Ghost Recon Island Thunder (Xbox)

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.