Tactical action lovers, get ready to gnaw on more GRAW.
by Robert Workman on Thursday, January 25, 2007
Many people were blown away by Ubisoft's Xbox 360 video game Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, thanks to its high quality and pulse pounding combat. So it should be no surprise that the company has put some extensive effort into the forthcoming sequel, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2, which hits shelves March 7. Thus far, it looks impressive.
The story picks up right after the conclusion of the first game. Captain James Mitchell and his team, known as the Ghosts, put a huge dent in the civil war launched by Mexico against the United States. His team ends up victorious in the Battle for Mexico City, but that particular assault turns out to be just the beginning. The Mexican army invades El Paso, Texas in a fierce attempt to overtake a portion of the United States. Mitchell and his fellow soldiers set out to stop these remaining enemy forces, and must also find out who launched this heinous plan.
Like the first game, GRAW 2 focuses on tactical action. Players expecting to blaze through city streets with a machine gun in each hand will be vastly disappointed -- more calculated measures must be taken to assure survival. Luckily, Mitchell and his team have just the right amount of equipment and ammunition for the job.
The Cross-Com remains a vital item for the team. This video tool allows players to get an extensive look at the battlefield through the eyes of their fellow soldiers. With Advanced Warfighter 2, players get introduced to version 2.0 of the device. This updated edition allows players to get an even more enhanced view, displayed in the top corner of the screen. This allows them to see what's ahead while keeping an eye on their own position. Soldiers also use surveillance drones to watch for enemy forces, just in case they attempt some kind of ambush. However, players may access a full-screen display from the drone, getting a better view of the territory. Positioning continues to be a strong factor in this game. If the team ends up in the open, it'll be easy for snipers and gunners to pick them off.
Instead of having to deal with the dumpster-like storage containers scattered throughout the first game, players utilize the MULE. Think of the MULE as a portable weapons container that scoots around the battlefield to reach the team's position and deliver things necessary for survival. It carries extra ammunition to keep the soldiers fully stocked, as well as additional weapons -- some of which become necessary for moving on to later parts in a level. Players also command the MULE as they would one of their own soldiers. It provides cover with its protective armoring so soldiers can move to new positions. Players will also control the MULE directly, in case they want to move it to a particular area or need to get to a pinned down soldier.
GameDaily


