Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 PC

Multiplayer and Co-op

Multiplayer is obviously a big draw for a game like GRAW 2 and thankfully it’s an area which doesn’t disappoint too much.

There are some obvious flaws in the set-up, mainly because it forces players to go through the extra hassle of setting up a GameSpy account and using that to log in unless they want to play on a LAN only. In our opinion, LAN gaming is always where it’s at, but it just isn’t feasible all the time so a GameSpy account is essential to any multiplayer GRAW 2 fan.

The interface for joining a match is simple and standard enough, with some nice extras like the ability save your favourite server settings so you can set up some quick matches when you just need to scratch that Team-Killing itch.

There are a selection of game modes to try your tactical mind at, including the new Recon versus Assault mode which pits a team of Ghosts against a team of Rebels. You’d think the name would be Ghosts versus Rebels, but hey-ho.

Recon versus Assault is an excellent team exercise where Ghosts have to destroy a variety of objectives while being hunted by the Rebels. Rebels can only win by slaughtering the other team. The game isn’t exactly amazingly innovative in its execution or design, but it works well enough and the selection of levels is wide enough to keep returning players entertained for a fair while.


Other multiplayer modes include the standard deathmatch, team deathmatch and King of The Hill modes, as well as an Original Ghost Recon mode which simplifies gameplay and strips the ghosts of the Cross-Com 2.0 and their various supports but gives them unlimited respawns to finish the level with. It feels a little unusual and contrary to the series’ new focus and direction, but it also provides a change of pace and will probably appeal to the gamers who want something a little different.

Co-op mode is where all the real fun is at though and puts the server host in the body of team leader, with other players able to jump in and out of the other team members. Any spare places are filled with the usual support A.I. and the entire singleplayer game can be played in the co-op mode. It makes an excellent change from the occasionally faulty A.I. of the singleplayer game and running through the missions with a team of pals is enough to revitalise the singleplayer campaign for a second run.

Conclusions

So, GRAW 2 for the PC doesn’t exactly stand out in any particular way. The graphics certainly don’t look like anything next-gen and in fact look a little outdated. The enemy A.I is unresponsive and foolish, with a single shot to the toe able to kill a man instantly.


It is, in short, not looking too good for the supposedly realistic tactical shooter.

However, there are some great things that GRAW 2 has got going for it. The action is just as it should be, slow and steady with tension plastered on every time a squad member rounds a corner and the player constantly in fear of being killed by a single rifle round from a distant rooftop. The gameplay structure is built on the same model which made the first GRAW such an addictive experience and that’s something it cannot really be faulted for.

The truth is that GRAW 2 just doesn’t feel substantially different to the first game however and despite a few smaller tweaks the vast majority of interface and game design is the same, with a lot of the levels painted with the same sandy, Mexican pueblo palette.

It’s not so much a flaw in the game, as GRAW 2 is still fun to play and tactical shooter fans will find just what they need within it, but even those avowed fans of the genre and series may end up looking down on GRAW 2. It doesn’t really add to the features taken from the first GRAW and the player is left feeling cheated, wondering what happened to the revolutionary sequel they were promised and where they got the new GRAW map pack from.