Xbox Hardware & Games

Tom Clancy's Ghosts are back and ready for action

Video: 5
Sound: 4
Gameplay: 5

Every game console to date has needed that one special title that showed off the hardware capabilities, while still providing addictive, heart-pounding gameplay. That killer app title has finally arrived for the Xbox 360 with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, the latest in the series of action shooters from the master of modern technology thrillers. It combines intense single-player and multiplayer action and looks mighty fine in the process.

Most military sims usually don't feature deep storylines, but this is a Clancy game, so there is a bit more plot and background than the typical shooter. The Ghost Recon series has gone back to the future, so to speak, taking the action to the near future setting of 2013 A.D., when the U.S. Army fully implements a new tactical system called the Integrated Warfighter System. This combines the weapons with real-time communication, including satellite positioning and a controllable spy drone. Think of this as the ultimate wired warrior.

The game's near-future scenario takes things down south of the border, Mexico way, following a military coup that results in a full-blown Civil War. Well, of course the United States doesn't like that, and thus the Ghosts are locked and loaded. You'll head into action, leading your squad into some pitched battles in the capital city through 11 chaotic and highly challenging missions. The Mexico City hot zone provides intense urban combat, and, while a destroyed city might be just another destroyed city, the developers have done a great job of making it seem fresh and different. This should keep you on your toes, and, if it doesn't, the game's new AI certainly will.

In other words, don't expect mindless bots in this one. The computer-controlled enemy, which include "guerilleros," the Mexican army, and even enemy Special Forces, will react to your actions and respond accordingly. The results are troops that will flank your position and try to pin you down. And, despite the fact that you can tackle the single-player campaign in about 10 hours, there is much replayability, thanks to the good AI and mission objectives. As a result, you can try the various missions repeatedly and still get a fresh experience each time, because the AI won't merely try to the do the same scripted actions.

Nor does the fun end once you've liberated Mexico City a few times. The game's robust multiplayer—including online co-op play—is like a full title in itself, offering nearly endless opportunities for some Latin adventures. There are numerous game types, maps, and customization options, so you'll be the Ghost (Recon) with the most via Xbox Live— plus there are system-link and split-screen options, as well. Best of all, you aren't limited to jumping into hosted games. You can set up your own matches, determining the number of respawns, weapons to use, and even the look of your in-game character.

Visually Ghost Recon for the Xbox 360 is stunning. The high dynamic range and lighting effects bring Mexico City to life, and, except for the lack of civilians on the streets, it feels like you're watching an HD movie, not playing a mere video game. The game supports 16-by-9 aspect ratios of 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The diverse locations, which are essentially urban themed, as expected, are extremely detailed and well rendered. The game plays free from any frame-rate hang-ups or other issues, except for some slight wash out at time due to some overly high in-game contrast lighting. Not that the noonday sun in Mexico City wouldn't be that harsh.

The sound is pounding, with just a bit too much unevenness at times, as some of the explosions will almost knock you out of your chair. This might be realistic, and it is certainly intense, but it is almost too much. The use of surround sound is completely immersing, and, if the graphics didn't make you think you are in a battle, the audio will convince you.

Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter isn't the kind of game you'll want to play when you have a headache and need some peace and quiet, but, after a stressful day at the office, you don't just get to blow off some steam with this one—you can practically blow up half the city. So, for nonstop action with incredible graphics, this is the game!