The place Hidden and Dangerous really shines is in level design. The levels are varied, detailed, difficult, and intelligently done. You start out with a simple mission where you have to cross a bridge. And with such a simple goal, there are several ways you can complete the mission. From then on, the missions become vastly more complicated and fun. One of our favorites involves protecting an airplane from enemy assault by vastly larger forces. Missions run from saving hostages and destroying installations (often in the same mission) to leading friendly bombers to a hidden target. Every level is unique, complicated, and full of depth. We are awed by Illusion Softworks skill. The level design easily makes up for the crummy enemy AI by placing them in superior positions. Too bad it doesn't make up for your own soldiers crummy AI. You have to make up for it with superior tactics and by being very careful in what you do.

The complexity of control and depth of level design makes Hidden and Dangerous a challenge reserved for the hardcore gamer only. If you're the type who is discouraged by a steeper than normal learning curve, this game is not for you. But if you enjoy a challenge, Hidden and Dangerous could be just the thing.