Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 [PS3]

The latest in the Ghost Recon series makes its way onto the PS3 with new maps and co-op modes and some motion control options as well.

The single-player Campaign involves a threat to the U.S. via the Mexican border, and players are dropped off at locations with varied Mexican terrain throughout the game, as well as El Paso, Texas. The storyline itself is quite over the top, involving some renegade nuclear warheads, and the voice acting of your C.O. between missions is a definite contributor. It's all good though, with occasional bursts of brilliance, as things get really crazy in some levels. The game is short though, and while it's a good time, you'll likely groan a little at the ending.

Graphically, nothing really grabs your attention right away, except perhaps the explosions, but in general you just gradually realize how realistic it looks in general. Unfortunately, I got stuck in a level for the first time in ages (trapped between a wall and a car door that had fallen off); Even my NPC squad-mates had a few issues, with one hiding in a hangar until I coaxed him out, and two others getting trapped between a couple of cars... if only they'd turned around. The AI is generally good though, with adversaries putting up a decent fight and friendlies doing what you want for the most part. Controlling your squad is, of course, a major component of the game, and you can look though their eyes, giving you more control than ever. You also have support teams during some missions, and can survey the area with an airborne camera system, command extra infantry or tanks, and call in air strikes.

There's also a good selection of multi-player options here, which in some ways seemed to be the developer's focus. Split-screen, LAN, and Online modes are all supported, and players can take on each other or complete missions in a variety of ways. There's a good selection of maps available that aren't in the single-player mode, and the missions here are different as well, making up somewhat for the rather short solo game. The match-making has more options than expected as well.

Mainly solo players might want to rent this one first, since the main campaign should have been longer and I did have those clipping issues that meant restarting a couple of levels. It's a fun game though, and the strong multiplayer mode earns the game a couple of extra points, so keep that in mind if you're a lone wolf.

8/10