This review is for Game Commander 2.

Game Commander 2 (GC2) is a PC voice control software application designed primarily for use with games. It is designed for Windows 95/98/ME and 2000. It can be downloaded for $29.95. There is a free trial available.

If you've ever been playing a game and couldn't remember a particular obscure key combination, GC2 is the answer to your prayers. Instead of having to recall and press CTRL+SHIFT+A, all you have to do is say, "arm missiles." Any key or combination of keys, up to 256 (!) can be programmed to be invoked upon uttering a voice command. There are many adjustments available too, including the duration that the key is held, auto-fire, etc.

A nice Labtec microphone is included with the retail package ($39.95). All you have to do is plug it in and install the software. Installing the software is a no-brainer. There are a few game "profiles" programmed in for some popular games, and many more available on the Game Commander web site (www.gamecommander.com). Of course, you can also enter your own.

The GC2 interface is intuitive enough that I only had to look at the manual once or twice while I programmed in profiles for games like World War II Online, a massive multiplayer combat sim. You can just type in the word or words you want GC2 to recognize for certain commands, but I recommend using voice training. This is quick and helps with the accuracy of GC2. Here are my quick tips for getting the best performance out of GC2:

1. Use voice training
2. Don't use words in the same profile that sound like each other
3. Use multiple words

These tips will help you get the best accuracy with GC2, which isn't bad even if you ignore them. If you use words in the same profile that sound like each other, there is a chance that GC2 will invoke the wrong command. Using multiple words in commands cuts back on the number of times when the microphone picks up a stray noise and GC2 misinterprets it as a command. This has happened to me when I have sneezed, sighed, cursed, etc.

WWIIonline is a very good test for GC2, as it combines the need for easy access to commands with the need for voice communication with your squad. My squad uses Roger Wilco, though I have also used GC2 with TeamSound. If you are not familiar with these, think of them as basically an Internet walkie-talkie. Hitting the transmit button for voice comms will temporarily disable GC2. It works very well after you get it set up. The key to getting GC2 to work together with one of these is to set up the comm software to look at "GC Wave in" and to start the comm software before you start GC2.

The idea for GC2 is a good one, and Microsoft has recognized this by producing a competing product called Game Voice. The people at Game Commander don't seem too concerned, though. They tout the fact that they work with multiple voice communication software packages like Roger Wilco, TeamSound, and BattleCom. Microsoft forces you to use their comm software. One other important advantage GC2 has is lower CPU usage.

I have programmed GC2 for use with Outlook and some other non-game software but I don't use it for that often. There is just no need. Typing is just as fast. GC2 is just not designed to be a full featured voice software package like Naturally Speaking. Conversely, Naturally Speaking won't work for games like GC2 will. When a half second delay can get you shot, GC2 can make all the difference in the world.

Overall, I am pleased with Game Commander 2. It is mature software that works well and it fills a need in the PC gaming world. If you're a gamer with too many keys to remember, I recommend it.

Recommended: Yes