View All (6)

View All (7)

The sequel to Ubisoft's squad-based shooter is due this Spring.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter was a game that not only received critical acclaim last year, but was one of the best-selling Xbox 360 titles of 2006. Now, less than a year later, Ubisoft is attempting to take their winning formula and improve upon it even further. So far, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 introduces new gameplay and some visual  tweaks.

The story once again fills you in the boots of US Army Captain Scott Mitchell. A mere 24 hours after returning from the Battle of Mexico City, Mr. Scott is tossed back into combat once again to squash the remains of the thwarted Mexican rebellion. This time around, the action will take place at the US/Mexican border, as the rebels mass their forces in and around the city of Juarez in order to invade neighboring El Paso, Texas. You'll battle in a mix of wilderness areas, as well as in and around American suburbs instead of merely urban areas. Surprisingly, GRAW 2's production commenced before the original game was even shipped to stores. The guys at Ubisoft don't waste any time, do they?



As one might expect, the graphics in GRAW 2 are improved over the original. Ubisoft is boasting the game's incorporation of true next-gen physics and particle systems that will allegedly produce some of the most intense and convincing smoke, explosions and environmental destruction ever seen in a video game. GRAW 2 also offers a new and improved Cross Com. This new system dubbed Cross Com 2.0 not only allows you to see what your allies see in the top left display, but the click of a button puts you in fullscreen first-person perspective of whatever you're commanding. In addition, in certain situations Cross Com 2.0 gives you direct control of your support units.



Speaking of support units, GRAW 2 has a nifty new one called the MULE. This triple-purpose machine serves as both fire cover and a recon vehicle. You can not only slither around in it to draw out enemies, but you can use it as a point to snipe targets from. Furthermore, gone are the specified "weapon closets" of the first GRAW, the MULE will now serve as your new re-supply point. Careful though, unlike the indestructible tanks in the first game it looks like the MULE has a health bar.