Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Review

Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 finally arrives on the PlayStation 3, complete with all of the content from its Xbox 360 counterpart. The single player adventure ends too quickly, but the multiplayer options more than make up for it, thrusting you in insane firefights where tactical maneuvers mean the difference between victory and re-spawning.

GRAW 2 takes place in Mexico, circa 2014. After a civil war breaks out, the United States gets involved, with U.S. Army Captain Scott Mitchell, once again leading the charge. This mode continues to be a driving factor in the game, as the events tie in together and keep things incredibly intense. Sadly, like with the 360 version, it comes to an end within a matter of hours. Still, the rule of "it's not the destination, it's the journey" definitely applies, with players being able to defeat enemies both on foot and with the help of assisting vehicles.

Players that run and gun will get shot down quicker than a gold chain-wearing gigolo at a contemporary singles' bar. Fortunately, the controls still feel very accessible, particularly with "hugging" walls to avoid incoming gunfire and hustling to reach the next safety point. Furthermore, Mitchell has the benefit of his fellow soldiers and issues them simple commands. Gamers can also see through their mounted cameras, which alert them to approaching enemies.

Other tools come in handy throughout each mission, including the "mule", a mobile unit that dispenses weaponry, health and much-needed cover, and an overhead drone that is much more user-friendly this time around, scouting out the dangerous territory that lies ahead.

Graphically, the game looks just as good as the Xbox 360 version. Sometimes things just get a little too hectic, resulting in the action slowing down. Overall, though, it runs cleanly, with its wide-open maps, realistic visual effects and top-notch animation. Watching a rogue gunman slump over dead after taking him out still produces a great deal of satisfaction. Audio consists of booming sound effects, constant soldier chatter and the occasional pep talk with General Keating, a military advisor who wants to keep America safe at all costs. It can be a little overdramatic but, considering the tone of the game, it fits.