Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (a.k.a. GRAW 2) is the second in the series of Advanced Warfighter titles from Tom Clancy, this for the PS3 system. The battle yet again takes place in Mexico as Captain Scott Mitchell handles the task of battling insurgents and attempting to stop complete mayhem. Here is a breakdown of some of the facets of GRAW 2 for the PS3:
Presentation and Graphics: Like the previous titles, GRAW 2 continues with its trend of providing exceptional picture quality for all ranges and characters in the game. The HD 1080p 50″ TVs give an obvious edge over smaller ones, but you still won’t miss out on the action here. 4.8 of 5
Sound and Music: Nothing to complain about here. Hearing bullets fly by, teammates yelling commands in your ear piece, listening to vehicles drive by, hearing mortor shots come from a distance, etc… GRAW 2 doesn’t cut short on providing a Black Hawk Down type movie atmosphere with the sound. Hook up surround sound now. 5 of 5
Gameplay: The controls are easy to learn, missions are great in story mode, and the ability to now control a M.U.L.E. which carries reserve equipment to refuel give GRAW 2 an obvious boost over any other tactical shooter. When controlling your team you are able to point and click where you want them to go and even the option to stay in their view and move them further into a view you might not be able to see. As mentioned, the M.U.L.E. is a great addition and the updates on the UAV control are also a plus. Scanning areas for insurgents before entering an unknown territory gives you lifelike feel of an actual warzone. 4.8 of 5
Multiplayer: New in GRAW 2 for multiplayer is the ability to heal your teammates rather than just being killed. A must needed upgrade for those who are new at online play and get sick of dying right away. Having a good team certainly helps, but it is easily enjoyable to go in and try missions. One thing not added is the option to take cover as you would in story mode, but you are now able to slide while running unlike GRAW. 4.5 of 5
Lasting Appeal: I can’t say I will play this game for months to come, since Tom Clancy always has an update around the corner, but for those who wish to stick with one game for a while, this definitely provides you with the option. It doesn’t provide major innovations to gameplay, but it doesn’t have to, the game is amazing play for whatever level you want to start next. 4.0 of 5
Final Word: Simply put. Amazing. Maybe it is my bias to these type of shooters over sports based titles, but GRAW 2 leaves you with a ton of options to choose from in combating enemies. I don’t like that you aren’t able to customize weapons and change your story mode characters appearance, but I could be being selfish on that front. It upgrades over the previous version, but still keeps everything simple and easy to control.
Overall: 4.6 of 5
1 = Not worth the bandwidth.
2= Demo is enough, not worth your money.
3= Game is good, depending on the price, seriously consider picking it up.
4= Worth your money. Should provide some good times for quite awhile.
5= Buy the game. Lock your door. Pick up a case of beer. This could take all night.
