Finally it is here! A title made that is all about the pew pewing. But how does it stack up against the other recently released pew pewers? Is this the one that trumps them all or is it another quick port to get some cash?



Ghost Squad Sorry, this is the best I could find on a quick search online.




Trailer


Platform(s): Wii
Publisher/Developer people: SEGA
Players: 1-2 (campaign), 1-4 (Party Mode/Training)
Price: $29.99


Plot: The GHOST (Global Humanitarian Operation and Special Tactics) Squad is a specialized troubleshooting platoon of soldiers that operate in a similar fashion to Rainbow Six. Based in the United States and operating under the authority of the United Nations, they conduct high-profile missions while subsequently leaving no traces of their passing.
[Copy Pasta via whiteboy / kobewan / darksideofgaming's favorite site]

Terrorists arise so you have to take them out!


Review: Straight up, this is a Light Gun (LG) game. There is no denying it, there is no arguing it. But that isn't a bad thing, especially when it is so ironed out. Probably the number one concern here is whether the gameplay and aiming will be spot on. Rest assured that it is there in tact.

Yes, the aiming is good. It is probably the most accurate Wii game there is. It wasn't until this game that I noticed there is possibly a SLIGHT lag in Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and Link's Crossbow Training. Part of the reason behind this is the aim adjustment in the options. Let me stress that point go to the options and adjust the aim immediately. I didn't try it before but I do know that the end result was accuracy bliss. The other games have you point at the center of the screen and fire to adjust the aim, this title has you aim at two corners of the screen. It actually makes some sense in a way but regardless just knows that it works like a charm.




Another thing about the gameplay is the controller. This title is made for the Wii Zapper. If there was ever a reason for the Zapper, this is it. You don't need it but it helps you stablize your shot. A common gripe about this "shell" is the trigger is in the front. SEGA thought this game through and let's you change up the controls so the "Z" button becomes the trigger. It almost feels like you are holding the same gun from the arcade, almost.

The aiming is solid but what are you firing at? Enemies that haven't been updated from the arcade it is ported from. Yes, if you weren't aware, the game is said to be a "faithful port" from the arcade. After playing both, I agree that this is a port. The only thing that was different was the location you play at and the "controller" although that is similar. You got the power-ups, two-player mode at anytime, and the sometimes blocky characters. So if you aren't a grafx wh0r3 and don't need to see the beads of sweat on your enemies, I think you should be fine.




The only downfall in this game is the "length." The game only has three missions. That is it. They can be finished quickly but along the way you will notice different paths mid-mission and at the end of each mission, if you successfully beat it a harder difficulty and maybe even different paths will be unlocked. Alternate paths and difficulties are the replay value. Each of the three stages have 16 levels of difficulty which are individually increased. Currently I am on level 8, 5, and 9 if I remember correctly. If you don't complete missions or the final task, nothing will be unlocked but you move unto the next stage.

Levels of difficulty is kind of like saying "replay this level only using a pistol" to some including me. But that is why other stuff is unlocked. There are 25 weapons and 14 costumes to unlock. Along with that and as I said before, there are multiple paths. These range from shooting from a different angle to rescuing hostages. That might not seem like much but some paths actually lead to completely new areas you haven't been before. More you play, more you unlock, more to play. Plus, who doesn't want to run around as a Cowboy, Cop, or Chuck Norris* as you shoot the baddies?

I would comment on the Party Mode but I haven't touched it. I have done a little of the Training and it is simply a shooting range or practice going through an area and shooting terrorists. It can be turned into a contest since it will allow additional players to join and shows who has the best score.

Lastly, it was reported there would be online co-op which turned out to be false. The only online function here is an online leaderboards. This isn't a total loss cause it is fun to see how far you have advanced. I got up to around #150 in the Regional boards and #2112 in the Worldwide boards last time I checked. Those crazy Japanesers are really good at this game!


Conclusion: Despite the limitations of soley three missions, this is a LG gun at its finest on the Wii. If you are a LG fan and own a Wii, there is no reason you shouldn't be heading to BestBuy ($20 for Zapper) to pick up a Zapper and this game ($30) at this moment. Unless you are at work which means you should take a lunch break or go immediately after work. You will come home to zapping goodness that is fun and addicting.

I must break the top 100 and top 1000! Will you?


My Rating: 8.0 - A MUST for Light Gun fans, short but a blast to play, and how can you beat $30?





*Note: Chuck Norris doesn't actually appear in the game but a character "costume" that looks similar to the kickin', punchin' master does!