The game is set in the not-too-distant future, during a period of space colonisation. A splinter group of militia known as the Helghast have attacked one of Earth's colonies and, playing as a member of the ISA, your mission is to go behind enemy lines and thwart their plans of taking over. You're accompanied by a small team of operatives, but you won't be issuing orders, Rainbow Six style. Rather, the team is there to keep you in the heart of the action (and to occasionally help you out with little hints and pointers here and there). It's also a way of adding realism and credibility to the game, as it dispels some of that 'one man against an entire army' kind of vibe that most first person shooters tend to have. Additionally, the team 'mechanics' (i.e. yelling at one another through a haze of smoke and bullets) are certainly more true to real life combat. "If you're in a war, there's no drop down menu", the developers point out.