Metacritic Games

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (Xbox 360)

In 2013, the U.S. Army will implement the Integrated Warfighter System (IWS), evolving what we know as the modern soldier. IWS combines advanced weapon systems, satellite communication devices and enhanced survivability into one fully integrated combat system. The IWS program has been developed to meet these new threats head on. Now, it can be tested on the battlefield. Following an insurgence in the heart of Mexico City, the U.S. Army's most elite Special Forces team is deployed to the center of the conflict to regain control of the city. Greatly outnumbered but fully equipped with the IWS, this elite team is the first and last line of defense on the battlefield. They are the "Quiet" professionals. They are the Ghosts. Gain access to the future of military technology. Using a fully integrated combat system with cutting-edge weapons and revolutionary communication systems, gamers embody the soldier of the future. Based on actual U.S. Army research, the Ghosts give gamers a realistic view of how war will be fought in the next decade. Use the revolutionary Cross-Com, a communication device powered by satellite technology. Attached to the soldier's monocle, the Cross-Com provides full situational awareness and command of the battlefield. Command the Ghost squad and remote allied forces and drones, and direct artillery and air strikes. See what the squad sees and receive visual and auditory intel from allied forces and unmanned drones. [Ubisoft]

Ubisoft
First-Person Shooter, Action
Players: 16
T (Teen)
Developer: Ubisoft
Released March 7, 2006

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

90 / 100

Critic Reviews

100 GameSpy
This is the Xbox 360's first "Halo"-style killer app, and it's one that we'll all be playing for a long time to come.
100 Games Radar
A game of monolithic proportions... It is the best use of your 360 currently on the market and, whether you know it yet or not, the reason you bought one in the first place.
100 GameShark
It is the package that shows gameplay that can only be accomplished with next-generation hardware. Coupled with the immersive graphical and audio experience made possible with the system, the combination makes it a must-buy for Xbox 360 owners seeking a great gaming experience and a way to show off their new toy.
100 Sydney Morning Herald
To maintain the level of immersion, even the loading screens have been replaced by stunning helicopter rides, delivering you to the next mission where the action continues seamlessly.
100 3DAvenue
Everything up until now has been impressive, but nothing compares to the impact this game will have in terms of what you expect from your game playing experiences.
100 Thunderbolt
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter is stunning, exciting, fun and exhilarating to play, a great example of the 360’s power and online service and an essential title for all Xbox 360 owners.
97 PGNx Media
The game is so well made that even people not traditionally into tactical-action games will get a lot out of it.
97 Game Chronicles
But it all comes down to the gameplay and that is where GRAW really excels. Whether you are exploring the challenging single-player campaign or risking your job, family, and friends to play just one more game online, Ubisoft has created a whole new addiction that will be a tough habit to break. I’m not even going to try.
96 XboxAddict
It's notable to mention that this is the first game that allows for 16-player Co-op and playing through the Mission mode setting against enemy A.I.
96 Xbox Solution
An achievement in tactical first person shooters. Ubisoft did a great job balancing the intense action on the screen with the high tech gadgetry needed to make it through in one piece.
95 DailyGame
Some dumb AI and lack of specific unit control hold it back, but it's still amazingly fun.
95 Loaded Inc
Since the game was released I've had a cracking time with GRAW, it's a fantastic 360 title, and while I wished the single player campaign was a little longer, it does offer everything you could hope for.
95 Worth Playing
What "next-gen" ought to be. It embodies gameplay, graphics, multiplayer and style that we were expecting to see from the Xbox 360. Simply put, GRAW rounds out the total package.
95 Da Gameboyz
The graphics are superb, the sound is sharp, the campaign is engaging and the online play is great.
95 MS Xbox World
For tactical warfare fans GRAW is a must buy, the fantastic single player campaign and especially the extensive online multiplayer options will keep you coming back for more.
95 Next Level Gaming
From top to bottom, from the action to the atmosphere, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is everything you can want in a game of this genre.
95 eToychest
It is easily the best squad combat game ever released, and the fact that it serves as such a great showcase for the software-hungry 360 is just icing on the cake.
95 WHAM! Gaming
It has a great mix of tactics and action, it has a cinematic, engaging campaign mode, and plenty of multiplayer fun to keep everyone on Xbox Live happy for a long time.
95 ZTGameDomain
A visually stunning title that continues the tradition of excellence the series is known for coupled with an outstanding online component and more than enough content to keep you playing for many months to come.
95 Kombo
The single best squad-based shooter ever made, and the best game to be released so far this year.
95 Electronic Gaming Monthly
If you can overcome its fairly steep learning curve, occasional A.I. hicups, and periodic difficulty spikes, you will be floored by GRAW. It's truly a next-gen masterpiece. [Apr 2006, p.90]
95 Game Informer
Advanced Warfighter is a game I would recommend without hesitation to all shooter fans, and is easily one of the best titles in the 360 library. [Apr 2006, p.126]
94 XGP Gaming
The next generation of shooters has arrived. If you’re a fan of the series, or even if you’re just a fan of good military-style shooters, Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter is a must-buy.
94 Cheat Code Central
Taking into consideration the healthy challenge and the excellent online play, which completely eliminates ever having to attempt "Call of Duty 2's" shoddy, buggy, laggy online play, you won't go wrong with taking G.R.A.W. for a spin.
94 Gaming Target
GRAW delivers an experience that is truly memorable because it innovates in presentation, control, visuals, and because it presents a solo and multiplayer package that is compelling on both fronts.
94 Talk Xbox
Player models are impossibly detailed and each street has a gritty, lived in feel to it. Enemies ragdoll as one would expect a corpse to after being blasted with a three shot burst, and the explosions you just have to see for yourself.
94 Gamers' Temple
The most advanced military shooter available on any system, bar none.
93 Gaming Horizon
The first must-have game of the next-generation.
93 Gamer 2.0
If you have a passing interest in guns, military, the near future, Mexico, or good games, this is a must-own on all accounts. This is the first real system seller for the Xbox 360 and it’s safe to say it’s the first real game of the year candidate.
93 GameBrink
Oh and if you were wondering about the sound, well it’s amazingly just as polished as the graphics.
93 GameZone
An intense single-player campaign all the way to the very end will keep offline players yearning for more. The teammates need some sprucing up but that’s hardly an obstacle.
93 Team Xbox
Some of the best modern combat scenarios you’ll have ever taken part in. Ubisoft is not only kicking the door in with Advanced Warfighter, they are taking the whole damn building down along with it!
92 IGN
A next-generation game in the fullest sense, whether it's the loaded package of impressive graphics and special effects, the top-notch sound, or the tactically enhanced gameplay. Red Storm's four-plus months of extra time have served the game incredibly well.
92 GameSpot
Advanced Warfighter is the best-looking game to date on the Xbox 360, and it offers exceptional tactical shooting action to back up those great visuals.
92 My Gamer
Every little detail was treated as if it was solely the most important. With the devotion that the developers put into this game, each little detail comes together to form an amazingly rich and smooth playing environment.
92 Game Over Online
Easily the most complete Xbox 360 title to date, offering an intense and challenging singleplayer campaign and a robust multiplayer component that is sure to keep soldiers on the virtual field of battle for months to come.
92 Xbox Evolved
Sure the controls are a little clunky and the soundtrack is awkward, but Advanced Warfighter shines on the 360 with it's graphics.
91 Gaming Age
The game feels rushed. In spite of its obvious issues and glitches, GRAW is still a fantastic game. The presentation is incredibly realistic, dramatic and intense. The gameplay feels natural and smooth and the controls are very intuitive.
91 GamingTrend
I would like to see some of issues addressed in the inevitable sequel along with: A 2nd squad of teammates, better friendly AI, a full time on-screen compass, and an opportunity to take direct control of some vehicles.
91 Pelit (Finland)
A military shooter of the highest calibre. Mexico City is one of the most amazing environments seen in video games thus far. [Mar 2006]
90 1UP
Against a mountain of expectations, GRAW has delivered such a complete experience that it isn't just a great 360 game, but something special you'll remember for a long time to come.
90 Official Xbox Magazine
So whether you're easily dazzled by superb graphics or are itchin' for some multiplayer-lovin', GRAW scores on both fronts as an impressive new chapter in the series. [Apr 2006, p.79]
90 Stuff
Advanced Warfighter on the 360 is so beautiful, we actually dry-humped our conference room TV set. And yes, it was the closest we've come to having an actual relationship in several years.
90 Total Video Games
A fluid control system, an engrossing and immersive environment, and levels of tension so high you'll have to watch your stress levels.
90 Gamezilla!
At times challenging, and at others simply frustrating, you’ll need keen wits and grace under fire to deal with the obstacles presented in this title.
90 GamerFeed
Pushes the brand further with exciting, realistic combat action, either solo or with a squad; outstanding graphics that put the 360 to good use; and multiplayer options for both the co-op crowd and those who just want to shoot everything.
90 Extreme Gamer
Visually outstanding, a varied and satisfying single player campaign, seamless action, and sweet online features make Ghost Recon the total package.
90 RewiredMind
If you own a 360, and don’t own GRAW, then you’re missing one of the finest single-player experiences that gaming has to offer. Absolutely top notch.
90 Play Magazine
With 16 players and 16 guns blazing, the game is violent bliss, and certainly a war demanding to be fought over and over again. [Apr 2006, p.58]
90 Deeko
Despite it's exceptional visuals, the cities themselves are devoid of any people other than your enemies. I guess you can chalk this up people actually listening to the PA announcement that advises people to stay indoors.
90 games(TM)
As a single-player game it is very enjoyable, but as a multi-player Xbox Live game it raises the bar for all others to follow. [Apr 2006, p.100]
90 Boomtown
If GRAW is as well supported with extra maps and content as Ghost Recon was, this is one of those genuine cases of a game you’ll be playing until a sequel comes along.
90 Official Xbox Magazine UK
If you think you can handle the pressure, deal with the pain and put in the hours, then you'll find this one of the most frenetic, tactical and rewarding squad-based shooters ever made (despite a few annoying foibles and glitches), one that will grip and enthrall you for weeks on end - and justify the outlay for your Xbox 360 setup. [Apr 2006, p.15]
90 DarkStation
The mighty Ghost Recon series soldiers with the customary smooth gameplay, balanced AI and next-gen visuals. The best squad-based shooter on the 360 by far.
90 X360 Magazine UK
As visceral and genuinely 'on the edge' as they come. [Issue#5, p.86]
90 VideoGamer
With up to an incredible sixteen players battling against the AI it's a truly great gaming experience, providing you can get into a game that's lag free.
90 PALGN
The whole cross-com idea, while a reasonably good addition in the single player mode, is an invaluable addition to the multiplayer. Combined with the use of the marker system, communication has never been easier making it the best multiplayer game on the machine currently.
90 Electric Playground
The Tom Clancy games virtually invented the realistic shooter, and Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter moves that genre forward. If you're a fanatic for modern military action or you just like some brains behind your gunfire, you must pick up GRAW.
90 Gamenikki
Fans of the genre will easily get over 40 hours of play. Multi-player fanatics may double or triple that time frame. Simply put, if you are a fan of FPS games, you MUST add this game to your collection.
90 Xboxic
The multiplayer mode has kept me up for nights and the singleplayer campaign is equally awesome.
90 Planet Xbox 360
Killer App? It appears so! There are certainly exciting times coming up for 360 owners and GRAW can now be the flagship for next-gen titles done right.
88 Armchair Empire
Although it could’ve used an easier difficulty setting for the single player mode, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is otherwise one of the best action-strategy games to come out in a long time.
87 Digital Entertainment News
So eventhough this game isn't the horrible likes of which Ghost Recon 2 was, it's still got its fair share of flaws in how short and monotonous the single-player storyline is.
86 Jolt Online Gaming UK
A slightly fiddly control scheme, some less-than-stellar AI and perhaps the sense that the graphics could have been a teensy bit more polished are the only factors that hold this particular experience back from absolute greatness.
85 netjak
An incredibly solid game. Unfortunately, it lacks just a little bit in the AI department to make it a shining example of a perfect game, but it does begin the justification of owning a 360.
85 Xbox World Australia
If you know what you're in for then G.R.A.W. will definitely scratch your tactical shooter itch. However, if you get annoyed with fiddly controls and are not very patient when it comes to progressing through games, G.R.A.W. won't be for you.
83 Game Revolution
Though the single-player content is a few bullets short of a full clip, this package is a mission accomplished.
83 Ferrago
When the gameplay is not weighed down by the awkward squad controls (specifically when freed on Live) and the occasionally laughable AI, Advanced Warfighter's tightly confined urban combat is thoroughly impressive; and when the visuals are not compromised by poorly implemented night-vision, the graphics are astounding and far outreach anything presently available on the 360.
82 Gaming Illustrated
Good graphics trying to make up for less than par gameplay.
80 Edge Magazine
Its multiplayer component is far better suited to the game’s design potential than a singleplayer campaign that’s more the frontline rookie, dazzled and dazed by blast upon blast upon blast. [May 2006, p.88]
80 Computer Games Magazine
Complaints aside, GRAW is possible the best-produced and most engaging entry in the whole Tom Clancy milieu. [Jun 2006, p.89]
80 G4 TV
The single-player game has a few rough spots, but multiplayer is flat-out fantastic. And let’s face it; the incredible graphics don’t hurt either.
80 NTSC-uk
Sadly, as entertaining as the multiplayer game is, it suffers from some issues with random disconnections of players when things get busy, seemingly requiring a connection with a substantial upload speed to allow even 8 players to play co-operatively (meaning although 16-player co-op is possible it’s highly unlikely to come about in practice).
80 Yahoo! Games
Devotees of multiplayer shooters will lap up Advanced Warfighter; single-player gamers won't be quite as enthralled. But in either mode, it's a gorgeous and atmospheric play, and just a little more time in boot camp would have made it into something really outstanding.
80 GamePro
The visuals may be on target, but Advance Warfighter's controls in the single-player campaign bites the bullet. It's been an unfortunate and ongoing theme in the Ghost Recon series, yet the wonky control scheme still hasn't been fixed.
80 Gamestyle
And when some players will struggle to overcome the Normal default difficulty at times, the opportunity to replenish health would have been welcome.
70 360 Gamer Magazine UK
Horribly frustrating but deeply satisfying. [Issue #7]
70 EuroGamer
GRAW lets you down just when you start to believe in it, and the net result is that although it's still very good, it's simply not as polished or amazing as it should have been.

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