.
The gameplay operates as a third person shooter at its core, but it differentiates itself by allowing the player to issue commands to their AI controlled squadmates during combat. This creates a hybrid experience where the player must manage both their own shooting and positioning while simultaneously directing their allies to flank enemies, focus fire on targets, or move to specific locations on the battlefield. The result is a layered combat system that rewards tactical thinking alongside quick reflexes and accurate aiming.
Highlights
The game features a robust single player campaign mode with a substantial number of missions spread across diverse environments including forests, industrial complexes, urban settings, and more exotic locations. Each mission introduces different enemy types and combat scenarios that keep the experience fresh throughout its duration.
The squad command system is one of the most notable features of the title. Players can direct their teammates using a simple but effective command interface, ordering them to take cover, move ahead, or concentrate their fire on designated targets. This adds a strategic layer to what might otherwise be a straightforward shooter experience.
Armed and Dangerous includes a variety of weapons available to the player throughout the campaign, ranging from standard firearms to more unconventional and powerful armaments. Each weapon serves a specific purpose in combat and encourages players to adapt their approach depending on the situation at hand.
The game features notable voice acting that brings the humorous and often quirky script to life. The dialogue and character interactions contribute significantly to the overall charm and personality of the title, making the narrative memorable in spite of its relatively low profile.
A multiplayer mode is also included, offering competitive and cooperative experiences for players who wish to engage with friends and other opponents online or through system link capabilities on the Xbox.
The humor and tone of the game set it apart within the third person shooter genre of 2003. While many titles at the time pursued gritty realistic military themes, Armed and Dangerous embraced a more comedic and exaggerated style that appealed to players looking for something lighter yet still action oriented.
The combination of third person shooting and real time strategy elements makes this title an interesting entry in the Xbox library for anyone who enjoys genre blending games that offer both action and tactical decision making in equal measure.