Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Predator Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Predator Box Art

System: PSP
Dev: Ubisoft
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: November 16, 2010
Players: 1-3
Screen Resolution: N/A

Other people may not agree with me on this, but I actually think that there are some ways in which the game's horrible technical faults actually make it more fun. I'm a fan of the old Ghost Recon games. Predator is like a return to the slow pace and rigorous difficulty of those original games. The amazingly accurate enemies and bad controls mean that you need to scout out areas ahead of time and be cautious. This is a different way to play than the newer Ghost Recon games like GRAW and the upcoming Future Soldier, but to a select type of gamer it can still be fun.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Predator Screenshot

The most notable factor about this game is the ability to play the campaign in a three-player cooperative mode. The experience is the same, but you'll be able to communicate with your friends instead of struggling to bark orders at your AI teammates. If you've got a couple of friends with PSPs who would play with you, then this would be a much more fun experience.

It's really a shame that Ubisoft pushed this game out the door so soon. It's obvious that it shipped too early, without an adequate amount of money invested in its production. If Predator could have had another few months in development, it would have made a world of difference, and I feel confident that I'd be advising you to pick this up without hesitation rather than imparting cautious skepticism.

It's odd to see Ubisoft treating one of its marquis franchises with such disregard for quality. The game still has moments of fun, but its technical aspects are unambiguously bad. I think this game was originally slated to launch as a tie-in to the mammoth Ghost Recon Future Soldier, but now that Future Soldier has been delayed, I don't see any reason to launch this game now. It's half-baked, and it doesn't have the brand association that a major console release would draw to it.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Predator Screenshot

At just $29.99, this isn't a horrible deal. The game has a lot of problems, but the budget price helps make up for that somewhat. Ultimately, if you're a big fan of taking your shooters on the go, then Predator might have something to offer you. Otherwise, I can only recommend this game if you have a set of friends interested in paying for the game as well. If you do, then you'll have a pretty good time.

By Andrew Groen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

Graphics
The graphics are decent enough and show some cool environments, but character models are blocky.

2.5

Control
The PSP struggles to give the same kind of control the consoles offer, and doesn't quite pull through.

2.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Very typical Ghost Recon war game soundtrack, with some odd sound effects.

3.0

Play Value
This is a fun – though very sloppy - war experience for the PSP, especially if you've got PSP-owning friends to experience it with in co-op.

2.8

Overall Rating - Average
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Electronic Warfare: Use High-Tech equipment to hunt: drones, air support, and prototype weapons. Gaining experience for your eight soldiers allows customization of your Ghosts and makes them more powerful.

An Exclusive Tactical Experience: Decide what tactics are best: Use your massive firepower to eliminate powerful enemies, use the jungle to sneak behind enemies, and strike before they even know you're there.

Multiplayer Co-op: Create a rifle team with two other friends. Use flanking tactics with your teammate to outsmart the opposition.