Not a launch title!?! What do you mean it's not a launch title!?!

For the record, Ubisoft never super officially announced that it's gorgeous Xbox 360 title, Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, would actually be available for the console's November 22 debut, but it was one of the first announced games for the system and rumors pointed to a 2005 launch, so its new February 1 release date is a bit disappointing. However, and on the flip side, that just means we all have something to look forward to, and believe me, this game is going to do to war-based titles what Deep Throat did for...did for...never mind.

Advanced Warfighter takes place in, and I don't know why I laughed when I read this, Mexico City in the year 2013. A bunch of dirty insurgents are wrecking shop on the capital and to make matters even worse, the president has apparently been kidnapped. , Because the good old U.S.A. doesn't take kindly to an insurgency of any sort the Ghosts, led by Captain Scott Mitchell (that'd be you), are sent in to basically kill each of them three times over. But these aren't the same Ghosts from previous Ghost Recons. These are tough hombres packing futuristic technology, sexy pieces of equipment that make it easy to pick off some plain clothed terrorist providing the attacker remembers his or her training.

It all begins with the Cross-Com, a satellite powered communication device that is attached to each and every soldier's monocle. Not only does it highlight enemies, but it also provides maps as well as the locations of your fellow warfighters. And the coolest thing about it is the presentation, which is picture in picture, so while you're playing these tiny boxes will pop up on your display. It's a slick effect that doesn't appear to hinder vision, making its seamless integration a welcome gameplay addition.

Soldiers also have access to the latest high tech gear that monitors their heart rate and other bodily functions, armor that protects them from high impact rounds, a computer, and sophisticated camouflage. You look like a total bad ass, and if you keep your wits about you the enemy won't have much of a chance. However, keep in mind that the game will still pack quite a challenge and it only takes a single well placed bullet to send you back home in a pine box. The AI is quite aggressive and seemingly features a nothing to lose mentality, so they're going to come at you with all they've got.