Based on the best-selling Tom Clancy franchise, Ghost Recon Online is Ubisoft’s first entry into the MMOTPS space. Ghost Recon Online is a class-based online shooting game that offers players detailed character progression, a good variety of weapons and items, and some of the most strategy based game play available in this genre.

Unlike the traditional MMO shooting titles Ghost Recon Online isn’t simply about Deathmatch and fastest trigger wins, it’s a tactical shooter. Players must be able to make split second decisions on what tactics they wish to deploy, taking into account the current status and location of the enemy as well as team mates. Although you’re free to play solo, Ghost Recon Online is built for team play, coordinating with fellow Ghosts will give you a huge advantage in a combat situation.

By far the best feature of Ghost Recon Online, and the one that truly sets it apart from other free to play shooting games, is the cover system. This isn’t a last minute feature that was added to be unique, the game was designed from the ground up with tactics and strategy as a main focal point. If you’ve played and enjoyed games like Gears of War and Perfect Dark, the cover system will make you feel right at home. Forget games that reward simple run and gun tactics without any regard to serious skill, a tactical mind will give you the edge over players with faster reaction speeds. It took me quite some time to get used to the cover feature, I’ve played so much Call of Duty and the minute I had a gun in hand, I was running around like Clint Eastwood on Steroids. However, after a few games and a bit of practice it becomes second nature. My usual response when under fire would be to jump and turn or go prone to take out my enemy, however in Ghost Recon Online I quite often found taking cover behind the nearest object was the best way to survive, an approach I’m not used too in the MMOTPS space.

The game also supports a huge arsenal, with each individual weapon having a variety of upgrades and improvements available. As you complete and win matches you earn experience points which can be used to unlock new weapons, with each weapon having 9 different stats that affect its potential. Players are free to upgrade practically all of the stats as they see fit, creating their own perfect weapon from a huge list of modern technology themed equipment.

Ghost Recon Online is fast, fluid and provides a MMOTPS experience unlike any other. It’s very rare that I find a free to play shooting title that’s actually worthy of any real attention but Ubisoft have got this one right. If you’re after something away from the norm, something a little fresh, something a little challenging, Ghost Recon Online could be just the game for you.

Pros

- High quality graphics
- Fast-paced action
- Unique cover mechanic

Cons

- Item mall
- Weapon balance issues

Editors Comment

Ghost Recon Online is arguably the greatest MMOTPS currently available in the free to play space.

Rating: 8.5

by Blaine Smith