Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon - PS2

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Also for: PC, Wii, Xbox, GameCube
Viewed: 3D First-person Genre:
Combat Game: Infantry
Strategy: Combat
Media: CD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Red Storm Soft. Co.: Ubisoft
Publishers: Ubisoft (GB)
Released: 6 Dec 2002 (GB)
Ratings: 15+
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible

Summary

The PC first-person shooter community have long held this game in high regard. Its hands-on approach to military-based, strategic combat meant that, although popular with hardcore gamers, it was also accessible to a wider demographic. The fact that the now legendary Tom Clancy was behind it always assured quality as well. Now ported to the home consoles, Ghost Recon has undergone a bit of a makeover, designed to make it bode well as a console game. The PS2 version also includes the extra eight levels from the Ghost Recon expansion pack, Desert Siege.

The game places players in charge of the Ghosts - a unique squad, which focuses on covert military strikes and international peacekeeping missions that don't always go as planned. Conducting missions on foot, players occasionally have assistance from troops in tanks, helicopters and close air support, as they work with international military forces and NATO in the fight against rising dictators and rebel groups.

The Ghosts are also the guinea pig squad for testing the Army's latest and greatest equipment and weaponry. Players have access to the latest weapons, such as an M-16 assault rifle with a grenade launcher mounted underneath, or they could be responsible for the M-136 Anti-Tank Rocket that is carried on the back.

The team consists of two groups of three, all fully controllable and specialists in different areas of combat: Sniper, Demolitions, Support, Rifleman, and Infantry. Their individual skills are essential to successfully complete the various missions.

The Dual Shock II controller manages to handle the action rather well. Often a problem when porting a game that uses a mouse and keyboard-based control system, movement is extremely smooth and aiming - via the right analogue stick - is none too difficult. In a similar way to TimeSplitters, it all begins to feel natural after a short while.

What is certainly a bonus when it comes to consoles is the multiplayer element. Although sharing a TV screen isn't quite as exhilarating as having your own private monitor, it does benefit from the fact that you don't need a LAN in order to enjoy a quick deathmatch. And you can't beat shooting your mates! - Not literally, though.