Boot Camp Basics

If you're an original Xbox® owner, chances are you're also a fan of first person shooters. It's no accident that the platform that launched Halo®: Combat Evolved to superstardom (or is it the other way around?) is home to some of the grittiest, most frenzied combat experiences available on current-gen systems.

Call of Duty® 2: Big Red One is a prime example of a first-person shooter (FPS) done right. Every fearsome battle will have you grinding your teeth in anxiety as you dodge whistling rifle shots and hide from ear-shattering grenades. If you're a seasoned FPS veteran, you're well prepared for the task at hand; if you're on your first enlistment, you should soak up the Xbox.com boot camp basics. Grab your gear, soldier. It's studying time.

Stay close to your team.

The Basics
The controls and gameplay mechanics in Big Red One are similar to the pimp daddy shooter of them all, Halo® 2. Forward movement and strafing is conducted with the left thumbstick while your view is performed with the right one. You can stand, crouch, and go prone by cycling through actions with the Y and B buttons. Pressing A unleashes a devestating melee attack upon your closest foe.

One or two solid hits will knock the crustiest of soldiers to his knees, so use your hand-to-hand assault in close quarters. Toss grenades by pressing the X button.

Use cover whenever possible.

To fire your equipped weapon—be it a rifle, machine gun, or pistol—simply tug on the right trigger. Pull the left trigger to aim down the barrel of your weapon for increased accuracy at the expense of nimble movement. Reload your current weapon with a push of the white button (the one exception is the M1—you need to burn through your whole M1 clip before you can replenish its magazine).

Hit the black button to use or activate objects in the environment (to pick up dropped weapons, for instance). Hold down the Back button to display your current objectives—a handy tool for when you've forgotten your orders.

Field Tactics
Just like in real war, the enemies you face in Call of Duty 2: Big Red One are cunning, bloodthirsty killers who will stop at nothing to end your life. Even outnumbered, all it takes is some smart maneuvering, accurate marksmanship, and a little bravado to get the jump on Gerry.

Share your pineapples often.

• Stick with your squad: Even though your teammates are computer-controlled, they will fight fearlessly by your side throughout the war. They can draw fire away from your position as well as thin the enemy ranks while you complete the immediate objective, so stay close unless you're ordered to do otherwise.
• Keep your ears perked: The game employs a battle chatter system that allows your squad mates to accurately assess the current situation and relate their suggestions to you, but you have to listen to what they're saying to take advantage of the intel.
• Don't be stingy with grenades: They're nicknamed "pineapples" but you can't use 'em as rations, so chuck a live one at your enemies instead. They bounce and roll around like a baseball, so aim with care. The last thing you want to do is obliterate one of your own G.I.s by mistake.
• Use the proper weapon: Submachine guns are great for indoor, close-quarters firefights, while rifles are suited for long-range skirmishes. Get comfortable using the "iron sights" to take down your targets with fewer rounds when you aim.

Marching Orders
Though it's a real kick in the pants to shoot at everything that moves, sometimes you're better off just sticking to orders and completing the objective at hand. Press the Back button and take note of your immediate goals. Refer to the compass in the lower-left corner of the screen—it clues you in on the location of your next destination.

If you're having trouble finding your way, check the environment for clues. A worn pathway, partially obscured doorway, or huddled cluster of your own troops will signal that you're in the right vicinity. While you can't open doors on your own, your buddies will do it for you, so don't stray too far from your men.

Article by Franklin Beans