Look up the reviews in regards to gameplay (there were one or two listed in the forums). There is also a manual that goes over the gameplay somewhat (if it has not been updated, it is probably out of date by now).
Note: I don't own the game. The following is based on the earlier demos, YMMV.
Basically, the player plays FPS via individual vehicles or squads, i.e. the player has direct control over his/her vehicle/infantry squad.
There is no resource gathering or building. Both sides start out with combat assets determined by the scenario/map. If your preference is in the 4X, dropteam does not have the explore, expand, and exploit phase. Respawn is limited to the assets you start with. No more respawn once the assets are depleted.
The AI will fill out the roster if
there are insufficient players. Any player can issue orders to the AI units on their side.
One player on each side can take a commander role. This will restrict re-supply and orbital strikes.
LAN play still require Internet Access based on the authentication system deployed.
AI is not the sharpest knife in the drawer and does not appear to employ any strategy (drop, charge, shoot/die/get stuck/ignore commands) so coop against AI gets boring fast.
The gametypes were described in the manual (objective or CTF).
The gameplay has changed since its release last year so use the latest demo.
IMHO Dropteam is closer to the Myth series (with respawn) from bungie then other FPS/RTS series like Savage/Battlezone I and II.
[ January 24, 2007, 08:20 AM: Message edited by: Type98 ]