Up until Ubi's Rainbow Six landed on the Xbox, Ghost Recon was widely recognized as the defining online tactical shooter for Xbox Live. Well Ubi is ready to get gamers back into life as a ghost with the revamped Ghost Recon 2.

The first thing you'll notice about the game is that the viewing aspect has been shifted from first person to third person with the ability to zoom into a first person view. Fans of the original might discredit the adjustment to the series, but after playing it first hand, I can assure you that it works. The alternate view allows for a deeper experience in regards to assuming the role of your character. You can witness such essential gameplay elements first hand now, such as issuing commands and the location of your character as they assume the various stances. Also lending to the enhanced view is the inclusion of a tremendously streamlined interface that is as sleek as it is efficient. Gamers can issue the various squad based commands at the click of a button and gain access to various sub-menus by simple holding or clicking the required button. The changes in controls and viewpoint implemented thus far have brought new life to an already vibrant series. These changes are just a single shot in Ghost Recon 2's assault on your senses however, as the action itself is the game's biggest star.

From the full level I had a chance to play through, the action is Ghost Recon 2 is looking better than ever. The previous titles generally took place in jungle environments, but the latest installment of the series takes players to more varied and wide open spaces. The level on display featured an airfield complete with a watchtower and surrounding bunkers. I deployed my troops to scout ahead and infiltrate the designated area as we systematically took down baddies while moving with quickness and stealth. Within seconds of entering the area I was required to hop on an unmanned gun turret and shoot down an enemy chopper, which exploded directly in front of my troops but fortunately didn't harm my team. If a team member does get hit however, a newly implemented ability to assign your medic to injured soldiers creates a greater opportunity for your team to survive. This is a great addition that will require you to make key decision regarding the status of your team. After reaching several checkpoints and taking down a few more choppers with my over the shoulder rocket launcher, the team and I completed the mission by destroying the enemies' final means of escape.

The single player campaign is rather impressive indeed, but just like the original Xbox title, the game is looking to be the online source for military tactical shooter fans. Offering play for up to sixteen players simultaneously, Ghost Recon 2 will blur the line between the action of Rainbow Six and the strategy and stealth of Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow. The online features set is still in the works, but I'm hopeful that Ubi will find a way to implement the latest Xbox Live 3.0 features like clans, customization, and rankings.

Ghost Recon 2 has easily jumped to the top of my must have list. The newly implemented viewpoint and gameplay mechanics are a significant change, but even skeptical gamers need to play this one to believe it. We'll reserve final judgment until the game goes gold, but I'm pretty sure you'll find me spending some long nights in the line of fire with Ghost Recon 2 later this year.