A simple zoomed shot and the antagonist is dealt with. The exception to this is guards packing microwave weapons whose AI seems to cut in immediately. The only hope with some of these is to squeeze of an accurate shot before they do, and to get used to reloading a previous savegame. 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.