Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon series has been running on the PC and consoles for some time, so it seems only logical that it would eventually show up on the N-Gage system.  However, instead of being just another slapped together handheld game that doesn’t even come close to the console or PC version, Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm is actually a very good action game with fantastic features and great graphics.

Ghost Recon pits your squad of covert agents against a huge Colombian militia/drug cartel responsible for running a great deal of cocaine around the world.  You will progress through the game’s many stages in South America, rescuing hostages, killing terrorists, defusing bombs and completing many other mission types utilizing each member of your squad.

Controlling your squad member in Ghost Recon is a little tough to grasp at first, but after a while, you’ll get the hang of it.  You can move forward, backward, step left and step right by using the 2, 8, 4 and 6 buttons, respectively, and shoot using the 5 button.  Looking is controlled by using the D-Pad, with the “OK” button controlling the zoom function.  You can also reload, crouch, change weapons, throw grenades, position your squadmates, check your map, and more.  So, basically, you have access to almost all of the abilities from the PC version, definitely a first for a handheld game.

You have access to some great weaponry throughout the game.  Each of your squad members has a rifle, a grenade launcher and some hand grenades.  The rifles can vary between automatic rifles and sniper rifles, with a fair amount of options in both of those categories.  You can customize which weapons your soldiers use in the level, or you can simply leave it up to the game to make the right choice.

Your squad AI is sharp and responsive.  If you are ambushed by enemies, your team will be able to handle themselves, but not to the point where there is no work for you to do. Enemies are also quite bright, often hiding behind cover objects in order to get the drop on you and your team.

While the single player game is great, nothing beats playing Ghost Recon with some friends, and the N-Gage version carries this tradition nicely.  The game offers Bluetooth wireless support for up to eight players, complete with Co-op, Deathmatch, Defend, and Survival modes.

The graphics in Ghost Recon easily rank among the best on the N-Gage.  The high-resolution gun models look very good, and the 3D polygonal graphics are fantastic.  The character models are very detailed, with camouflage, gear and weapons.  The environments are even better.  Each stage boasts a phenomenal amount of detail, with cars, benches, houses and realistic textures adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.

The sound is also extremely well done.   The weapon sounds are accurate and clear, and footfalls are audible.  The voice effects whenever you shoot an enemy or issue an order are also very good.  The music is typical fare for a Tom Clancy game, very militaristic.

Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm is a rare feat for a handheld game.  Not only does it faithfully represent the PC series on a handheld, but also manages to be a great stand alone title that any action fan would enjoy.  If you have an N-Gage, then you owe it to yourself to give Ghost Recon a careful look. 

Gameplay: 9.0
Ghost Recon gives you a surprising amount of control and depth for a handheld title.  You can do nearly all of the actions you can in the PC version, which is a feat in and of itself.  The AI is impressive on both the friendly and enemy fronts, and the missions are varied and give you a lot of ground to cover.

Graphics: 9.2 
Ghost Recon’s graphics are easily some of the best on the N-Gage.  The characters and environments are fully 3D, detailed with nice polygon effects and a copious amount of detail.  The weapon models are even presented in high detail and look great.

Sound: 9.2
The sound effects are clear, with realistic weapon sounds and great voice effects.  The music also sounds very good, typical of a warfare game.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 9.0 
Ghost Recon does a superb job of representing the series on the N-Gage by giving gamers a great amount of control and great action gameplay.

Multiplayer: 9.5
The multiplayer mode is rich with features, enabling you and seven of your closest friends to play a variety of modes, including Co-op, Deathmatch and Survival.  

Overall: 9.2
Ghost Recon is a great representation of the PC series, as well as one of the best games on the N-Gage.