Ubisoft’s Ghost Recon series has been a popular choice among tactical shooter fans for years. With its focus on realistic military operations and cooperative gameplay, the franchise has built a dedicated following. In 2017, Ghost Recon Wildlands was released, offering an open-world experience set in a sprawling Bolivian landscape. While it received mixed reviews, some fans were left wanting more. Ubisoft took the feedback to heart and released Ghost Recon Breakpoint in 2019, promising to address the issues and deliver a better experience. As a long-time fan of the series, I was eager to see if Ghost Recon Breakpoint lived up to the hype. After playing the game extensively, I can confidently say that it is indeed a step ahead of Ghost Recon Wildlands in various aspects.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Ghost Recon Breakpoint introduces several gameplay improvements that set it apart from its predecessor. The most notable change is the introduction of survival elements, where players must manage their stamina, hydration, and injuries. This adds a layer of realism and strategic planning to the game, as players need to take these factors into account while planning their missions and engagements.
The gunplay and mechanics have also been refined in Ghost Recon Breakpoint. The shooting feels more precise and responsive, with improved weapon customization options that allow players to tailor their loadout to their play style. The addition of a prone camo feature allows players to blend in with the environment, making stealthy approaches more effective. Another significant improvement is the introduction of a class-based system in Ghost Recon Breakpoint, where players can choose from multiple classes, each with its unique abilities and playstyle. This adds diversity to gameplay and encourages team coordination and strategy, making the cooperative experience more dynamic and engaging.
Storyline, Characters & Graphics
Ghost Recon Breakpoint boasts a more immersive and captivating storyline compared to Ghost Recon Wildlands. In Breakpoint, players are tasked with infiltrating a remote island owned by a rogue ex-Ghost named Cole D. Walker, portrayed by actor Jon Bernthal. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the character development is more nuanced and compelling, with Walker serving as a formidable antagonist. The supporting cast of characters in Ghost Recon Breakpoint is also well-written and memorable. Players interact with various NPCs who offer missions, provide valuable information, and add depth to the story. The emotional stakes are higher in Breakpoint, with the player’s character, Nomad, dealing with personal challenges and facing tough moral dilemmas.
Graphically, Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a significant improvement over Ghost Recon Wildlands. The game features stunning visuals and realistic environments, with detailed textures, lighting, and weather effects that enhance the immersion. The island of Auroa, where the game is set, is a visually diverse and breathtaking location, ranging from dense forests to arid deserts to snowy mountains. The technical performance of Ghost Recon Breakpoint has also been improved, with fewer bugs, glitches, and performance issues compared to Wildlands. The game runs smoothly, and the loading times are noticeably faster, providing a more seamless experience for players.
The Takeaway
As a fan of the Ghost Recon series, I was initially disappointed with Ghost Recon Wildlands. However, Ghost Recon Breakpoint has redeemed the franchise in my eyes. With its refined gameplay mechanics, engaging storyline, improved graphics and technical performance, and a host of other improvements over Ghost Recon Wildlands, it is a step ahead in every aspect. The addition of survival elements, class-based systems, and diverse gameplay options make it a more immersive and tactical experience, while the engaging characters and well-crafted storyline add depth to the game. Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to listening to player feedback and delivering a better experience for fans of the series.
In conclusion, if you were disappointed with Ghost Recon Wildlands like I was, I highly recommend giving Ghost Recon Breakpoint a try. It has addressed many of the issues of its predecessor and offers a more polished and enjoyable gameplay experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Ghost Recon series or new to the franchise, Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a worthy addition to your gaming library.
