PGC NEWS

Ubisoft, after a period of navigating both new and established franchises, embarked on a significant endeavor in 2016, culminating in the release of Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands. Following the successful launch of For Honor, Wildlands represented a bold step for the publisher, aiming to deliver an expansive and engaging open-world experience within the Ghost Recon series. This marked a significant departure for the franchise, known for its tactical, close-quarters combat, raising the question of whether this new direction would resonate with long-time fans and attract new players.

A Stunning Bolivian Landscape

One of the most immediate and striking features of Wildlands is its meticulously crafted rendition of Bolivia. Ubisoft, renowned for creating immersive open-world environments, has truly outdone itself here. The vast, explorable landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, inviting players to traverse mountains, deserts, salt flats, and dense jungles.

alt: A breathtaking view of the Bolivian mountains in Ghost Recon Wildlands.

Unlike many games that use impressive backdrops as mere window dressing, Wildlands allows players to truly experience the scale and diversity of the environment. The dynamic weather system, including day-night cycles and varying weather conditions, further enhances the realism and immersion. The beauty of the Bolivian landscape is undeniable, even surpassing the visually impressive Just Cause 3. In fact, Bolivia itself could be considered the central character of the game, overshadowing even the Ghosts and the Santa Blanca cartel.

alt: Lush jungle terrain in Ghost Recon Wildlands showcasing the game's diverse environments.

Freedom of Approach and Cooperative Gameplay

Wildlands embraces a new level of freedom for the Ghost Recon series. The open-world design allows for diverse approaches to missions, encouraging players to explore and experiment with different tactics. Stealth infiltration, direct assaults, and long-range sniping are all viable options.

alt: Players strategizing in Ghost Recon Wildlands, highlighting the game's emphasis on teamwork.

The game truly shines in cooperative play with a well-coordinated team. However, playing with random players can lead to frustration due to the potential for conflicting playstyles and a lack of communication.

alt: Ghost Recon Wildlands squad members navigating the game's open world on motorcycles.

From Tactical to Free-Form Gameplay

Wildlands represents a shift from the series’ traditional focus on intricate tactical planning to a more free-form approach. While elements of strategy remain, the emphasis is on player agency and adaptability. This departure from the challenging, methodical gameplay of earlier titles like Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter might not appeal to all long-time fans.

alt: A player using a drone for reconnaissance in Ghost Recon Wildlands, demonstrating the game's use of technology.

Repetitive Missions and Enemy Encounters

One of the major drawbacks of Wildlands is the repetitive nature of its missions. The core gameplay loop often boils down to variations of infiltrating bases, gathering intel, eliminating targets, or retrieving items. This lack of variety, despite the vast open world, can lead to a sense of monotony, particularly for players invested in the long haul.

alt: A firefight in Ghost Recon Wildlands, showcasing the game's action sequences.

The enemy variety is also limited, primarily consisting of Santa Blanca cartel members and Unidad soldiers. The lack of distinct enemy types and behaviors further contributes to the repetitive gameplay experience.

alt: Players engaging enemies in Ghost Recon Wildlands, highlighting a typical combat scenario.

Technical Shortcomings and Unpolished Elements

Despite its impressive visuals, Wildlands suffers from several technical issues and unpolished elements. The world feels somewhat lifeless, with NPCs exhibiting limited and repetitive behaviors. The physics engine is also underwhelming, with unrealistic vehicle handling and clunky animations.

alt: A player aiming down sights in Ghost Recon Wildlands.

The AI is another area of concern, with enemies often behaving erratically and inconsistently. These technical shortcomings detract from the overall experience and create a sense that the game could have benefited from further refinement.

alt: A nighttime scene in Ghost Recon Wildlands with a helicopter in the background.

Conclusion

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands presents a compelling open-world experience within the beloved franchise. The stunning Bolivian landscape and freedom of approach offer a refreshing take on the series’ gameplay. However, repetitive missions, limited enemy variety, and technical issues hold the game back from reaching its full potential. While the expansive world and cooperative gameplay are engaging, the lack of polish and depth ultimately leaves a sense of unfulfilled promise.