Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

 3DS
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Mar 22, 2011
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 49 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 49
  3. Negative: 0 out of 49
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  1. Eurogamer Portugal
    May 6, 2011
    70
    If you enjoy turn-based combat style applied to real-time strategy, then Ghost Recon Shadow Wars is an excellent choice.
  2. Eurogamer Sweden
    May 3, 2011
    70
    Julian Gollop is back with yet another masterful turn based strategy game, and if you can see beyond the weak story and the gimmicky 3D effects - that don't to much to enhance the bland graphics - you'll find a spiritual successor to his old games. Laser Squad: Shadow Wars would have been an equally good name.
  3. PALGN
    Apr 16, 2011
    70
    Much better than a lot of other Ubisoft launch offerings for the 3DS, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is a great title if you're looking for a lengthy strategy game with nice mechanics.
  5. Gamer.no
    Apr 7, 2011
    70
    It's part UFO: Enemy Unknown and part Commandos. This military game of chess is not as deep as it could have been, but still one of the strongest launch titles on the 3DS.
  6. Everyeye.it
    Mar 31, 2011
    70
    Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is a good turn-based strategy, limited by some obvious flaws. However it is definitely recommended for lovers of the genre.
  7. Pocket Gamer UK
    Mar 30, 2011
    70
    Shadow Wars is a turn-based strategy that's easy on newcomers but with enough depth for veterans of the genre to enjoy as well.
  8. GameFocus
    Mar 29, 2011
    70
    I won't lie. If Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars was simply known as Shadow Wars, I highly doubt someone would pick it up. Still, the offering is quite giving, deep and challenging enough to keep strategy gamers busy for a while.
  9. Edge Magazine
    Mar 27, 2011
    70
    An enthralling title on its own terms, and, given the bombastic direction of its Clancy-game brethren, probably the closest fans will get to true tactics for some time.
  10. IGN
    Mar 27, 2011
    70
    Despite the disappointing multiplayer options, the clichéd characters, and the sometimes repetitious nature of the campaign, the strategy gameplay of Shadow Wars is fun enough to make it a worthy recommendation for any turn-based enthusiast.
  11. Eurogamer
    Mar 25, 2011
    70
    Ghost Recon is undoubtedly a chunky, enjoyable addition to the 3DS line-up, and a slick if unspectacular strategy blast.
  12. Gaming Age
    May 11, 2011
    67
    It's no Advance Wars, but with a little more time in the oven it could have at least been more than a decent recommendation for a console launch.
  13. Gamekult
    Apr 2, 2011
    60
    Quotation forthcoming.
  14. Gameblog.fr
    Mar 28, 2011
    60
    Ghost Recon Shadow Wars will not charm you at first glance because of its poor graphics and not-so-impressive 3D effect... But the first missions will be enough to really drag you into this very nice tactical game for hours. Despite a limited AI, the game offers a simple but solid gameplay, quite varied situations, and a consistent campaign (about 25-30 hours long). A very pleasant surprise in this 3DS launch line-up.
  15. RPGamer
    Aug 19, 2011
    50
    While it might not be the most pleasant-looking game or have a ton of depth, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is still enjoyable and at its best when played in small doses.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best 3DS Game of 2011
12
#12 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2011
7
#7 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 85
  3. Negative: 7 out of 85
  1. Jugglinbob
    Mar 27, 2011
    10
    I haven't finished the campaign yet, but I'm enjoying it so far. The turn based strategy shows it's predecessors, but that's not a bad thingI haven't finished the campaign yet, but I'm enjoying it so far. The turn based strategy shows it's predecessors, but that's not a bad thing as I've always enjoyed them. The graphics work well, but this isn't the game you are going to use to showcase the 3D of the system. The only problem is this isn't the Ghost Recon that you've played before. Treat it as a new IP and enjoy it!… Full Review »
  2. decimusprime
    Mar 28, 2011
    8
    If you love srpg's or any game with a turned based strategy system, then you might find yourself happy you found this little gem! While itIf you love srpg's or any game with a turned based strategy system, then you might find yourself happy you found this little gem! While it doesn't have lots of team members to choose pre-battle it does have one kick ass team to kick ass with;-) the 3d is nice but not game changing like others with be its still pretty cool looking at the battlefield with true depth, makes you feel like a God watching the fights unfold. The story and static cut scenes are ho-hum but that's not why we play srpgs. Launching this on the 3ds launch date makes it a no brainier for tactics fans.… Full Review »
  3. muu
    Apr 2, 2011
    9
    Shadow Wars does so many things right that it is very easy to let its shortcomings slide. As a strategy game, the lack of micromanagementShadow Wars does so many things right that it is very easy to let its shortcomings slide. As a strategy game, the lack of micromanagement makes it a very good title for even those not usually into strategy titles of any sort, myself included. Being in control of a small team means you're making fewer choices, though those choices will have much heavier weight on them. This would seem like a recipe for repetitive gameplay, but the creators have gone ahead and made levels of all sorts -- search and destroy, bomb defusion, stealth missions, and hostage rescue to name a few. Combined with the return fire mechanic you get the distinct feeling that you're guiding a skilled group of ghosts through these missions.

    Where the game does fall short is the brain-dead story. Ghosts that get their cover blown due to unnecessary radio chatter, ghosts that dream of R&R on the beach... we can bury those along with the Saturday morning cartoon the scenario was obviously based on. Thankfully enough, much like a great FPS you'll forget about the story at hand when trying to help your squad survive near-insurmountable odds.

    One last thing I'd like to say: ignore the senseless 'professional reviews' that will tell you the graphics are lacking or that 3D somehow adds nothing to the gameplay. For a portable SRPG the graphics are actually _very_ well done. The 3D adds a sense of board game-like weight to the world, and makes detecting elevation changes on the fly very easy. Damage modifiers for height does exist, so this criticism is at best silly; you'll find yourself positioning your sniper well in the higher difficulties, because that extra point of damage can often make or break the mission.    … Full Review »
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