Ghost Recon
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GRAW 2 Throwback Pack is teh free!
Even though we haven't seen any official announcement or fancy press release hit our inbox, we're proud to announce that the GRAW 2 Throwback Pack is now available for free off the XBLM. The Throwback Pack was released back in May for 800 Microsoft points and includes seven multiplayer maps that are remakes from previous Ghost Recon games and expansions. So, we advise finding your GRAW 2 disc, downloading the newly free maps and getting back into some online multiplayer. We're sure dedicated GRAW 2 players will welcome your presence in the Throwback maps. [Thanks, ccc]
Ubisoft's GRAW team denies PS3 programming difficulty
It's long been said that programming for the PS3, or any new console, is a daunting task. Some have said the PS3 is particularly difficult. Are they right? The dev team behind Ubisoft's GRAW2 says that no, it's not that tough after all. One member of that team, Yann Le Tensorer said "It's wrong to say it's harder to code on the PlayStation 3, it's just something that needs to be learnt ... It's not harder to develop on the PS3 than it is on the 360, it's just a different console. Developers might says it's harder because it just takes time to understand the technology, we're still early in the lifecycle." Sounds like a fair estimate to us. The GRAW2 team are happy with the PlayStation 3. With all the hubbub on the internet regarding the "sluggish" version of Madden on the PS3, or the rumors that Rockstar had to delay GTAIV because it was either difficult to port to the 360 or it was difficult to program for the PS3, we really need to find out what the true answer is. Are developers growing lazy, unwilling to learn how to properly code? Is it really difficult, but Ubisoft got lucky? Either way, with this kind of talk, we wholly expect the PS3 version of GRAW2 to match the 360 version in every way.
GRAW developer: PS3 not harder to code for than 360
Despite the steady hiss of internet pundits that suggests otherwise, Ubisoft's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter development team doesn't believe that it's harder to code games for the PlayStation 3 compared to the Xbox 360. Yann Le Tensorer, who co-created the graphics engine powering GRAW and the upcoming Beowulf, re-ckons that any uphill development battles are to blame on the learning curve associated with newer hardware. "It's wrong to say it's harder to code on the PlayStation 3, it's just something that needs to be learnt," he told GamesIndustry.Biz. He goes on to stun the less observant by pointing out that "it's just a different console." Le Tensorer isn't the first to comment on the hardware's perceived difficulty. In June, Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi engaged in less subtle commentary by simply telling complaining PS3 developers to "get out of the ring." The GRAW developer goes on to state, "Developers might says [sic] it's harder because it just takes time to understand the technology, we're still early in the lifecycle." In other words, it is tougher to program for the system, but only while you're still learning the technological ropes. It seems a fair explanation for the publisher's poorly received Splinter Cell: Double Agent port and EA's lack of frames in Madden NFL 08 -- at least from a developer's point of view. Consumers may feel otherwise as they await the PS3 arrival of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2.
Ghost Recon creative director moves to Bungie
Christian Allen, former creative director at Red Storm, which creates the Ghost Recon games, has taken a new job at Bungie as "design lead." Allen doesn't say what game he'll be working on, but having been a Marine and working on one of the top military-themed franchises in existence, we're going to guess it involves guns -- which he seems well-versed in. So, super speculation time. Now that Bungie has Halo 3 almost in the bag and they've brought this guy on board, what could they be working on? A Halo-themed squad game? A Halo-themed squad game? Or, a Halo-themed squad game? What, you don't think it'll be a squad game? Ohhh, you don't think it'll be Halo-themed. OK, in other news, Nintendo isn't making Mario games anymore either.
GRAW 2 demo coming to the EU PSN this week
According to the French site Play3-Live, a Community Manager (aka Blog/Forum liason) at SCEE gave them a sneak peak at some of the upcoming updates to the EU PlayStation Store. Headlining the list is a demo for the heavily delayed PlayStation 3 version of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 as well as a couple of PSX titles. Here's the full list: August 2nd: Demo: GRAW 2 Video: Lair Video: Ratchet and Clank: FToD Video: Juiced 2: Hot Nights August 9th: PSX: Ridge Racer 1 PSX: Tekken 2 [Via N4G] *Updated* Changed title to point out the demo is coming out this week -- not next.
GamerTV reveals foggy footage of GRAW 2
The N64 was home to a ton of brilliant classics, but it was notorious for one crucial flaw ... fog, and lots of it. Having just watched footage of the PSP version of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, we'll admit we haven't seen fog this bad since the days of Superman 64. Of course, we jest (somewhat). Let's hope the graphics are indicative of the way this game plays. [Via PlayStation]
Ubisoft's Ghost Recon team developing Beowulf game
Let's face it, the only way an epic English poem is going to make the jump to video game form is if there's a movie adaptation in-between. Beowulf is quite the lucky (or unlucky, depending on your level of cynicism) piece of literature then, as Ubisoft has announced the development of a game based on the upcoming Robert Zemeckis film of the same name. MCV notes that the Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter team is behind the poetic adaptation of the poetic adaptation, with the voice talents of Beowulf stars Angelina Jolie and Anthony Hopkins expected to feature.Speaking at the ongoing Ubidays conference in Paris, Ubisoft Europe chief, Alain Tascan, promised that Beowulf would "reinvent the hack and slash genre." Perhaps the publisher plans switch things up, defy convention and craft a slash and then hack game instead? Let's aim for another King Kong and not another TMNT, shall we?
PS3's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 delayed again
Following an announced delay back in January, it looks like the PS3 version of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 is being moved again from June to a (tentative) August release. The Xbox 360 version of GRAW 2 released in March. No explanation is given for the delay.It's no secret now that Ubisoft has not been happy with the PS3's sales. The delay doesn't mean they are adding extra content -- although given the extra time sitting around it'd be nice. All PS3 owners can do now is hope this game does eventually come out and, with any luck, won't just be canceled like the PS3 version of THQ's Saints Row.[Via PS3Fanboy]
GRAW2 on PS3 delayed until August 31st
Despite their best efforts, Ubisoft announced that Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 wouldn't be making its way to PS3 audiences this June. The new projected release date is August 31st. Initially, Ubisoft (who prefers the Xbox 360) intended the PS3 release to coincide with its Xbox 360 cousin this past March. When that didn't happen, the June release date was given, and now, we're being told a late August release. Judging from the last two delays, we won't hold our breath for this release date either Lets hope the additional time spent in the developer incubator produces some stellar goodies upon its release.
GRAW 2 gets some extra features on the PS3
Tom Clancy's GRAW2 is about to hit the PlayStation 3 and we've all been wondering a few things: any noticeable differences between this and the 360 version? Additional content? Will multiplayer function execute adequately, or fall short in matchmaking skills compared to Live? While we don't have all the answers to these questions, we can at least address some of them -- what's new for the PS3 version and what's been added. Let's list it up! SixAxis features: Controller features used for Mitchell and Cross-com control SP: Drive the supports (drone, M.U.L.E.) with the SixAxis SP/MP: Change Mitchell stances with the SixAxis SP: change the Rules of Engagement with the SixAxis Consistency increased between SP & MP: Scope, Movement, Aiming PS3 specific adaptation of controls: Menus, Shoot button 14 additional maps resulting in a total of 32 multiplayer maps 32 new adversarial multiplayer maps of up to 16 players, an expanded arsenal of multinational weapons, character customization options, new optimizing re-spawn system, new female operatives and hundreds of new game mode options are available. 2 new coop modes, "Evasion" and "Exfiltration", to vary the game experience in multiplayer. 6 missions co-op campaign with a fully immersive experience and storyline. Featuring open-ended play that rewards teamwork as you play with up to sixteen players. So it seems there have been quite a few delicious changes to the basic frame of the title between then and its release on the PS3. Still a mystery, however, is if all will pan out and operate smoothly. Ports aren't kind to the PS3, but if they've put so much effort into adding stuff to the game, they should put the effort to make it work well, too.
GRAW 2 Throwback Pack up for download
Today, you'll get to try out the new and improved Marketplace by downloading a new map pack for GRAW 2 called the Throwback Pack. This map pack costs 800 Microsoft points and includes seven remakes of multiplayer maps from not only GRAW, but Ghost Recon 2 and Ghost Recon 2: Summit Strike. Maps included are Bonfires, Desert Gulch, Fishing Village, Jungle Mines, Mountain Base, Mountain Falls, and Peninsula. And if you need a little more information about the new maps before you commit to a purchase, head over to IGN as they have a nice preview of each map. If you've already downloaded the new maps, what do you think about the value you get for your 800 Microsoft points? [Thanks, Raymond Dubisky]
GRAW 2 gets 'Throwback Pack' for $10
We imagine it's not uncommon for soldiers to long for the battlefields of their youth, the place where they grew up and became part of a tightly-knit fighting force. Despite the adage, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 players feeling those pangs can actually go home again, thanks to the 800-point ($10) "Throwback Pack" which whisks them from their modern battleground of Mexico on a nostalgic trip to Kazakhstan, the Korean Peninsula and ... well, other parts of Mexico. There are seven "remastered" Ghost Recon maps in the pack, which is available now. That's all the information we get from the blade description but IGN says that they're drawn from Ghost Recon 2, GR 2: Summit Strike and GRAW 1. So, how about it GRAW fans? Is a trip down Memory Lane and a fresh hit of tactical action worth a ten spot?
Ubisoft fourth quarter sales pushed up by warfighters, turtles
Leading to the obvious conclusion: Ubisoft needs to somehow combine the gritty realism of the Tom Clancy franchise with the anthropomorphic antics of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Politically charged yet irresistibly adorable properties like Tom Clancy's Splinter Shell and Tom Clancy's The War on Terrapins are sure to tap into hitherto untapped fountains of marketability and financial prosperity. Not that Ubisoft is currently in dire need of money, mind you. Gamasutra's detailing of L'Ubi's most recent financial report suggests that the publisher is already exceeding analyst expectations by exchanging one type of green for another.The company's fourth quarter sales saw an increase of 37% to $267.5 million, largely instigated by the one million unit success of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 on Xbox 360, as well as the TMNT film-based game which dragged in 1.1 million units in its eight platform-wide net. Sales for the full 2006/2007 fiscal year stand at $923.4 million following a jump of 24.4%, with earlier titles such as Red Steel, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas and Petz being key contributors.Ubisoft expects profitability to increase further in the coming year by supporting new-gen consoles and expanding their presence in "the casual market on the Wii and Nintendo DS systems." Oh! We've yet to add casual games into our bubbling cauldron of cross-franchise success! So, that'll be Tom Clancy's Krang Age, then?
GRAW2 vs. the real world: GRAW2 wins
There's a very interesting article at Popular Mechanics exploring the differences between the technology of GRAW 2 and its real world counterparts. Of course, we already know that GRAW 2 is the most realistic game ever produced, but how realistic is it really? Popular Mechanics compares the Cross-Com of GRAW 2 with the American Army's Land Warrior system. So, how does GRAW 2's system compare? First of all, both systems allow for the tracking of friendly units. In Ghost Recon, these are indicated by blue diamonds that move in real time. The Land Warrior system has a similar system that uses blue circles on a GPS map. The only difference here is that the tracking is far from real time. In fact, it takes a full minute to register new movement. The article notes that the GPS system is useful for large, conventional battles, but that it proves far less useful for the smaller, faster battles of modern day warfare.
GRAW 2 border security: MEGA 64 style
We love us some MEGA64. That really goes without saying (which kind of nullifies the first sentence ... never mind). The latest video from the group is actually an advertisement for GRAW 2 but, as usual, it's pretty damned funny. Given the reaction from the Mexican government concerning GRAW 2, the video is also surprisingly relevant (in addition to the obvious hilarity). We won't spoil the video, so let's just say that it's worth watching. Click play, give it a watch, and tell us what you think. [Via Joystiq]
Mega64 parodies GRAW 2, border security
Even if you're not crazy about living Tetris blocks or Mario and Luigi meeting their maker, we think your chuckle bone could be tickled by the latest video from the gentlemen of Mega64 called "Local Leaders." Yes, it's technically an ad for Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, but it's also technically really entertaining. A bit of forewarning: The video does feature some explicit language. However, it has been replaced by high-pitched beeps, so it should be work-safe. Unless, of course, your boss is a bat and doesn't appreciate his employees toying with his echolocation, then you might want to wait until you get home. Also, find a new job.
Ubisoft viral site hints at new Tom Clancy game
Nowadays, "viral" is more or less the term used to describe any website that is overly cryptic, edgy or, thanks to an abundance of Flash, somewhat annoying. Enter the recently erected, cryptic, edgy and somewhat annoying Ubisoft website, jsf28555833-80604722.com. Upon visiting the page, you'll be faced with all manner of military gibberish, false newscaster mutterings and a man who appears to be in a permanent state of discomfort. The Tom Clancy logo at the bottom provides the biggest clue, seeming to suggest that marketing for a new terrorist foiling sim is already in stealth swing. Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six are fair targets, but a glance at the infamous (and quite reliable) leaked list of Ubisoft games shows one of the few remaining titles to be Tom Clancy's Firehawk for PS3 and Xbox 360. Further intrepid internet investigation (read: Google search) highlights the website's initial letters "jsf" -- Joint Strike Fighter. Is Tom Clancy taking to the skies?[Via Eurogamer]
Original GRAW goodness for only $20
This week Circuit City is hastily clearancing out a few popular video game titles, selling the original Xbox 360 version of GRAW for $19.99. Yes sir, $20 will get you one of the prettiest looking advanced war fighting games this side of the moon. Even if you're not a huge fan of war-style games, GRAW at $20 is a great "try me" price for anyone sitting on the fence. And if you are sitting on the fence ... why? Fence sitting results in 280 deaths a year, just get down and go buy GRAW already.
Mexico is all up in arms over GRAW2
We're going write about this because it's really quite humorous. In a post we slapped up a few days ago, we mentioned how activists are trying to enlist the help of U2 frontman Bono to pull Mercenaries 2 from shelves. Someone in the comments sections said something like this: "RatBoy: Ohhh, ohhh, I got an Idea... Why don't we boycott GRAW 2 because it's set in Mexico. I know that after playing it I develop an intense urge to write my congressperson and ask them to break sanction millitary action in Mexico City." Well, you've got a gift, my friend. The governer of Mexican state Chihuahua (we wonder if it's very small and frail, shakes a lot?) has ordered the seizure of all copies of GRAW2. The mayor calls the game "a crime against the intellectual capacity of Juarez residents" and offered a similar condemnation of video games as a whole: "Violent video games instill values which are upside down, and these actions are despicable because they attempt to divide the good will of the residents of American and Mexican cities." Hmm, well RatBoy, do you think England is going to boycott the alternate timeline in Resistance next? You seem to be on top of these things!
GRAW 2 to be seized by Mexican state gov't
Chihuahua Governor Jose Reyes Baeza Terraces has ordered the seizure of all copies of Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 that are in regional distribution, according to a report in Juárez newspaper El Diario. The governor's order follows Juárez Mayor Héctor Murguía Lardizábal's harsh criticism of the game, which proposes a not-so-distant future in which the citizens of the Chihuahua border city have apparently fled, replaced by sparsely populated pockets of resistance, known as insurgents (not to be confused with terr'ists). "Violent video games ... attempt to divide the good will of the residents of American and Mexican cities," declared the mayor in a carelessly worded blanket statement. So who's behind this divisive propaganda...? France?! But how do the French stand to benefit from the eruption of the fragile border issue across the Atlantic? Why, Ubisoft Paris? Why rub open centuries-old wounds? Don't you know that the only suitable wargame villains are Nazis and Cold War commies? Best watch yourself lest Chihuahua sic Bono on your ass. Source: El Dario [Google translation]
