Just in case the enemy doesn't make the game easy enough for you, the
GameCube version of Ghost Recon features an on-screen radar. In
addition, the music changes when enemies are near and you can see the exact
position of enemy soldiers on the command map. Part of the excitement of
Ghost Recon on other platforms comes from the fact that the level maps are
quite large and the enemy can be lurking anywhere. You'd have to be very
cautious as sometimes the first sign of the enemy would be a shot fired, and
you'd be lucky if that shot didn't drop you dead. Now you can run
through the levels while keeping an eye on your radar and quickly dispatch any
enemies that you encounter. You'll know when they are coming, where they
are located, and it is very hard not to hit them. Ghost Recon on the
GameCube will change your targeting reticule to red when over an enemy, so
even if they are hidden by brush you'll know exactly where they are hiding.
It is also very forgiving of your aim when the reticule is red, and even shots
that seem to be lined-up slightly off target will drop an enemy. Also,
all weapons can be fired in a zoom mode, so every soldier effectively gets the
benefit of a sniper scope without needing a sniper rifle.
 |
| The AI likes to make things easy for you. |
All of this assistance and hand-holding is provided on the game's easy and
normal difficulty levels. Playing at the highest level removes the radar
and red reticule, but the weapon zoom remains, the music still changes when
enemies are nearby, and their positions will still be marked on your map.
The enemy AI does not improve all that much at the highest difficulty level,
they just become a little smarter about going prone and their fire becomes a lot
more accurate. Even at this level it is possible to complete a mission using a
single man without ever needing to give orders to the rest of your squad.
So much for squad-based combat.
In addition to the game's campaign and quick missions there are also
two-player modes that allow you to cooperate to complete campaign missions or
to square-off in deathmatch play. Multiplayer mode can compensate for
the poor AI opposition, but the PC and Xbox versions really give you a lot of
action through their online play support which is an aspect of the game
completing missing here.
Graphically, Ghost Recon just doesn't look all that great on the GameCube.
The animations are stiff and while the levels are expansive, they are covered
with very basic and bland textures. Trees, shrubs, and other outdoor
features look chunky, and indoor environments are lackluster and featureless.
Don't run out and buy Ghost Recon based on what you've heard about the game on
other systems. You should give it a rental first to see if it appeals to
you. It's not a horrible game, but its transformation during its port to
the GameCube has left it as a game that won't be very appealing to those looking
for an arcade shooter or those looking for a tactical military sim.
In The End, This Game Hath Been Rated:
62%. Ghost Recon is a great game ...
just not on the GameCube.
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