Ghost Recon Island Thunder (Xbox)

Now if you're the kind of gamer like me who likes the thrill of a shooter but doesn't want to a) spend ages setting the game up before you play it and b) hates having to replay levels due to stupid deaths, then be warned - this game is not for you. Even on the easiest setting ('cos I'm a wuss) I barely made it through the first mission. It's realistic alright - take a couple of shots and you're dead. Great reality, but what is not realistic is the sluggish movement that gives the impression you've got lead in your boots and a genetic inability to strafe faster than a tortoise. Enemies seem to shoot you before you can even see them and the graphics are not the best so resolution at a distance is just not good enough.

So - for SERIOUS gamers, this may be a good title if you like 'no fun' war simulations and scratching your head about the best team and weapons combo. If you like a faster and more satisfying shooter stick to the likes of Max Payne, The Matrix or Freedom Fighters. I'm trying Conflict Desert Storm next and hope that will be more playable.

The main appeal of this game, to me, was the multiplayer. I don't have XBOX live, so this review wont cover that, it will however, cover the System Link and Single Player.

Firstly. Graphics:

They've have a tune up, not by much. Everything's still very... uninspired, but it feels realistic for some reason. Running through bushes, hiding behind palm trees etc. It's all bloody exciting and looks sweet even though its a dated engine.

Gameplay:

It's been tweaked up a few notches, weapon selection doesn't take a decade to load like the original, grenade launchers can be selected with a click of a button instead of waiting. This is probably down to owners of the game suggesting this, and Kudos to Red Storm for taking it on board. Aside from that, it's very much the same as the original when it comes to playing - a few shots and you die, a shot to the head and they die. You'll either love that or hate it, I personally love the tension it adds but ultimately some people just love their health bar reading '100' :)

There's also a brand new arsenal of weapons to accompany the original, although it's lacking as many of the 'unlockable' features and i gained all of them within a day of play. I suppose this is because the emphasis is on multiplayer play.

Sound:

Beautiful, clear and realistic. The guns sound almost identical to the real thing, a few have suspicious loading sounds and there are some cheesy dialogue chunks from your team mates that always make you want to have someone yell 'Friendly Fire' as you pummel them with a grenade launcher round.

Multiplayer:

Worth every penny. Voice comm's awesome, the maps are perfect for all the game modes, maybe could have done with a few more but i'm sure you could download them online. Not enough game types, i'd have liked to see some innovative types but they do include plenty to keep the average gamer going. Just not the ones like me who want everything at once, instead of needing XBOX live to complete their gaming experience.

No lag experienced with the official XBOX Link Cables either, that's only with 2 players, mind. I plan to try out larger games at some point.

Single Player's a disappointment, but again the game was only 15 quid and was hyped as an onliner. Don't expect to spend much time alone on this.

I don't currently play much of this unless I'm challenged to a sniper duel at parties. At which I can kick arse, if you're in the Herts area, bring it on :D

Lastability is only guaranteed with XBOX Live. Although the new Rainbow 6 is probably going to outdo that one, seeing as it does have nicer visuals and sound. Will go review it now, seeing as I just about finished the single player campaign.

Cheers for reading, good luck with your purchase.

Although it's the same game, it's much more fun snooping around the jungle trying to kill you're mates! And even more fun playing some of the co-operative missions as a team against the computer AI, which I might add is very good.

There's no easy way to describe the fun when 3 or 4 of you are pinned down in a tin hut (virtually that is), talking (over the headset) about how to deal with the situation of getting out of the hut without being killed, whilst hearing the bullets ‘PING’ of the outside of the shed, it’s fantastic and you really feel like it’s you and your mates up against it.

I could go on about the graphic detail, texture work, sound etc… but it’s really not relevant, because all you need to know is that ‘IT WORKS’, you feel like your there, and I’ve not felt that in many games.

So to finish off… It’s very tense, it gets people working together and is a superb way to waste a few hours with some friends.

Oh and I almost forgot it’s a cheap purchase too, so if you have Xbox Live already get this game!