Verdict: Better graphics and a fast-moving plot, but GRAW 2 is far from perfect.
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (GRAW) was released last year to critical acclaim, and Ubisoft hasn't wasted any time in pumping out a sequel to the popular story-driven, squad-based shooter.
GRAW 2 picks up the story 48 hours after the conclusion of the events in GRAW. Your team of elite US Special Forces troops have been inserted back into Central America to deal with the growing insurgency. At your disposal is a team of highly trained soldiers that specialises in the art of silent operations (the ghosts), an array of cutting-edge equipment (such as Unmanned Air Vehicles, or UAVs) and a massive arsenal of weaponry.
As you battle militants, you discover that they've appropriated some stolen nuclear warheads, with the intention of making a small part of America glow in the dark. The plot - as with everything Tom Clancy - is gripping in the extreme. We won't give too much away, but suffice to say that you end up going all across Central America and into the USA, culminating in a rather dramatic ending.
GRAW 2 was released on the Xbox 360 six months ago and had the usual compromises in terms of gameplay and interface that are usually required for console titles. Thankfully, developer Grin Software hasn't simply ported the Xbox 360 version directly to PC, but has made changes to ensure that the PC version takes advantage of the PC's slicker interface.
As the leader of your team, it's down to you to give the orders, which range from laying down covering fire to setting up an ambush. You can also issue orders to UAVs for surveillance purposes, call in armour, and direct air strikes and artillery barrages, although actually trying to do all of these things can often be frustrating.
Playing tactically is vital, since GRAW 2 is a 'realistic' shooter; it only takes one or two hits before you die, which means that this isn't a frag fest. There's certainly no shortage of targets, though, especially when you're inserted into a pitched battle in Mexico. However, you'll need the help of your teammates to survive.
The AI in GRAW 2 has also been improved. Your teammates now actively seek cover, call out targets and so forth, but we'd still hardly call them 'intelligent'. The same can be said for the enemy; pop a few shots in their direction and half the time they'll end up looking the wrong way.
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 looks good and has a compelling, if slightly predictable, story. The 'realistic' style of play should appeal to those who enjoy tactical shooters, but the game never really engages you and the unreliable AI can mean it's frustrating to play too.
