One of the real strengths of SoF is its level design. SoF achieves a good balance of problem solving, action, and varied environments. Levels are still linear, but they are designed with enough imagination and realism to avoid boredom. Raven has made much of its new Ghoul technology which breaks character models up into 26 separate zones, allowing aimed shots. If an opponent is hit in the leg the engine detects it and he or she reacts accordingly, hopping in pain.
Crotch shots produce a crumpled collapse.
Torso shots spew viscera. Head and throat shots kill outright. Death animations in response to the different zones are fluid, varied, and realistic. Despite creating an intelligent collision detection system, SoF programmers seem content to live with the usual FPS limitation of not being able to climb to areas higher than a character can jump. Not being able to get onto a surface at shoulder height is frustratingly unrealistic, especially for a highly trained special operative.