Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon series has been running on the
PC and consoles for some time, so it seems only logical that it would eventually
show up on the N-Gage system. However, instead of being just another slapped
together handheld game that doesn’t even come close to the console or PC
version, Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm is actually a very good action game with
fantastic features and great graphics.
Ghost Recon pits your squad of covert agents against a
huge Colombian militia/drug cartel responsible for running a great deal of
cocaine around the world. You will progress through the game’s many stages in
South America, rescuing hostages, killing terrorists, defusing bombs and
completing many other mission types utilizing each member of your squad.
Controlling your squad member in Ghost Recon is a little
tough to grasp at first, but after a while, you’ll get the hang of it. You can
move forward, backward, step left and step right by using the 2, 8, 4 and 6
buttons, respectively, and shoot using the 5 button. Looking is controlled by
using the D-Pad, with the “OK” button controlling the zoom function. You can
also reload, crouch, change weapons, throw grenades, position your squadmates,
check your map, and more. So, basically, you have access to almost all of the
abilities from the PC version, definitely a first for a handheld game.
You have access to some great weaponry throughout the
game. Each of your squad members has a rifle, a grenade launcher and some hand
grenades. The rifles can vary between automatic rifles and sniper rifles, with
a fair amount of options in both of those categories. You can customize which
weapons your soldiers use in the level, or you can simply leave it up to the
game to make the right choice.
Your squad AI is sharp and responsive. If you are
ambushed by enemies, your team will be able to handle themselves, but not to the
point where there is no work for you to do. Enemies are also quite bright, often
hiding behind cover objects in order to get the drop on you and your team.
While the single player game is great, nothing beats
playing Ghost Recon with some friends, and the N-Gage version carries this
tradition nicely. The game offers Bluetooth wireless support for up to eight
players, complete with Co-op, Deathmatch, Defend, and Survival modes.
The graphics in Ghost Recon easily rank among the best
on the N-Gage. The high-resolution gun models look very good, and the 3D
polygonal graphics are fantastic. The character models are very detailed, with
camouflage, gear and weapons. The environments are even better. Each stage
boasts a phenomenal amount of detail, with cars, benches, houses and realistic
textures adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.
The sound is also extremely well done. The weapon
sounds are accurate and clear, and footfalls are audible. The voice effects
whenever you shoot an enemy or issue an order are also very good. The music is
typical fare for a Tom Clancy game, very militaristic.
Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm is a rare feat for a handheld
game. Not only does it faithfully represent the PC series on a handheld, but
also manages to be a great stand alone title that any action fan would enjoy.
If you have an N-Gage, then you owe it to yourself to give Ghost Recon a careful
look.
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Gameplay: 9.0
Ghost Recon gives
you a surprising amount of control and depth for a handheld title. You can do
nearly all of the actions you can in the PC version, which is a feat in and of
itself. The AI is impressive on both the friendly and enemy fronts, and the
missions are varied and give you a lot of ground to cover.
Graphics: 9.2
Ghost Recon’s
graphics are easily some of the best on the N-Gage. The characters and
environments are fully 3D, detailed with nice polygon effects and a copious
amount of detail. The weapon models are even presented in high detail and look
great.
Sound: 9.2
The sound effects
are clear, with realistic weapon sounds and great voice effects. The music also
sounds very good, typical of a warfare game.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 9.0
Ghost Recon does
a superb job of representing the series on the N-Gage by giving gamers a great
amount of control and great action gameplay.
Multiplayer: 9.5
The multiplayer
mode is rich with features, enabling you and seven of your closest friends to
play a variety of modes, including Co-op, Deathmatch and Survival.
Overall: 9.2
Ghost
Recon is a great representation of the PC series, as well as one of the best
games on the N-Gage.
