Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

UPC: 008888166078

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment

Developer: Ubisoft Sofia

Category: Strategy

Style(s): 3D Turn-Based Strategy

Synopsis: The first turn-based strategy title in Ubisoft's long-running squad-based shooter series, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars offers handheld gamers 3D action as they put together an elite special ops team, gather hi-tech gadgetry, and take down a Russian ultranationalist. In the "Story" mode, players assume command of the Ghosts and head across the vast and varied Russian landscape, from the deserts of Kazakhstan to the Siberian tundra, in an attempt to track down and destroy the "Dead Hand" bases that madman Yuri Treskayev is using to build his army of drones. There are 37 missions in all, interspersed with 3D cut-scenes, and players can choose to take charge of six different character classes: Commandos, Snipers, Engineers, Gunners, Medics, and Recon. New resources, skills, and gear become available as gamers complete each mission, and all acquired equipment can be put to use in the 20 unlockable skirmishes. Multiplayer fans can also pass their 3DS back and forth between a friend in 11 one-on-one duel maps. ~ Christopher Brown, All Game Guide

Package Contents: 20-page Instruction Manual

Controls: Joystick/Gamepad

Ubisoft clearly has faith in the 3DS, releasing the most launch titles for the handheld of any publisher, including Nintendo. Yet while most of the lineup covers familiar territory, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars takes the road less traveled. The game has you engaging in turn-based tactics similar to character-based, strategy role-playing games like Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, Jeanne D'Arc, and more. Since 99.99% of these types of games feature a fantasy setting, the futuristic combat theme and specialized classes under your control give Shadow Wars a distinct edge in a 3DS library largely filled with remakes and retreads. Fans of turn-based strategy games won't find too much out of the ordinary in terms of gameplay. You will complete a series of combat missions played on standalone maps. Each character under your control has specific strengths and weaknesses as well as an area of expertise, such as being able to heal others (medic), hit targets from long range (sniper), and so forth. Your job is generally to cross the grid-based maps as carefully as possible, utilizing areas of cover, lines of sight, and terrain elements to take out hostiles and complete objectives that typically involve reaching a certain destination and performing an action. The story involves a Russian faction trying to instigate another Cold War, but you won't be playing the game for the gripping plot or for your squad's lively banter and characterization. The story merely sets the stage for the various operations, and the characters are as deep as a sheet of paper. Yet the game is still engaging for those who enjoy matching wits against an adversary, especially since you'll be able to level up characters to acquire new equipment, special abilities, and more. The maps are also interesting, utilizing the system's 3D to create a diorama-like effect. Subtle things such as dust blowing in the wind give the environments some personality the characters lack. Shadow Wars features a single-player campaign spanning 37 missions, each playable on one of three difficulty settings. While strategy vets will want to immediately start on the hardest setting, those new to turn-based tactical games shouldn't be afraid of the subject matter. A thorough tutorial eases you into the game's play mechanics and interface, introducing new elements gradually rather than bombard you with too much information at once. Going through the campaign will also unlock special skirmish missions, and there are ten maps designed for hot-seat play (passing the system back and forth) against a friend. The story, presentation, and multiplayer options could all use some improvement, but Shadow Wars is a nonetheless a strong effort from one of the designers of the turn-based classic, X-COM. The single-player campaign alone will last you 25 to 30 hours, and there are incentives for playing on harder difficulty settings. The pacing, flexibility in strategy, and the interesting equipment and techniques associated with its futuristic theme makes Shadow Wars one of the standout titles on the system. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide

the game requires Joystick/Gamepad.