An Elite 'Recon' Fighting Machine

The war is on in "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter." (Ubisoft)

A title that hits right out of the box in all areas -- graphics, gameplay, sound and replayability -- happens rarely. The latest in the Tom Clancy series is one such title. "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter" is everything one could hope for in an action title. If you've held off on purchasing an Xbox 360, hesitate no more, this game alone is worth buying the system.

Players take on the role of Scott Mitchell, captain of the elite Ghosts -- a light-infantry unit. The game opens in Mexico City, where the U.S. president is attending an economic summit with the Canadian prime minister and Mexican president. When Mexican rebels, led by a rogue general, attack the leaders, the prime minister is killed and the U.S. and Mexican presidents are taken hostage. Now it's up to you and your team to get them back.

The single-player campaign is spread across several missions -- such as performing basic search-and-destroy scenarios, escorting VIPs and taking out enemy installations. Although a handful of missions will have you going in solo, most of the time you'll lead a small group of fighters. Your squad mates are a rifleman, a grenadier and a support gunner.

You also have access to other support units, including Apache helicopters, APCs, tanks and Black Hawks. There is even a recon unit that will scan unknown areas and seek out enemy units.

If you want to see what the Xbox 360 is capable of, watch this game in action. Without question, it is the best-looking game on the system. Period. From superbly animated player models to incredible environments and lighting effects, I haven't seen a game look this good in a long time.

But if you want to truly enjoy "Warfighter," you have to go online for some of the best multiplayer action ever. Played on Xbox Live, players can join games with as many as 16 players in both adversarial and cooperative modes. You can even play with 15 friends against 16 computer-controlled opponents. With large maps filled with numerous hiding and sniping spots, no two multiplayer games are the same. Bottom line, this mode rocks.

"Warfighter" has everything you're looking for -- beautiful graphics, killer sound, wicked gameplay and endless replayability. The level of polish is astounding. We always hear about "next-generation games" and what they're supposed to be like. "Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter" is next- generation and then some.

-- Tom Ham

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Teen, Xbox 360 ($59.99) Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment