The Return Fire: Maps O' Death expansion pack was also well received. He made special note of the game's classical soundtrack, saying that "Never before has sound been so instrumental to a game's success". He cited the easy-to-learn controls and game mechanics, frenzied and enduring multiplayer action, and high level of visual detail. GamePro 's Johnny Ballgame gave the PlayStation version a rave review, calling it "a brilliantly conceived thrill-a-minute war sim" and "an unprecedented blend of action and strategy". He further stated that the graphics and sound effects make causing destruction in the game more fun. Ed Semrad summarized that "In an industry flooded with sports and fighting carts, this comes as a breath of fresh air." A reviewer for Next Generation also praised the classical soundtrack and the two-player mode, though he added that with its huge number of levels, the game is great fun to play even in single-player mode. The review team of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave it their "Game of the Month" award, applauding the two-player mode, classical soundtrack, graphics, and general fun of the game. Manny LaMancha of GamePro gave the 3DO version a positive review, describing it as "a combination of the best parts of playing Capture the flag, Desert Strike, and Micro Machines." He complimented the easy-to-master controls, the graphics, and the strong sense of humor. One of these is a clip featuring Lou Gehrig's famous Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth speech.
When a level is completed in the PC or PlayStation version a short video clip is shown. At the completion of each level, a sequence of unrelated vintage black and white short clips greets the player. During the opening title screen Verdi's "Dies Irae" plays as the "Return Fire" logo appears, engulfed in flame. When driving in the Armored Support Vehicle, Edvard Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King plays. The game soundtrack consists exclusively of public domain music such as Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries when using the helicopter (in homage to Apocalypse Now), Flight of the Bumblebee when driving the jeep, Holst's Mars from The Planets when driving the tank or the William Tell Overture by Gioacchino Rossini when riding with the flag. If the player exceeds the boundaries of the map, a submarine emerges and fires a heat-seeking missile against the player. Only rotating missile turrets and drones are a regular threat to the player in the single player mode. They are the weakest vehicles, requiring only one hit to destroy. Jeeps have the ability to over-inflate their tires and travel across deep water. The jeep/buggy is the fastest land vehicle and solely possesses the strategic ability to pick, move, and drop flags. It has the ability to lay mines which can instantly destroy any land vehicle. The HRSV/M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System is the most armored vehicle, but the slowest moving.
The helicopter cannot resupply itself with fuel and ammunition unless it returns to base, but can strafe at an angle.
The tank has a 360° rotating turret and the ability to fire at land or air targets.
If a land vehicle runs out of fuel it stops and the driver jumps out and runs away. Each vehicle can carry a limited amount of fuel and ammo (which can be refilled at ammo tents and fuel depots) and can withstand different amounts of damage.
Return Fire has four specialized vehicles, each one with unique abilities.