Preview: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 (360)

Ghost Recon was the showcase for the initial generation of Xbox 360 software. It was the first game that truly looked next gen, but despite its graphical flair, faults were evident. For instance the AI at times could be laughable and the multiplayer offering was initially riddled with glitches and other problems. Gamestyle still lapped it up though (awarding it an 8), maybe something to do with this being the only tactical shooter on the Xbox 360 at the time. Its sequel though will have to topple the brilliant Rainbow Six: Vegas. It’s going to be a tough battle, but after playing the demo GRAW 2 stands a very good chance.

A superb graphical feast; GRAW 2 outshines its predecessor easily; with dust blowing, explosions galore, more detailed characters and a full screen Cross-Com rather than just having the small window. One particular part of the demo has you dodging mortar fire while trying to infiltrate an enemy stronghold - making you praise the developer for making your character more of a sprinter. Unfortunately there is one nagging fault, which is the cover system. Inferior to both Rainbow Six Vegas and Gears of War, pushing towards a wall will sometimes let you hide behind it, but you can find yourself doing it by mistake or not doing it at all. Really the developers should’ve taken the same system from RS: Vegas; after all they’re from the same developer so it can hardly be classed as stealing.

It was a shame that we could only taste the single player campaign because the multiplayer is shaping up to be something special. The first GRAW multi-player was full of great moments though visually it didn’t stand up to the single-player experience. GRAW 2 changes that (much like RS: Vegas) by using the same engine from the single-player game to provide a more immersive experience. Maps also look to be a step above what came before and now we’ll be treated to a much longer co-op experience.

Ubisoft are certainly building up the expectation for the title. The following was said in a press release announcing the sequel, “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter set the standard for what we know as the next-generation gaming experience,” said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. “With Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, Ubisoft is taking all the successful elements in the original to an unparalleled level of quality – the sophisticated technology, weaponry, graphics, story and online gameplay will heighten the intensity and bring gamers an even more amazing experience."

Some may not have like the abrupt ending of the demo, just as it's getting interesting. With all hell breaking loose (helicopters and all) before the screen fades to black and a "To Be Continued" message appears. However, it left Gamestyle wanting more and isn’t that what demos are designed to do? Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 is now firmly placed near the top of our most wanted list. Roll on March.

Words by Adam Gulliver