From the Manufacturer
---------------------
Aapplaud Ubisoft for trying something new by making the Xbox and
PS2 versions of Ghost Recon 2 entirely different games. However,
like most titles in the Tom Clancy shooter library, they simply
don't feel that different. Basically, if the Xbox version Ghost
Recon 2 had a minor stroke and lost some of its motor skills, but
could still function, you'd get this game.
The typical Clancy squad-based shooter setup remains in place,
but everything suffers from a lack of polish. Each level is as
linear as could possibly be you pretty much follow a set path
to your objective in every level, with few (if any) alternate
routes. Your squad has been reduced in size to three AI
teammates, which is just as well, since they're about as useful
as a one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. They're so
vestigial that I didn't even notice they were gone when playing
the occasional lone wolf missions.
The linear missions and worthless squad AI were my biggest
issues with this game, but those are just two instances of Ghost
Recon 2's overall lack of polish. Character models are nice, but
the environments are fairly barren and drab. Online options are
scant, and the lack of co-op mode is completely weak. Hit
detection feels slightly off, and the story is paper-thin. It
lacks the original Ghost Recon's strategic focus, opting for a
more straight-up action feel. Yet, since it has the traditional
Tom Clancy squad-based control scheme, it plays too slowly and
feels too clunky to succeed as a run and shooter. Occupying a
gray area between traditional and shooters, Ghost Recon
2 attempts to bridge the gap between the two that results in a
title which fails on both fronts.
Concept:
Simplify the original Ghost Recon and add a y dose of
boring
Graphics:
Character models are good, but there's nothing here you haven't
seen before
Sound:
suggest cranking a John Williams score while playing this to add
some excitement and drama
Playability:
The controls are simpler and easier than the original, but all of
the missions are FUBAR
Entertainment:
War! Uhh! What is it good for? Absolutely
nothing!
Replay:
Moderately Low
Rated: 6.5 out of 10
Editor: Jeremy Zoss
Issue: February 2005
2nd Opinion:
Ghost Recon 2 on the PS2 is one of the better-looking games to
appear on the console. Unfortunately, all of the development
focus was apparently on the graphics, because the action itself
falls apart on several levels. Particularly stupid is the lack of
checkpoints fail a mission, and you'll have to start it over.
Add myriad control frustrations, bad collision, and some of the
cheating-est AI I've ever seen, and GR 2 simply doesn't deliver.
As for online, I'll tell you one thing: SOCOM it ain't.
Rated: 6 out of 10
Editor: Adam Biessener
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