Ghost Recon started on PC, which you might not guess given how console-focused the series has been the past few years. Well, PC gamers are finally getting some much deserved attention with a promising new free-to-player title, Ghost Recon Online. The bad news for purists: This is a third-person cover shooter. That aside, if the early demo is an indication, this is a free-to-play game worth looking forward to.
Teamwork is the focus in both of the objective-based modes to be included in the late 2011 launch. Ghost Recon Online is an 8v8 battle that's as much about on-the-fly strategy as it is sharp reflexes.
Domination mode, for example, is designed to create blockade points where one team has control of an area and is able to set up a daunting perimeter. Sure, a skilled (or lucky) soloist can get in and maybe take them out. But that won't work against a good team, who have the same reconnaissance tools and can guard against a single infiltration. You're going to have to work together to distract and flank well-guarded positions. And there are rewards both in-game and post-game for playing as a team.
There are three classes to choose from at launch -- Assault (tank), Recon (stealth), and Specialist (engineer). When teammates are within 15 meters or so of one another, they automatically buff each other. When buffing, a blue line connects players, like an invisible tether, helping to establish their locations in a firefight. Those buffs are specific to a player's class. The Assault class boosts armor for nearby teammates, Recon extends the range of intel (highlighting enemy locations), and Specialist replenishes ammo.
It's not just good to stick together, but to work strategically with your teammates. The Assault class has a special move where he whips out a shield and rushes forward in a berserker charge. It's fun to do alone, but far more effective if a buddy trails behind. It's a good option for storming an enemy defense, as both are well protected. Once you break enemy lines, you have two soldiers able to quickly take down an opponent's nest from the inside.
Post-game point tallies favor those who work as a team to capture objectives. Unlike Call of Duty's online reward system, where killing is more lucrative than objective-nabbing, Ghost Recon Online gives considerably more points for capturing and defending locations than for capping people in isolation. There are also some added bonuses for party play (sticking with your friends from game to game).
The strategy is what adds complexity to Ghost Recon Online. The controls are fairly stripped down and simple. The only deviations from the standard move keys and mouse-click aim/shoot functions are using space bar to take cover (and this works well even in the early build) and the F-key to engage a class's special ability. Along with the Assault class's shield rush, Recon can scan the area to highlight enemies in the vicinity and the Specialist can deploy an Aegis Shield to add a protective dome over a small area.
Ghost Recon Online has a persistent character system with a level 50 experience cap. Earning levels unlocks new items (armor, clothes, weapons, weapon mods, grenade types) which you then buy with in-game cash earned from playing well. Every match also ends with a loot drop. This randomized drop can net you cool things (I scored a nice ACOG scope). The better you do in a match, the luckier you are. Meaning, the more points you earn, the higher the chance of good loot.
Ubisoft promises there are no tricks or hooks to "force" you into putting money down on microtransactions. While it's not clear of all the things money can buy you in Ghost Recon Online, one thing it won't earn you is an advantage on the battleground. Real-world cash can only buy items you've unlocked. If you don't want to wait to earn in-game cash for a new scope, you can drop some real bills down instead. Or you can buy some cooler-looking versions of items. But none of it gives you any real advantage that you can't earn by playing the game.
Ghost Recon Online offers something different in the free-to-play market. And it offers something a little different for an online PC shooter. It's a free game and one worth checking out when the public beta rolls around later this year.
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