IT’s fitting that Ghost Recon Wildlands – a game about an elite group of soldiers who fight in the shadows – has flown somewhat under the radar to become 2017’s biggest launch game.

The last mainline entry to the series, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, was Ubisoft’s most successful title of 2012. The franchise has remained quiet ever since, bar a free-to-play PC title.

Five years on we have Wildlands, which has moved away from the futuristic setting, taking place in Bolivia in 2019. The mission is simple – you are one of four elite US soldiers, aptly named ‘Ghosts’, that must dismantle the Santa Blanca, a powerful Mexican drugs cartel.

After creating your character, players are thrown straight into the thick of the action as the commander of the Ghost squad. Unlike some other open-world games the entirety of the map is open from the start. It is absolutely huge, though not particularly dense.

Players can travel around using a variety of means, including motorbikes, cars, helicopters and planes. Fast travel is also available – and essential. Skills and equipment can be upgraded and your vast arsenal can be fully customised.

To find your targets you must seek out intel, which then open up story missions. Complete enough of these and you will discover the location of your target.

The bulk of the action takes place in enemy camps. Whether you go in quiet or loud is up to you, although the stealth option is a must on harder difficulties. You can also opt to take on Santa Blanca with a group of friends, or with random players.

This does change the experience somewhat, think Far Cry meets GTA Online. Graphically, Wildlands is a little drab around the edges. The cover system also leaves a lot to be desired and the checkpoint system can be frustrating at times.

The plot is typical ‘Amurica’ drivel and some of the dialogue is laughably bad. But despite its shortcomings, Ghost Recon is a deep and fun game that may well reinvigorate this much-loved series.

RATING: 7/10

Kenny lomas