Ghost Recon is a series that has gone through many changes over the years. What started on the PC as a slow paced methodical shooter gradually pushed its way towards becoming something more mainstream with quicker action, over the shoulder action cams, and cover systems.
While many hardcore fans of the original Ghost Recon Series will decry the latest release of the Ghost Recon franchise for trying to become too much like Call of Duty I’ve played enough of this game to know it’s nothing like CoD and everything you would want a first person shooter to be. It’s quick like you want a modern shooter to be but also methodical and tactical like the Ghost Recon games of old.
The unfortunate side of this is how poorly supported Ghost Recon is. Honestly since day 1 it’s been plagued with just enough bugs to annoy me but not enough to stop me from playing the game. The sound often cuts out completely requiring me to power cycle my console, sometimes the graphics gets all screwed up requiring me to restart the game… just a plethora of little annoyances that Ubisoft doesn’t patch. But I digress…
I’m here to talk about the Arctic Strike DLC pack that was released for GR:FS. For 800 points you get three new multiplayer maps, a new game type, six new guns, a new map for Guerrilla mode, level cap increase, and some new achievements.
The three new multiplayer maps are all very well done with Riot probably being my favorite. A couple of them, Evicted and Skyline are quite large and left me wandering around lost until I really began to understand the layout better. But they’re great once you learn your way around and they seem well suited for all the games’ gametypes.
The new gametype, Stockade, seems like it would be a good idea but unfortunately finding anyone willing to play it is going to be your biggest challenge. I’ve only been able to play a handful of games with objectives that frankly leave everyone confused on how exactly to win. It’s a mix of eliminating enemy soldiers and performing helpful tasks… I think…? I hate to put it this way but there is no clear definition of how to win which drives players away and back towards the wildly popular Conflict mode.
The six new guns are definitely a welcome addition and really do help level the playing field for the Bodark team. Many have argued that the Ghost weapons are generally better than Bodark (these are the opposing factions). While I don’t agree with that those who do will likely find this to address their concerns.
As for Guerrilla mode’s new map it’s great and is the only actual level with snow in it. With a name like Arctic Strike you would think there would be a lot more snow. Just saying…
So is the new Arctic Strike DLC worth the 800 points or $10? If you love Ghost Recon than I would say yes. However that’s a hard recommendation to make to anyone given Ubisofts reluctance to patch their own games so unless you play this daily with friends then steer clear. Your 800 points would be better served towards some of the great Summer of Arcade titles that have come out recently.
| Pros | Great maps, weapons, and level cap increase! |
|---|---|
| Cons | Stockade mode leaves many confused |
| Verdict | A good addition to the game for die hard fans. Casual players will want to steer clear however. |
| Rating |
