SCORE:
Graphics: 8
Gameplay: 8
Sounds: 6
Overall: 7.5
Pros: Good cover system, interesting class mechanics.
Cons: Sprinting and using the cover system sometimes feels a bit clumsy.
We felt like it was high time to check out Ghost Recon Phantoms (GRP), the new, renamed version of Ghost Recon Online for we were interested in finding out how the online shooter is doing after its official release and the rebranding. Ubisoft’s game had been in "beta" for nearly two years before finally launching last April, so we were curious to see if it already felt kind of old or if it was still worth playing notwithstanding the many younger comparable competitors on the market.
First of all, we want to state that GRP is an extremely conventional team-based online shooter which aims for a fair balance between pretty tactical gameplay and fast-paced action. Players begin their game with three classes/ characters at level 1, each of which has to be levelled up independently and possesses unique weapons, devices and skills, resulting in completely different play styles. The three available classes are Assault, Recon, and Support. While the Assault is a heavily hitting tank, the Recon represents the common assassin/ sniper and the Support provides tactical and logistic assistance.
However, it’s the unique devices each class can equip which make them unique and define their battlefield role. Devices act like a kind of "skill" and can be used be hitting the F key to benefit the players as well as the team as a whole. Each class has two different devices at their disposal but can only have one equipped at a time. It’s possible, though, to change your equipment before respawning. The Assaults may either use their ADS which emits microwaves to confuse their foes, nearly disabling them to move or shoot at all, or perform a high speed shield charge to knock down their opponent as they become human rams. Recons are provided with a radar tracking nearby opponent’s positions as well as a stealth cloak capable of turning them imperceptible for a limited period of time, whereas Supports can either opt for using their portable EMP to stun their foes and disable their electronics or create a small shield bubble to protect themselves and their allies from gunfire. In the addition to devices, each class has recourse to a selection of passive squad support abilities, which enable them, for instance, to spot sprinting enemies, increase the recharge rates of their allies' device, and so on.
Regarding the gameplay, Ghost Recon Phantoms features the standard control combination of WASD, mouse and sprint, which has become a staple in the shooter genre these days. The controls are generally pretty precise and responsive, although sprinting or using the cover system sometimes felt a bit clumsy. Characters are moreover able to jump over barriers and climb onto them by pressing "E".
An even more intriguing and unique feature is the cover system in GRP; as opposed to jumping, pressing the spacebar will make characters take cover behind any solid surface or obstacle within reach, allowing them to move towards the edge in order to peek out and shoot from a safer position. Furthermore, pushing the spacebar during a sprint will make them slide and possibly take cover directly. The system works well, is extremely fun to use and adds an entirely new tactical dimension to the gameplay.
The game boasts a diverse array of maps and game modes, all of which focus on capture points, conquest and defence, so that players will find themselves fighting in a mall, a submarine base, an abandoned dusty eastern city and other locations. Although the game modes are all pretty similar, they are fun to play. The well-designed maps offer opportunities for every kind of gameplay, from close quarters to long range sniping, and prompt use of the classes’ devices.
As GRP is a team-focused shooter, it’s extremely vital for success to make the best use of your class’ devices and cooperate with your allies in order to contribute your team. This took us quite a while to get used to, but as soon as we began reading and using the chat, and trying to tactically use our device, not only to score kills but to help our team-mates push, defend and attack, everything went better. It was absolutely fun and extremely satisfying to use the Recon’s radar to locate hidden enemies, wait for our team-mates to spot them and then rush in together to kill the target and advance throughout the map.
At the end of each game, players will be rewarded with currency and XP, based upon their performance during the battle, enabling them to enhance their character and acquire new gear including armours, weapons, more powerful devices, squad support skills, grenades, and more. Players are also able to complete tasks and achievements based on their class as well as more generic ones in order to earn additional rewards.
It’s important to state that nearly everything is available with in-game currency earned simply by playing the game; the only "premium only" options we came across were camo paints for weapons and cosmetic headgear, meaning Ghost Recon Phantoms appeared all but being "pay-to-win" at first sight.
Regarding graphics, the title is sharp and clean. However, the nice models and animations, though being enjoyable, could surely be enhanced. Yet, Ghost Recon Phantoms already has two years under its belt and begins showing its age, particularly in comparison to other more recent free-to-play shooters. Sounds are ok, not too shabby but nothing too fancy either.
CONCLUSION
Ghost Recon Phantoms is a very solid AAA free-to-play team-based online shooter that manages to find a pretty nice blend of tactical gameplay and fast-paced action which, in combination with unique class devices as well as an intriguing cover system, makes for an entertaining and enjoyable gaming experience, especially when joining a clan or playing with friends, due to its profoundly team-oriented gameplay. The title may not have the fancy graphics of some of its competitors in the free-to-play shooter genre, but it's a lot of fun and it still has something to say.
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