Freedom Fighters (2003)

This is set in some kind of alternate history where the Soviet Union has occupied NYC.

You are a plumber who somehow ends up heading a resistance movement. Hey, Plumbing is a physically demanding job, so you are one tough SOB

You make your way through the streets of NY, all the while commanding/controlling a squad

Achieving objectives increases your notoriety among the Russians, but also gains you more followers. It's been a long time since I played this, but I know you can control at least 10 squad members at a time

You command your squad with simple orders - Attack - Defend - Follow. I think this simplicity adds to the games charm and also allows the A.I to be very responsive to your commands which adds to the immersion. I do have to say that you are at an advantage as the enemy A.I can be dumb as hell, but the game somewhat compensates for this by throwing overwhelming bodies at you and generally giving the enemy good cover

The sound is excellent. When you're in a "situation" it sounds like a real battle is going on around you

The environment feels real

The story? What story? I mean, just think Red Dawn. The Russians are in NYC and you want them out. That's your story

You can beat the game in about 10 hours which is unfortunate, because I would have liked a bit more

This game hasn't aged particularly well by today's standards (The F1-F8 keys for inventory items and weapons, those bloody "are you sure" queries in UI). Still, it holds enough for me to stick through to the end, thanks to the less common gameplay mechanics that intrigued me to buy it on Steam.

You play as a man who got caught in the middle of a Russian occupation of the USA, and will play the key role in fighting for a resistance group to take back your home country again. Soon enough, you'll be allowed to lead a squad that fights alongside you during your missions. In the first couple of hours, it'll take some effort to carry out your missions but as your charisma levels up (due to completing missions and helping people), the missions will be easier to manage by-the-numbers. Half-way through, I allowed my squad of at least 4-5 charge and sweep the perimeters at appropriate targets, and pull out when things get a little too hot. I prefer this way better than fighting the enemies myself more than often, since I'm dealing with bullet sponges as the game progresses and a squad of >3 can take out a tough soldier after just a few seconds. From half-way on, it's comfortable leading from the officer's chair!

The mission layout is also unique in a way that each mission is basically divided into areas with each their own objectives. The player is free to choose where to start, but you'll have to go by certain orders since those areas are dependent of each other. For instance, you might have to blow up a helipad in one area to prevent a helicopter encounter other areas or blow up a bridge to prevent enemy reinforcements elsewhere! Fresh idea right there, simplistic but could have laid foundation for improvements in its game successors.

Freedom Fighters is a decent game that has laid groundwork for a refreshing gameplay of its time, but hasn't aged as gracefully to this day. But if you're here for the gameplay concept regardless of its shortcomings, it may be worth sticking with this when you can finally lead a squad of at least 4 members under you.