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Alpha, bravo, charlie ... GRAW 2 confirmed
It's official. Today Ubisoft confirmed that Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (GRAW 2) is currently being developed and will hit all major consoles Spring of 2007. The game itself looks very pretty, but doesn't look much better than its already beautiful older brother. We know of a few people who are excited about this gem of a game, so we'll see if it lives up to the anticipation. Screenshots and video after the jump. [Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
GRAW 2 details hit web weeks after print
Media sites are buzzing today with news of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2. The sequel was haphazardly announced in late October, but today marks the first revelation of explicit details; at least, to the eyes of an internet-only peruser. Anyone who's passed by a newsstand in the last week or so may have noticed the current Game Informer cover featuring a well-tuned soldier of the future, instantly recognizable as the 'GRAW guy' (to the well-informed). Leafing through the issue's pages, one discovers a lengthy feature article dedicated to Ubisoft's springtime sequel. So today, in a reversal of fortunes, the internet is sweeping up the old news, proving that big scoops can always be negotiated for. So what's the price?
Gamestop lists Ghost Recon for PSP
Retailers have been great at revealing upcoming announced games. Remember how we spotted Oblivion for PSP at Gamestop? Sure, there were tons of denials, but truth was: it was real. (Pictures here.) Gamestop has revealed yet another interesting listing: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 for PSP. The first GRAW was a critical success. Hopefully, the sequel will be able to capture even a small part of the original's excellent gameplay. We have the PS2 version of the first GRAW pictured up here, and we're confident that Ubisoft can get the PSP version looking close to the visual fidelity of this game. I mean, look at the awesome work they're doing on Rainbow Six: Vegas. [Via Gamespot]
GRAW 2 on its way -- Assassin's Creed waits until late 2007
All right, I'll be honest -- I did play GRAW online multiplayer on the 360. I'll be honest again: I don't like FPS and I don't much care for online multiplayer. With that in mind, understand that I didn't like GRAW at all. Just a personal preference; I know many, many people like it a lot. So, when we read that Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 was taking the release slot of Assassin's Creed (4th quarter of fiscal year... probably around February) as well as Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway. Basically, this means we can expect those two titles any time after March of '07 up to March of '08... whenever Ubisoft decides they need to "strengthen fiscal year 2007-2008"... basically whenever they need some money, then they'll release these games. That's kind of annoying, but it's business. Anyone bent out of shape? Ubisoft just replaced two high-profile titles with the sequel to a (subjective alert) mediocre FPS! It bends us out of shape. We want some stealthy killing with things other than high-powered rifles and lobbed grenades. Just for the record... Tom Clancy, stop. Personally, I'm sick of seeing your name tacked on to any modern/post-modern war game. Your plots are easy to generate, too (go down to #4).
GRAW / XBLA Bundle on the way?
Club Skill reports that Microsoft will release a new 360 Premium bundle on September 30 that incudes a copy of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfigher and Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged for $399.99. XBLA Unplugged includes 6 titles: - Geometry Wars Evolved - Bejeweled 2 Deluxe - Wik: Fable of Souls - Hardwood Backgammon - Outpost Kaloki X - Texas Hold'em That's a great deal. But Club Skill doesn't reveal their source or offer any proof. File this under "wishful thinking" until we get official confirmation. Nice idea though. While we're talking fantasy bundles, why not throw in Oblivion and a 12 month subscription to XBL? [via 360stuff]
Sunday at X360F: GRAW aftermath
The results of last Sunday's GRAW poll are in. A full 26% percent of those polled have already downloaded the new GRAW content. While a majority of those players seem to be happy with the purchase, just over a quarter feel that the content wasn't worth the money. Comparing those who've already purchased it with those who'd only get it for free, it's pretty close with 575 votes and 509 votes respectively. Looking at the overall results, it seems that the sweetspot for content downloads is somewhere between free and $5 US. Still, a quarter of GRAW players are willing to shell out 15 bucks, and another third are willing to pay 5 or 10. That means 60% of those polled are willing to pay something. That's a pretty clear message for would be content providers. Remember folks, you vote with your dollars...er...points. Judging by these results, Ubisoft didn't quite hit the nail on the head, but they made out pretty well. What do you think?
Sunday at X360F Poll: Who's got GRAW content? [update 1]
Some of you may have noticed the rather vocal response to the news that new Ghost Recon content costs 1200 points. Most responses went to the tune of "Kiss my ass." Some have bitched and moaned, others gladly opened their wallets, and one person actually burst into flames. So, now that the content has hit, bringing with it the first signs of the apocalypse, the question is: did you get it? We'll take a look at these numbers next week. Who's got GRAW content? I got it. It's GRAWsome. I got it, but it's not worth 1200 points. 15 bucks? No way. I'd buy it for 800. I'd buy it for 400. I'd only get it if it was free. Basic poll stuff: don't vote if you don't have XBL and a copy of GRAW. And yes, you could spam the poll and throw off the results, but then you'd be a stupid jerk. You're not a stupid jerk, are you? Update 1: this poll is now closed. Check out the results here.
GRAW backlash: "1200 MS Points? Kiss my ass"
That low, droning whine you hear is the predictable response to the price of the Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter's Chapter 2 Expansion pack, now available for download on Marketplace. Here's what you get for 1200 MS Points: Continuation of the multiplayer Co-op campaign with 4 all-new missions in Chapter 2 8 revisited, relit multiplayer Adversarial maps 2 all-new game types with 1 new game mode – Team Battle 2 new camouflage patterns 4 new character customization faces 5 new weapons Holy crap! 1200 MS Points! That's 171.75 Pesos, 576.453 Thai Baht or $15 American Dollars, the most expensive downloadable content we've seen so far. I think your level of acceptance/disgust with Ubisoft's Ghost gouging depends on whether you convince yourself this content is a true expansion pack ( the kind you used to pay $20 or $30 on an old-fashioned disc) or glorified horse armour. Team Xbox's hands-on will help you make up your mind. Of course, some people over at Major Nelson's complaint repository already have. Sample quote: "1200 MS Points? Kiss my ass." How many people will be shelling out for this relatively expensive expansion? Also, can somebody tell me what the PC people are getting for free? [Thanks Andy]
GRAW downloadable content up for 1200 MS bux
The much-anticipated downloadable content for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter is finally here. Dubbed Chapter 2, this 724Mb download promises new weapons, new game types, and new missions, all for the low, low price of 1200 Microsoft points ... ... wait, 1200 Microsoft points? That's $15 in the US! That means a fully-loaded Xbox 360 version of GRAW is going to run you $75. Granted, that $75 nets you one of the best looking next-gen games along with an absolute crapload of downloadable content. Check out Team Xbox's hands-on to see what your $15 nets you or read this concise list and start making assumptions over whether or not it's worth it: Continuation of the multiplayer Co-op campaign with 4 all-new missions in Chapter 2 8 revisited, relit multiplayer Adversarial maps 2 all-new game types with 1 new game mode – Team Battle 2 new camouflage patterns 4 new character customization faces 5 new weapons [Thanks, Scott and X Budd]
Sneak Peek at GRAW DLC [update 1]
Xboxyde has scored a handful of screenshots from the upcoming GRAW XBL content. The screens feature some of the new co-op campaign maps as well as some new equipment. The content will be released later this month and features "12 additional maps designed for Live multiplayer play, four new missions that extend the co-op campaign through Nicaragua, new game types (Team Blind Siege and Team Battle), more camouflage customisation options and five new weapons." Xboxyde also mentions that they are accepting questions for an upcoming interview with the GRAW team. If you have any burning questions for the team, you may submit them in the Xboxyde forum. If anything else is burning, I'd suggest you see a doctor. If -- on the other hand -- you'd like to see more screens, click the read link below. [update: removed (sic) from 'customisation' on account of it being the Queen's English.]
GRAWsome! Ghost Recon: AW demo in the wild
Sure, the Battlefield 2 demo was nice, but this is the big one, the one we are were all waiting for! The demo for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warrior has finally been released! It was a long time coming, we were teased by reviews, sold out signs, and demo false alarms, but it's all over now. If you haven't picked this up already (all three of you) then get downloading and let us know how it stacks up to the effusive praise. Read all of our GR:AW coverage here.
Metareview - G.R.A.W. (Xbox)
We thought we'd drop in on Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter for the Xbox and see how the 360 version's bastard little brother is being received by critics. Turns out, it ain't pretty. Somewhere along the line, the port from next-gen to current-gen lost the "Advanced" concept, making GRAW the first real reason to upgrade. Team Xbox (69/100) - "The "advanced warfighter" concept is a good one, but it is one that is truly fit for the next generation of consoles." Cheat Code Central (62/100) - "It's almost as though this game was made poorly on purpose so that the superiority of 360 would be felt like a kick to the head with a spiked boot." GameSpot (59/100) - "Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter for the Xbox continues the disturbing trend of releasing games on different platforms that have the same name but offer vastly different gaming experiences." [Compare to: GRAW (Xbox 360)]
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter - the fastest selling UK Xbox 360 title
The worldwide release of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter last Friday has done wonders for the game in the UK market. Entering the chart at number 2 (second only to a multiplatform FIFA release: FIFA Street 2), the Xbox 360 exclusive title is now officially the fastest selling Xbox 360 title in the UK. This is a testament to the value of simultaneous worldwide releases if they're done right (ie: no shortages thank you very much). Other interesting tidbits from this week's UK games chart: The Xbox 360 version of Fight Night: Round 3 outsold the PS2 version by a factor of 2:1 -- evidence that high def sweat, blood and tears really does sell games. Seven out of the top ten games were EA published titles. Alongside GRAW, there were two new entries: Lemmings on the PSP (No.12) and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Max (No.22) Will Ghost Recon be able to take the number one spot next week with the release of the original Xbox version, or will the release of 24: The Game, Burnout Revenge for the Xbox 360, and Commandos Strike Force mess it all up for Ubisoft? [Thanks, JamesO]
Ghost Recon: AW demo headed for the XBLM
According to the official blog for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter (that's GRAW to you soldier) a playable demo will be coming to the Xbox Live Marketplace (and that's XBLM). When asked, in a Q&A posted yesterday, if there would be a demo coming to the XBLM they responded, "Yes there is, we are putting something special together as we speak which will be out soon." When is soon? [Thanks, Ludwig]
