GRAW Quicklook

[Xian Saint]

*** QUICKLOOK ***

Introduction

Some of you may remember me...some, perhaps not. I've known Rocky for a number of years and used to be a staff member here. I've posted and produced a number of articles, reviews, walkthroughs and other such items. It's with great pleasure that I once again take up keyboard and pound out another review for those that are considering purchasing the game or are merely waiting for the PC version. For those unfamiliar with my game review technique, I try and keep it as simple as possible by discussing the highs and lows. If anyone has questions and/or comments about a particular item, don't hesitate to ask. Depending on the response, I will continue to update this post and provide media samples if needed.

Title: Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter

Release Date: 07 MAR 2006

Platform: XBOX 360

*Highs*

-Graphics: The visuals are simply stunning. Some are saying it has the best graphics of any of the Xbox 360 games, and while I don't know if it beats out King Kong, it is definitely a contender for the top spot. Because of the content (gorilla vs guns) - my pick is that GRAW has the best visuals of all 360 games.

* Character Models and Animations - as real as it gets. Extremely detailed. Soldier movements are fluid and lifelike. Weapons look great.

* Maps - I've only played the training map and the first level. I haven't been this impressed with graphics since Halflife 2 on PC came out. The maps have an immersive quality that really makes you feel like part of the action. Of the areas I've seen, two scenes really stand out. On the intro to the first mission, you are inserted via Blackhawk helicopter. The rotors swirl and kick up dust as the helo carries you over the city before settling down and dropping you off. Quite a ride. The next scene was a firefight with a Tango who took cover behind a vehicle and I without any cover. I riddled the car with bullets, shattering the windows and causing the Tango to kneel for cover. Reminded me of "the bank scene" from the movie Heat.

-Audio: The sound effects and voice overs are perfect. You bark orders and your squad replies to your commands with all the realism and emotion you would expect from someone getting shot at. I'm no weapons expert, but the weapon sounds and reload sequences are quite convincing. I can't think of anything they could've done better to improve the audio. As Rocky would say, "It's spot on."

-Controls: I admit I'm biased. I'm a diehard PC player and like my keyboard/mouse. The problems with a console controller are too many functions stuffed onto a few buttons. That being said, the controls are more than adequate, although every button is used and some have multiple functions. All the functions play a valuable part and are necessary. I haven't tried to remap the layout so I can't comment on this aspect (yet). I like the default setting and plan to stick with it. For the PC players, I don't this will be an issue on the PC version, but expect to have just as many commands programmed on your keyboard.

Camera View: First Person and Third Person available that I know will make people happy. I haven't played with this feature too much yet. I set it on First Person view and ran around with just a cross hair, reminiscent of R6 and original GR.

*Lows*

It wouldn't be fair to the reader to not mention a few of the quirks or issues that I personally have with this game. It's not perfect. There are a few of us dinosaurs out there from the original Rainbow Six / Ghost Recon era who miss the "tacsim FPS" games. GRAW does not (in my opinion) provide the same realism as these games. I wasn't very surprised by this because really no game since R6/GR has. That's not to say it isn't difficult. It definitely appears that one shot one kill is in effect. It's quite easy to die, which as ironic as it sounds, is a relief. For example, in one round I heard someone yelling and I thought if I held my ground in the prone position, perhaps he wouldn't see me. I proved the theory true that, "anything you do, including nothing, can get you killed". One shot One kill. He didn't miss. I wouldn't say it has an arcade'ish feeling...er...maybe I would...I didn't get the realism feeling like I did the first time I played R6 and stormed a room only to see the terrorist plug the hostage before turning his guns on my squad. I didn't get the feeling like I did the first time I played GR when I zoomed in with my sniper rifle on an unsuspecting guard who stopped to take a stretch. I can't put my finger on why I didn't have this feeling, but it was missing. I'm hoping the more I play the game that I will again experience this feeling, but honestly, my initial impression is that I won't.

Movement: While I'm overall impressed with the character movement and the way you can, for example, lean against a wall for cover, "Sam Fisher" style...being "prone" is almost comical. I say that because you can pretty much move in any direction while prone with no difficulty or feeling of being encumbered.

Scope: The scope felt like it belonged in Perfect Dark Zero or Halo. It had a "sci-fi" feel to it. Maybe that's the way the Advanced Warfighter technology really is, but it was hard for me to imagine the game as being realistic with it. Not only that, the blue outline around everything and then the red/green marker for hostile/friendly contacts and yellow box for “objectives”...almost felt as if the game was more in charge then I was and for me, this quality detracts from the overall beauty of the visuals. Granted the outline appears to only stay for a second before it disappears, but simply put...annoying.

*Summary*

With a name like Advanced Warfighter, a certain amount of technology can be assumed, but in my opinion, this is the only feature that slightly blemishes an otherwise near-perfect game. The Heads Up Display and Cross Com are nifty features and implemented nicely, but alter the overall atmosphere of the game when compared with the original series. Console gamers who enjoyed previous versions before will easily overlook this issue, but my guess is some of my fellow PC Gamers will not like this aspect of the game.

Despite a very short time playing the game, it's apparent it will be quite successful and is destined to be one of the great XBOX 360 titles. I highly recommend it and doubt anyone would be disappointed playing it.

*Additional Comments*

Other features:

-Can pick up dropped weapons

-Can roll when in a prone position

-Can render (or order squad mate to) medical assistance

-Can use fixed weapons turrets

-Can open containers to reload ammo supply

-Can give orders to some vehicles to attack enemy targets

---

-Multiplayer Types (Per the manual - I haven’t tried them yet)

*Solo = FFA

*Team = Team FFA

*Co-Op = Team works against AI

-Multiplayer Modes

*Territory - seize and hold positions

*Objective - get your objectives and achieve them to win

*Elimination - Kill everyone not on your team

*Campaign - (Co-Op Only) - Hamburger Hill, Domination, Siege or Custom.

-More to follow...

[the.ronin]

Great review!!

There are a few of us dinosaurs out there from the original Rainbow Six / Ghost Recon era who miss the "tacsim FPS" games. GRAW does not (in my opinion) provide the same realism as these games. I wasn't very surprised by this because really no game since R6/GR has. That's not to say it isn't difficult. It definitely appears that one shot one kill is in effect. It's quite easy to die, which as ironic as it sounds, is a relief. For example, in one round I heard someone yelling and I thought if I held my ground in the prone position, perhaps he wouldn't see me. I proved the theory true that, "anything you do, including nothing, can get you killed". One shot One kill. He didn't miss. I wouldn't say it has an arcade'ish feeling...er...maybe I would...I didn't get the realism feeling like I did the first time I played R6 and stormed a room only to see the terrorist plug the hostage before turning his guns on my squad. I didn't get the feeling like I did the first time I played GR when I zoomed in with my sniper rifle on an unsuspecting guard who stopped to take a stretch. I can't put my finger on why I didn't have this feeling, but it was missing. I'm hoping the more I play the game that I will again experience this feeling, but honestly, my initial impression is that I won't.

←

Nothing in anything subsequent to the original PC series of Ghost Recon has ... try as the developers and publishers might try to spin it. This has been my biggest concern personally.

Thanks for taking the time to write this.

[Sup]

I remember you, thanks for your review.

[silent_op]

That was the best review I've read so far. I hope you write a review for the PC version, when it comes out.

I won't buy a 360, so I have no interest in playing this version of GR:AW. However, I do like to read and watch everything about it. The 360 GR:AW news is all I have to go on. I trust that GRIN will keep their promise amd make the PC's version everything that the PC audience wants.

From everything I have read and seen about the 360 GR:AW I too didn't get the feeling that it was living up to being a tactical simm. But I'm looking at it from a PC perspective. With that said, I think RSE has done a good job of finding the right balance of tactical simm and all out action for the 360 audience.

Enjoy your game guys, you all waited long enough. I hope to be just as happy and excited when the PC GR:AW comes out.

silent_op

[desertranger12]

what about team and enemy AI. before release the devs were pumping it up, but now im hearing that they suck and that they are doing stuff like firing into walls and hills...

*EDIT: for got to say im a PC fan as well, so ill be looking for ur PC review when it comes out...

Edited March 10, 2006 by desertranger12

[kingotnw]

Great review!! I am an old school R6/RS fan as well, and can completley relate to what you are saying. Even when RS went a bit further into development of the R^ series still on the PC (Covert Ops) I felt something had gone missing. I did however like the original GR for the PC.

I love GRAW. Is it super tactical like the original R6? No, but really... what is? I don't pick up on the arcade feel that you were talking about at all aside from maybe the presentation is alot more slick than the old R6 games were. Personaly, I think this is the best Redstorm game in quite some time, I miss my KB/Mouse though, thats for sure. But really, anyone with a 360 really should own this game.

From what the guy at best buy was telling me, they probably do. He said that basicly every 5th person to come to the register was buying a copy.

Edited March 10, 2006 by kingotnw

[kingotnw]

what about team and enemy AI. before release the devs were pumping it up, but now im hearing that they suck and that they are doing stuff like firing into walls and hills...

*EDIT: for got to say im a PC fan as well, so ill be looking for ur PC review when it comes out...

←

AI is as good or better than it has been in any other GR or R6 game. That is to say it isnt perfect, but its hard to ask for alot more.

[Lysander]

Nice writing! I dont have game yet (but I will ). How squad interface work? I saw cone cursor in one picture? Is it like Full spectrum warrior?

And about AI if it is better then in Island thunder, then I am happy.

Btw, Heat is one of my favourite movies

[BornToKill]

There are a few of us dinosaurs out there from the original Rainbow Six / Ghost Recon era who miss the "tacsim FPS" games. GRAW does not (in my opinion) provide the same realism as these games. I wasn't very surprised by this because really no game since R6/GR has. That's not to say it isn't difficult. It definitely appears that one shot one kill is in effect. It's quite easy to die, which as ironic as it sounds, is a relief. For example, in one round I heard someone yelling and I thought if I held my ground in the prone position, perhaps he wouldn't see me. I proved the theory true that, "anything you do, including nothing, can get you killed". One shot One kill. He didn't miss. I wouldn't say it has an arcade'ish feeling...er...maybe I would...I didn't get the realism feeling like I did the first time I played R6 and stormed a room only to see the terrorist plug the hostage before turning his guns on my squad. I didn't get the feeling like I did the first time I played GR when I zoomed in with my sniper rifle on an unsuspecting guard who stopped to take a stretch. I can't put my finger on why I didn't have this feeling, but it was missing. I'm hoping the more I play the game that I will again experience this feeling, but honestly, my initial impression is that I won't.

Nice review Xian..

IMO I think one major factor involved is Familiarity.

When i first played GR i had never played or experienced anything like it before, it was a new genre of game and had an incredible feeling of immersion.

I remember playing multiplayer the first few times with just a friend and i was practically ducking in my chair.

Problem now is we are used to it, GRAW or any other game(in its genre) can not give you that same initial sense of awe or immersion, because we are accustomed to it.

No matter how good the developers are they will never achieve that same impact of the first experience, it's the same with everything in life.

To me it's more a reflection of our expectations than the developers abilities.

[Cutter]

being "prone" is almost comical. I say that because you can pretty much move in any direction while prone with no difficulty or feeling of being encumbered.

Thanks for the review.

I hope the pc version is not like the way you explained being in the prone position, that is reminiscent of BF2 Being able to turn 360 degrees in an instant while being prone...........ugh.

[desertranger12]

being "prone" is almost comical. I say that because you can pretty much move in any direction while prone with no difficulty or feeling of being encumbered.

Thanks for the review.

I hope the pc version is not like the way you explained being in the prone position, that is reminiscent of BF2 Being able to turn 360 degrees in an instant while being prone...........ugh.

←

i know what you mean, i hate that so much...

[Cpl Ledanek]

Mahalo!

Thanks for the review. Well thought out also. How many papers did you throw in the basket to get to this review? I find it very helpful and now I must wipe my desk from all the drool.

[DaForce]

Very nice review.

Thanks for taking the time to write it.

On a note about the PC version, they had better include COOP like the xbox360 otherwise im gonna go nuts!!!

There just isnt enough decent COOP games for PC out.

[Lightspeed]

nice to have a good review from a trusted source as opposed to IGN or GAMESPOT or of course UBI.

Very honest, and cleared up a lot.

It does seem though that it is what UBI wanted it to be for Consoles.

So hopefully, PC will be what they want it to be for PC diehards.

[kuo34]

I hope the PC version doesn't do too well in bringing back good ol' fashioned GR style combat to the compy . . . but only because I'd have to build a new compy to play the ######' thing.

[devilsgrin_6]

So...wait...this is your review and you said in the review that you've only played two maps? Did I misunderstand that? I don't know how anybody could ever review a game after only playing two levels.

Granted, you do get the overall feel for the game early on and what to expect and I agree with you that it will probably never feel like Ghost Recon 1 again...I guess that is what happens when companies get bigger and want to make more money going more run-and-gun action orientated to sell to the male audience.

[Rocky]

So...wait...this is your review and you said in the review that you've only played two maps? Did I misunderstand that? I don't know how anybody could ever review a game after only playing two levels.

←

Maybe you missed the bit in CAPS at the top of Saint's post.

*** QUICKLOOK ***

It wasn't intended to be a full review, it's a brief run down for fans who haven't got a 360 and perhaps want to hear how a PC player got on playing GR on a console

[Hatchetforce]

Excellent look at the game Xian.

One of the problems that has plagued newer titles, particularly sequels, is adaptive experience. This occurs when an idividual plays a newer generation of titles and finds themself dissappointed. Sometimes that dissappointment is warranted. But sometimes it happens simply because, like a drug addict, they have built up a tolerance to things that made them go WOW!

Now, even though a newer title may be better, players do not get treated to the same experience simply because they are not a virgin in that respect anymore. Yes, many sequels have upped the eye candy while lowering the overall quality, but this isn't the case. If this title had premiered and then later GR1 become available, the shoe would be on the other foot but the chasm between the titles a great deal more vast.

[Lightspeed]

Its interesting though Hatchet that the things that Xian finds particularly annoying are the red diamonds and the HUD. They seem to restrict the immersiveness (is that a word?). And the frustrating thing about that, is that we have been telling them all along that it wouldnt work.

[calius]

A fresh perspective which is welcomed, cheers for that run-down.

It is funny that all things that were mentioned about the less positives are all the things we have brought up along the way through many a rambling thread (and a few locked ones ). Yep its the console version so thats fair enough, im sure it still plays realy well and clearly its going to wipe the floor with many other console games.

[BigOlBrain]

Nice review, just a couple things though.

“Some are saying it has the best graphics of any of the Xbox 360 games, and while I don't know if it beats out King Kong, it is definitely a contender for the top spot.”

Is ^ that a joke? Kong is an ugly game so I’m assuming you are not serious but I have to ask. Personally, I think the only game that comes within a mile of GRAW is Kameo…as far as graphics go anyway.

“The problems with a console controller are too many functions stuffed onto a few buttons”

^That in my opinion is a pro and not a con. I see where you’re coming from but for me personally it’s easier than trying to remember 25 keys on the keyboard and what they do. Especially if you are playing more than one FPS at a time, like I usually do. But I guess it comes down to what you are used to and you did say you were a little biased. I love playing fps on pc but sometimes having to memorize every key can be a pain.

“I didn't get the feeling like I did the first time I played GR when I zoomed in with my sniper rifle on an unsuspecting guard who stopped to take a stretch. I can't put my finger on why I didn't have this feeling, but it was missing”

I do agree that the single player, from what I have played, isn’t as realistic as the original GR. That said I also feel like you’re looking for that newness feeling you got the first time you sniped someone. Problem is that you have done it before….for years now. And to honest I think you’re going to have a hard time finding that feeling again with any version of any game. Good luck to ya on that though…I’d like to get that good’ol feeling back as well.

“I say that because you can pretty much move in any direction while prone with no difficulty or feeling of being encumbered”

I have only played the first mission of the single player and I didn’t notice that but then I might have missed it. I have played a fair number of multiplayer though and I don’t think it’s that way in the multiplayer. Maybe someone else could comment about the multiplayer.

“Scope: The scope felt like it belonged in Perfect Dark Zero or Halo. It had a "sci-fi" feel to it.”

Man I thought the same thing exactly. I mean it was kind of “cool” but just didn’t seem to fit for some reason.

Over all, nice read.

[chiles4]

When i first played GR i had never played or experienced anything like it before, it was a new genre of game and had an incredible feeling of immersion. I remember playing multiplayer the first few times with just a friend and i was practically ducking in my chair. Problem now is we are used to it, GRAW or any other game(in its genre) can not give you that same initial sense of awe or immersion, because we are accustomed to it.

Word to that! I remember picking up the GR1 demo after having played Quake 2 (and every addon map known to man) for like two years straight. I was circling the "Castle" and I was shot and I died. And I couldn't believe it. It was like a epiphany for me. I didn't understand how a game could kill me this easily but suddently I knew I was on to something incredible. And I can still remember my first online experience ever playing with one friend in co-op on the Castle Night map. A convoy pulls up and my buddy fires the LAW at it. The NVGs made it surreal. I haven't had game experiences like those again.

It's hard for devs to come up with a revolutionary game but I think they can nudge the envelope a bit and wind up with a big winner by incorporating things that other games don't have. One example was in VietCong. When you "went to iron sights", the game would lift your FOV above the cover you were behind - such as a log - so you could fire on your target. Sounds minor but the little things can add up to a great experience.

Being able to turn 360 degrees in an instant while being prone...........ugh.

Yeah, I agree it compromises the realism a bit. Myself, I'm lucky if I just get prone let alone moving while I'm down on the ground.

So...wait...this is your review and you said in the review that you've only played two maps? Did I misunderstand that? I don't know how anybody could ever review a game after only playing two levels.

I think one can get the feel of a game very quickly - especially if you're an experienced gamer. Honestly, it took me less than a minute of playing the R6:Lockdown demo to know that it was an abomination.

Is ^ that a joke? Kong is an ugly game so I’m assuming you are not serious but I have to ask.

I take graphical comparisons with a grain of salt. It's like trying to get guys to agree on how hot a babe is. It's REAL subjective. I wasn't that impressed with HL2. Chronicles of Riddick is probably my alltime favorite in terms of graphics. Sometimes it's not the tech, it's the artwork. I can still look at the Arroyo map in VietCong and be awestruck. And that's because the devs went to Vietnam and went nuts with a camera.

[Xian Saint]

Well...I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised with all the replies to my review. I'd like to take a moment to respond to all the comments and then I'll post on my "Day 2" perspective.

Thanks the.ronin, Sup, silent_op, desertranger12, kingotnw, Lysander, BornToKill, Cutter, Cpl Ledanek, DaForce, PoW_LigHtsPeEd, kuo34, devilsgrin_6, Hatchetforce, calius, BigOlBrain, chiles4 for the positive feedback. It inspires those who like to write to continue...heh heh.

@silent_op - while its not a tacsim, its a great game...and I'm sure PC version will be even better. I agree RSE has done a good job finding the right balance.

@desertranger12 - I will provide an update that discusses enemy AI after this response...stay tuned.

@kingotnw - I think I have figured out what makes it feel "arcade'ish" to me and will discuss this in my update. I agree with your comments...a great game and must have for 360 owners.

@Lysander - I will explain squad interface in my update and Heat is indeed a great movie.

@BornToKill - I enjoyed reading your perspective on playing a game the first time and how you feel about subsequent releases. Its different for me though. There are games now (and even then) that were better looking then GR and R6 but I can load up these games (especially certain maps like Kosovo and Zebra Straw and I still get that same feeling). I think I have figured out my complaint with GRAW and will discuss in my update.

@Cutter - I went back and tested the prone to see if maybe I was jacked up...but my perspective is...moving while prone doesn't seem realistic. It's not a "big" issue. Very minor indeed. I will say also that rolling while prone is nicely done and looks pretty cool.

@Cpl Ledanek - ah...the benefit of electronic word processing...no wasted paper.

@PoW_LigHtsPeEd - thanks. I try to be as honest in my reviews as possible...but remember, a review is only one person's point of view. I've read some people who hate the game and say it's crap. I think they're being honest, but its only their opinion.

@devilsgrin_6 - no, you didn't misunderstand it...2 maps. I think Rocky did an excellent and professional job responding so I echo his reply and add that the game is very difficult. I'm playing on normal and let's just say it is challenging...especially when you play from a perspective of trying to absorb everything, not just beat the level. I find myself "observing" enemy soldiers for several minutes, because I like to see what they do. Sure I could blast through it, but I'd miss some of the "little details". I'll mention some of the "little details" in my update that really make the game exceptional.

Also, I do agree with your POV on why game co's make a game the way they do. Sales. The TACSIM community is relatively small compared to those that like CS and similar games. Every game co wants to tap into the CS population because it fills their pockets.

@Rocky - Thanks bro. Spot on!

@Hatchetforce - Thanks. Your comment is similar to BornToKill and while to agree with it to a certain extent, I could load up Zebra Straw on GR or the Kosovo Map on Rogue Spear and feel that immersion factor all over again, even though those 2 games are old by computer game standards and dated graphics, they suck you in (or at least they do me) and allow for what I call "total gaming experience". (The first time I played Kosovo the lightning struck just as the soldier in the tower shot at me and I nearly wet my pants - that's a good game!) Great comments though. Thanks.

@PoW_LigHtsPeEd (again) - ding ding ding...we have a winner...your reply to HF's comments are the only thing (IMHO) that is wrong with GRAW. Apparently you can turn it off. I just haven't done it yet.

@calius - Yep. And yes it does.

@BigOlBrain - Not a joke. I thought King Kong was a beautiful game. Game play sucked. But looked good doing it. Kameo is good too though. I agree. Gamepad or Keyboard/Mouse = personal preference. Actually I use Nostromo N52 and once you have everything memorized, works great. Like I mentioned, the controls on GRAW or more than adequate, but I fully plan to get the PC version and am sure I will enjoy it more. I will add some MP comments in my update. Lets just say, it rocks and is the best feature of GRAW. Some of the scopes are weird, but playing MP I did have a red dot scope that is much better than the one I initially commented on.

@chiles4 - Yep! That's my perspective exactly! Great post.

@everyone - I have more to add today after my day 2. My overall opinion of the game has gone up. I have more things to discuss. A few screen shots to add and if I can talk Rocky into uploading some files...even some video footage. More to follow.

BTAR

[kingotnw]

Sice we have alot of people who don't own a 360 reading this I figured I would toss a commentin here. I was the most skeptical person in the world when it comes to this title. I don't own Halo 2, and honestly I have never really got into the first person console thing at all, ever. When I bought my original Xbox I did get Halo and liked it, but I didn't like it as much as everyone else. When the entire world wanted to buy Halo 2 I didn't care because IMO a console isn't the place for a FPS game. GRAW has changed my mind. I still won't be a "halo type gamer", but I am definatley more open to seeing what things are all about.

It could also be that my major problem with FPS on a console is the online play. Its just impossible (for me at this point) to respond and react as quickly as you can on a PC. Trust me when I say though, there are people who can do it because they are kicking my ass left and right online on this title. I am just a little stuck in my ways when it comes to these games, and I am having to force myself to learn how to control them a different way.

I also think that what this game has done as far as "support" goes is unmatched in any game to date. They way they have you control suport vehicles with a combination of the D-Pad and the real time map is absolutley perfect, no other game has even come close to this, console or PC.

This game is still very tactical, its just tactical in a a different way... I am trying to think how to explain that comment but I think without having played the game it will be hard to make sound correctly... i'll try though.

A good example would be how in GR1PC if you came up to a hill and there were 4 guys standing there, if you started picking them off only the ones in the immediate area would react, making for a much slower paced game. That holds true in GRAW360 as well to an extent, but there are alot of prescripcted story prompts where a large amount of tropps are suposed to know your location.

You hold them off on your own with you and your squad for a little while, until support arives (Tanks, blackhawks, etc) and then use use the tactical map to position your support and squad to help take out large amounts of troops.

Again, I am almost positive this dosent come off sounding as good as it is because this game does it like no other before it. You have to see the high level of execution to really get a feel for it IMO.

Edit: Also wanted to say that if anyone is on the fence about getting a 360 I really think you should pick one up. You shouldnt be dissapointed. The system itself is very useful even outside of the games you can play on it. As a PC guy, I would still recommend a 360 to anyone.

Edited March 10, 2006 by kingotnw

[Xian Saint]

*** DAY 2 COMMENTS ***

Before I add my updated comments I'll respond to the two issues that were raised by individuals replying to my review.

* A.I. - I'm a little lenient on judging A.I. for any game. Don't get me wrong, I've seen my share of dumb moves by my team mates and the enemy. Stacking, friendly fire, being deaf, being blind, etc. There's nothing like one of your A.I. team mates dropping a grenade in the middle of your team while on patrol.

My stance on A.I. is that, when you really think about the code that it must take to make a "computerized" player simulate being a real person, it's pretty overwhelming. Couple this with the fact that they have to do it for all the non-player characters, and then mix it up to simulate individuality...it definitely seems like an impossible task. If all the characters reacted exactly the same way, the game wouldn't be much fun. Encountering a group of soldiers and seeing one run away in a panic, one take cover and one stand and fight...that's pretty impressive to me.

So, my POV on GRAW A.I. is this - it's as good as any game that's out there, at least that I've played. There have been some minor issues, but overall, friendly/enemy A.I. is top notch. I enjoy telling my squad to take up a position and watching them move into place, backing each other up and scanning the area. In one scene they were taking cover behind some barrels. One went prone and was firing off the side, one was firing over the top. The other was kneeling. When the one firing over the top emptied his clip he kneeled down and reloaded while the other stood and fired. Sweet! The enemy runs for cover and fires with a varying degree of accuracy. I tried "getting in the way" of my squad and tried to get them to stack but they're too smart for that. I've noticed very few issues with the A.I. to this point, but there are small quirks. I snuck around an enemy soldier and was practically prone right next to him and he didn't see me (if I had a knife, I could've taken him out - to give you an indication of how close). Summary = In my opinion...AI is great.

* Squad Selection - the first map you start out alone and reach a point where you get to pick your squad. A screen comes up that has three people listed and their class. (Rifelman, Grenadier, etc). You can cycle through the people you want...I didn't really see a way to check stats experience, so I'm not sure if that is taken into consideration. After you select the squad, a new screen pops up that has their primary, secondary and equipment items. Again, scroll through and select what you want. After you accept that, a final screen comes up that basically shows you what you've picked and you can either accept it or back up and pick over. Very easy process. I've got a video clip but need to figure out a way to post it. Now, once you have a squad, you primarily use the D-Pad to issue orders. Very simple to use and for those that have played Republic Commando, it is almost exactly like that. Look at a place, hit the D-Pad and they go there. Hit a different direction and they regroup. Some items you can interact with - you look at it, a symbol appears, you click a button, and the squad performs that action. This is how the medic revive function works. If you see a down soldier, look at him, the red cross symbol appears, click a button and he goes over and revives the fallen soldier. Squad Selection and Interface is very easy.

*** UPDATED COMMENTS ***

* Stop and Smell the Roses: There are so many little details that if you don't take the time to notice, then you're really missing out. It is obvious that a tremendous amount of work went in to making this game the best. Here are a few examples.

-I zoomed in to sniper an enemy soldier. Held my breath, placed the cross hairs on his head, fired a single shot. Soldier went down. Now, I swear (unless I'm crazy) that as soon as this happened, the "loud report" from the shot set off a car alarm off in the distance. Barely audible. My wife who happened to be sitting nearby was looking around to make sure it wasn't a car outside...I had to say, "Honey, that was my game."

-If you're running along and quickly hit the crouch button, your guy does this little slide where he skids along and ends up in a crouched position ready to fire. I was running for a parked car just as an enemy soldier was about to turn around and when I did it, I was so surprised...it looked so cool because my guy slid right behind the car perfectly and was ready to shoot.

-If you play the over the shoulder view where you can see your guy, if you look up or down or all around, the character animation is more real than any I've seen. Just the movement in his head/neck...it's as lifelike as it gets. Also, when you walk or run, the way the HUD sways to simulate actual movement is very convincing.

* Two other lows for the game...very minor indeed.

-One is true of most games and that is civilians. I know the more NPC's you have running around the more taxing it is on your system, and I know most games omit this...but you fly into Mexico and the only people you see are bad guys. Even if it was like GR / Embassy where there are a few civilans that dart out when you least expect it. So, not a GRAW hit exactly, more of an overall complaint.

-The other is death animations. It isn't as bad as R63 and the bend over backwards and kiss your butt goodby death sequences that some of us have experienced, but there are a few moments that when you stop and look at the bodies, you can't help but chuckle. Seems worse on SP, where the enemies look like they have backpack or something keeping their head propped up. Not a big issue. MP seems to look better.

Okay...final update before I depart...

Multiplayer - I don't know how to describe it other than it is totally awesome. It is by far the best MP XBOX 360 title out there, and I've played most of them. Everything you might of heard about Call of Duty 2, it blows it away. MP rocks and is in my opinion the best feature of the game. The MP alone is worth buying the game. I encountered the occassional spawn camper which is always annoying, but this isn't a fault of the game. The MP in my opinion is perfect.

My only hard complaint against the game (and now I'm hearing / reading you can disable it) is the HUD. The HUD clutters the screen to the point it is too distracting. If you can turn the diamonds, arrows and outlines off, which it sounds like you can now, the game would be perfect. This, I've discovered is what makes the game feel arcade'ish. The only thing I would change from 360 to PC version is the ability to turn the whole HUD off if you wanted...maybe it's already in 360 and I havent figured it out yet...I can't wait to test this out and of course I'll provide feedback when I do.

More to follow...