It's go time for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, and we're here with the details.
The original Tom Clancy'sGhost Recon Advanced Warfighter led the charge of second-wave games for Xbox 360™. Where the launch titles introduced next-gen gaming, GRAW cemented what Xbox 360 was capable of with incredibly realistic graphics, top-tier production values, and the kind of intensely realistic gameplay you would expect from a Tom Clancy title.
Top-notch atmospheric effects are everywhere.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 has snatched the baton from its predecessor and is sprinting towards the finish line, improving on virtually every conceivable area of the game. For example:
Graphics: If you thought the sun-soaked vistas of Mexico City were impressive in GRAW, wait till you see the rain-drenched helicopter mission in GRAW 2. From textures to lighting, smoke effects and animation, GRAW 2 pushes the visual envelope farther than ever before.
Controllable Support: Ordering an attack helicopter in GRAW to lay down covering fire and shred through troop transports was a classic gaming moment in gaming, but calling down jets to obliterate tanks in GRAW 2 serves to demonstrate Ubisoft's desire to create a more comprehensive, cinematic, war-time experience.
Clan Support: Gone now are the days of only playing Player Matches with your friends. With the addition of clans, GRAW 2 allows you to engage in fully competitive, ranked matches with your buddies, complete with clan-specific leaderboards and stat-tracking.
Advanced Warfighter Evolved Some sequels introduce a key feature here and there, but largely leave the game unchanged. With GRAW 2, nearly every element has had a face lift, including:
Perspective: Before, when commanding your troops or a support vehicle, you could view their vantage point through your cross-com window. While that still works, you can now hold down the right bumper for a detailed, full screen view.
First Aid: Realism is a hallmark of the Ghost Recon franchise, but the unlimited healing you could offer teammates in GRAW skirted the edge of that realism. Now, you must depend on a limited number of med-kits to get you through each mission, although you can access more med-kits with a medic on your squad.
Support Vehicles: In addition to the fighter jet, you can also access the Mule. This self-piloting supply transport will go wherever you tell it to, and more importantly, offer fresh ammo when you need it.
Intel: Another element that reemphasizes the tactical side of the game, gathering intel on enemies is taken a step further: Instead of instantly recognizing enemy classes, you must now hold an enemy in your sights for a few seconds before you are able to classify them.
Detail down to the stitching on the uniform is evident.
Feature Add-ons Also new to the Advanced Warfighter party are a few handy features that provide a more immersive experience, as well as more lasting appeal. You can access the Ghost's Headquarters from the menu, and there you can check your achievements, narcon transmissions, tips and hints, and statistical breakdowns.
Once you've played through a mission, you will be able to replay it again through the Quick Mission menu. Several offline achievements are tied directly to your exploits in Quick Missions, such as completing a mission without being injured. GRAW 2 also tracks every single statistic of your game, from shots fired to accuracy, headshots, and deaths.
An enemy force to be reckoned with.
All these exciting features don't even touch on the online game, where most GRAW veterans would say the series truly shines. With clan support, cooperative missions, and both solo and team-based multiplayer modes, maps with real-time shadow effects, and fully customizable character load-outs, GRAW 2 is set to blow the doors off Xbox Live®.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 is every bit the impressive sequel the most ardent fans have been hoping for. Every feature and mechanic has been lavishly polished, and in many cases, substantially upgraded. GRAW 2 is here, and it was worth every second of the wait.
