Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms

 PC
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Aug 15, 2012
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 276 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 144 out of 276
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 276
  3. Negative: 87 out of 276

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  1. PunjiStick
    Sep 7, 2012
    10
    This is a game with a STEEP learning curve. GR:O is almost completely reliant on tactical game-play, teamwork, and unit-cohesion to win games. Currently in open beta at the time of this review, Ubisoft is doing a fantastic job moving Ghost Recon: Online in the correct direction.

    This game is DEFINITELY worth a try, especially given it's a free to play game. Most players will attempt it,    This is a game with a STEEP learning curve. GR:O is almost completely reliant on tactical game-play, teamwork, and unit-cohesion to win games. Currently in open beta at the time of this review, Ubisoft is doing a fantastic job moving Ghost Recon: Online in the correct direction.

    This game is DEFINITELY worth a try, especially given it's a free to play game. Most players will attempt it, not understand it, and get frustrated. It's not your typical CoD knock-off shooter, and takes some adaptation and patience to really be competitive in-game.    … Expand
  2. berkay1122
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    Alright this reviews are out dated. game is completely changed from A to Z. specialy graphics. because it looks perfect right now. also gameplay is still unique itself. i really enjoying with this. its not pay to win but if you pay like around 50-60 dolar you can start with better weapons and gears etc. BUT the fact is at some point a free to play player can reach that level too (10 levelAlright this reviews are out dated. game is completely changed from A to Z. specialy graphics. because it looks perfect right now. also gameplay is still unique itself. i really enjoying with this. its not pay to win but if you pay like around 50-60 dolar you can start with better weapons and gears etc. BUT the fact is at some point a free to play player can reach that level too (10 level = 3 or 4 days depend your activity) and this is not a mmorpg game so gear doesnt mean everything. SKILL > MONEY this is another fact. so give a chance and play. trust me this game is fun.… Expand
  3. LQTLKT
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    Probably the best tactical shooter ever made. Outstanding! Everyone should give it a try. Even people that usually dont like TomClancy games (as i ) should give it a try. Especially movement and cover functions are very unique and unseen in shooter games.
  4. ccam
    Aug 12, 2014
    8
    This game, free to play, it might be the successor of Counter Strike; tactical and teamwork based. Controls and graphics are really nice.
    Recommended.
  5. Bahger
    Sep 7, 2012
    9
    This is an absolutely superb PvP shooter, with really strong weapon handling/performance, map design and movement and cover mechanics. It is also very well-managed and not pay-to-win. It's not for everybody, though; hardcore, steep learning curve, much humiliation until you get in the groove. Best online shooter, either coop or PvP that I've played in years.
  6. FreedomTaker
    Sep 7, 2012
    8
    This game is an unbelievable amount of fun. When you get a good team (and good opponents), a Control Points match can become a heated battle that gets your heart racing and forces a smile onto your face, and in Attack and Defense there is rarely a sure thing. Everything goes so smoothly- sliding into cover, activating a device, pole vaulting over a bit of cover- the animations are smootherThis game is an unbelievable amount of fun. When you get a good team (and good opponents), a Control Points match can become a heated battle that gets your heart racing and forces a smile onto your face, and in Attack and Defense there is rarely a sure thing. Everything goes so smoothly- sliding into cover, activating a device, pole vaulting over a bit of cover- the animations are smoother still. The graphics are high quality but don't require a high-end PC. The sound is great (nothing quite as satisfying for the ears as gunning someone down with an SMG), although in-lobby music is boring and repetitive. Fortunately, thanks to a growing player base and recent work on matchmaking, you won't have to stay in the lobby for long. As a game, it's great. Weapons are fair, gameplay is objective focused, and while there are few maps (so far) they all allow for everyone to play in their chosen style.
    Unfortunately, it's these chosen styles that can turn a potentially great match into a dull one. Many people decide their play style is simply to camp. This is made all the more easy with powerful sniper rifles being available at a cheap price. This means that people can just hang back while a small handful of soldiers move forward to capture the point and get into actual, incredibly satisfying fire fights (thankfully though, I've noticed less and less people camping in recent times).
    All in all, a great game with great gameplay, that is occasionally (albeit very rarely) let down by camping soldiers, sitting at the back and expecting their team to finish the game. Thankfully, when people aren't camping, this can be one of the most intense and satisfying games that I have played in a long time.    … Expand
  7. Tully__
    Sep 8, 2012
    8
    This is easily the most pleasant online shooter experience I've ever had. The gameplay is smooth, weapon balance is good, maps are well crafted and work well for both teams. There is a lot of challenge to do well and the rewards system is carefully crafted to reward and encourage team play.
    Players new to tactical shooters will find they have a lot to learn, but supporting your team and    This is easily the most pleasant online shooter experience I've ever had. The gameplay is smooth, weapon balance is good, maps are well crafted and work well for both teams. There is a lot of challenge to do well and the rewards system is carefully crafted to reward and encourage team play.
    Players new to tactical shooters will find they have a lot to learn, but supporting your team and playing aggressively without being careless will see you winning matches fairly regularly.

    The game is still in its early days and could do with a few more maps and a firing range to try out weapons and attachments before purchase, but on the whole I've found the entire experience to be very rewarding.    … Expand
  8. Thuzzwoob
    Mar 3, 2014
    9
    This Game makes a lot of fun!!!! Perhaps you came (like me) from shooters like Battlefield or CoD. Because then this Game will teach you tactical game-play and it will have you fun at this.
  9. Sivea
    Jan 13, 2014
    8
    Ghost Recon Online is a high quality title for a free to play game. One of the best Free to Play games I have played. The game is not your typical free to play, boring snooze-fest of uninspiring work. This game changes that and brings hope to the Free to Play genre itself. I do not understand how people can say that this game has a steep learning curve. I have played some previousGhost Recon Online is a high quality title for a free to play game. One of the best Free to Play games I have played. The game is not your typical free to play, boring snooze-fest of uninspiring work. This game changes that and brings hope to the Free to Play genre itself. I do not understand how people can say that this game has a steep learning curve. I have played some previous Ghost Recon games before, but not for a while. When I played GR:O, of course I was not a straight veteran MLG pro quality player, but I felt right at home when playing this. It is a personal interest, a game that is right for me.

    Starting with the aesthetics, the game looks great. A very well polished game overall, perhaps the (second) most polished F2P game other than Team Fortress itself. Animations look great, not absolute perfect AAA quality, but near there. Better than some AAA blockbuster games though. One thing about the game are the guns. The guns also look very nice, they feel and handle well, all feeling unique as well as having a nice variety to spray your enemy with lead. You can customize your weapons to your liking, most attachments are side-grades. There are also 3 types of each gun, each having their own trade offs to suit your style and different situations as well. Personal customization isn't the greatest, but it's still there if you care enough about it. The biggest issue about the game is the new tier system they offered. This system has almost ruined the game and made it a grind. Before this system, you can rank up your character, and buy any gun as long as you were high enough in rank and credits. With the new Tier system, you have to buy every single gun below that tier, in order to get the gun that is the highest tier. A major turn off for everyone. You will be spending more credits on guns you won't need than the guns you do need.

    Gameplay is very solid, as compared to any other F2P game, it is superb. The game is cover-based which adds a large amount of tactics required. It is recommended that you stay close to your teammates as they usually provide extra perks from their upgrades. You can see thins "futuristic" beams that pair you with your teammates, a nice design to implement. Character speeds feel just about right, your speed also varies on your armor and which upgrades you have installed, same with the guns. You can choose between 3 stances, the typical, standing, crouching and prone; you can also toggle these different stances while taking cover, each providing more cover than the other, depending on the situation, as well as more accuracy and control for your gun. To add more tactics to the game itself, there are 3 classes: Recon, Assault, and Specialist. Each having their own unique and strategic advantage.

    As a Recon, you are an infiltrator, or a sniper, you can either cloak or detect enemies (Oracle).

    As an Assault, you push the front line, you can charge with your shield (Blitz) and bash enemies over or use your microwave emitter (Heat) to damage enemies in cover and prevent them from being able to attack.

    As a Specialist, you provide that special ability to either shield yourself (Aegis) as well as your friends from taking damage (unless enemies are inside the shield) or you can disable enemy components (Disrupt) and charge in to make a push and clear enemies.

    When using your gun, you can either hip fire, or aim down sights. The game is in third person, but the transition between third person and first person is very well executed.

    As far as I know and have been playing, there are only 3 game modes available:

    Conquest - which is similar to Attack/Defend of Team Fortress, you must attack one point and which ever team captures it will change the maps progression.

    Onslaught - This game gives both teams the opportunity to attack or defend each round. There are 2 points that one team must defend simultaneously , when both points are lost, the defending team must protect the 3rd point which becomes active.

    Holdout - There is only one capture point that both teams must fight over, which ever team has the point at the end game wins.

    When you begin your game, matches are the best, they are downright fun (at least I have found them to be). Like other games, once you are no longer in the novice rank, you will be put up against skilled players and matches become frustrating when your team is constantly getting wiped on the battlefield.

    The maps are very linear, resembling Team Fortress's style, which is not a bad thing. The reason why this is good is that a well designed linear map creates a front for a team to fight on; a war-zone where the team must work together and push as one. So fights are more organized and aren't a death pit such as Call of Duty as well as other games.

    Overall, this is a very well polished Free to Play title. If you like tactical shooters, this game is definitely worth giving a try.    … Expand
  10. TC_Blaze
    Apr 12, 2014
    10
    Ghost Recon is an amazing game if you enjoy a good tactical shooter. This probably is one of the best free shooters on the market at the moment. Overall 9.5/10.
  11. badazzz
    Apr 12, 2014
    10
    This is a game for the tactical, thinking team. If you like to be strategic, analyze the situation, coordiante with your team and WORK TOGETHER, this is the game to end all games. Two thumbs up!
  12. Lenonater47
    Apr 19, 2014
    9
    A lot of these bad reviews don't give this game justice. Many people here aren't understanding what free to play is.

    As a game its got really really smooth and flexible controls. The defaults are a little weird but you can change them to what you want. The gunplay is solid and has some good mechanics. Like giving a slight critical shot bonus to players aiming without moving. So their    A lot of these bad reviews don't give this game justice. Many people here aren't understanding what free to play is.

    As a game its got really really smooth and flexible controls. The defaults are a little weird but you can change them to what you want. The gunplay is solid and has some good mechanics. Like giving a slight critical shot bonus to players aiming without moving. So their first shot has a chance of dealing cortical damage. This also prevents quickshotting close range snipers. A sniper acts like a sniper but he can help his team with a scan or choose closed instead to help his team flank around somewhere. Each class can have a cool ability thing that can help the whole team. For example the assault can have a riot shield which has about a 2 second deploy time then you sprint forward fast and knock people down on the ground while your team shoots them all lying on the ground. Or take a shotgun with you bash someone down swap to your shotgun and blast the hell out of them.

    The cover system is great too. Spacebar by default is the cover button which I don't like (I play RO2 and spacebar is the vault button). But you can change it to whatever you want. But you can be in 3 stances while in cover which is awesome. Going prone in cover looks cool.

    The camera can go a little funny sometimes and not be where you want it that needs a little bit of polish.

    The graphics look good for how well it runs. It run so bloody well. Many people have been complaining about graphics. This is a competitive game and competitive gamers don't care about graphics. Though it still looks rather pretty for how it runs.

    Pricing wise its cheaper than planetside 2. You can also unlock every gameplay related its with earned currency. Only things like camo or helmets cost real money. But $5 can get you a primary weapon, a secondary weapon and a helmet. And if you are good you can get the in game cash pretty fast. They also give you a generous amount of starting cash and starting equipment. Level up once and you will get a few more items.

    Also the matchmaking problems that many have been complaining about have been fixed.

    This is a hardcore game relying on tactics ad proper thinking instead of mindless shooting. If you are some mindless Cod player who pushes two buttons to win you are gonna get thrashed in this game. It has a learning curve. Its not for whiny children.

    And its in no way pay to win you can do perfectly fine with the starting gear. And unlock things easy.    … Expand
  13. namila007
    Apr 23, 2014
    10
    Great tactical shooter games.You cant win a round without team play and you have to use the cover system .(no run and gun) There're 3 classes and each one having 2 different devices.you have to use at the right time and move forward.Play it and decide.
  14. Starbreaker01
    Apr 24, 2014
    10
    Hands out the best game I've ever played it has the FPS feel but its a TPS I've never loved a game so much until now. For a game to be free, its really good and I would recommend that you play it, you'll be addicted to it
  15. honkongphooey
    Sep 7, 2012
    9
    Ubisoft has genuinely come up with something different. For anyone who likes tactical shooters this is a very good game with slick controls & spot-on audio. It's a team-based game so lone-wolves need not apply, and when the teams are evenly balanced it's tense and exciting. Hopefully more maps & content will come as they move to full launch.
  16. lzdr
    Sep 7, 2012
    9
    Fans of GRAW and GRAW 2 will be reminiscing some awesome moments in this free to play, third/first person shooter. The game is still in beta, but already is showing polished mechanics and an excellent cover system. This is a tactical shooter and requires heavy collaboration with team members to be successful. They have a great VOiP to make this seamless. They are currently addingFans of GRAW and GRAW 2 will be reminiscing some awesome moments in this free to play, third/first person shooter. The game is still in beta, but already is showing polished mechanics and an excellent cover system. This is a tactical shooter and requires heavy collaboration with team members to be successful. They have a great VOiP to make this seamless. They are currently adding content as we speak and new arctic maps will be out shortly, this game seems to be managed on the lines of an MMO and carries over some of those characteristics. This will likely be a big hit with pro-gamers or anyone that likes intense FPS and likes to use their smarts to out-wit the enemy.… Expand
  17. GrandJudge
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    I recommend everyone at least try this game out (it's FREE.) If you are having trouble early, keep at it. Pretty steep learning curve. Playing with a group of friends is the best way to have fun, it is extremely team/tactical based. This is the farthest game from being p2w, everything you can buy with money can be bought with the free in game currency, and you get to keep all weapons andI recommend everyone at least try this game out (it's FREE.) If you are having trouble early, keep at it. Pretty steep learning curve. Playing with a group of friends is the best way to have fun, it is extremely team/tactical based. This is the farthest game from being p2w, everything you can buy with money can be bought with the free in game currency, and you get to keep all weapons and armor you purchase, it is not rented. As more content is added, I can see this being a real competitive game.… Expand
  18. Sonox
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    Awesome game. No Pay2Win... You need good tactics and skills to win... There gonna be so many new Updates for example a Snow-Map-Mod and new camouflages! GJ Ubisoft
  19. leozaure
    Aug 31, 2012
    10
    Very nice TPS, very tactical and smart, you really should try, it's free ! ;) The content it limited but it will be more in a few time (they are only 4 maps and no armor customisation yet)
  20. Loki2612
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    No other shooter provides such a good team experience. The cover system is incredible and the game is really tactical. It's hard in the beginning, but then super rewarding.
  21. CU-Aleks
    Sep 8, 2012
    9
    I so like this TPS, many articles of customization and weapons, only 4 maps but the fun is here! (and one more map on the Septembre 12th :D) Can't put a 10 beacause nothing is perfect (like MK16 = sniper...)
  22. Cortexian
    Sep 8, 2012
    9
    This is one of the best Free2Play shooters I've played to date, and it helps that it was designed exclusively for PC (with plans in the future for WiiU). The controls and camera feel perfect for a PC system, and the cover system is extremely polished.

    It's not a Pay2Win game at all, and the map designs work very well with the existing game types. The game encourages high levels of    This is one of the best Free2Play shooters I've played to date, and it helps that it was designed exclusively for PC (with plans in the future for WiiU). The controls and camera feel perfect for a PC system, and the cover system is extremely polished.

    It's not a Pay2Win game at all, and the map designs work very well with the existing game types. The game encourages high levels of communication and teamwork, though the learning curve is quite steep. If you're a player that likes to concern themselves with Kill:Death ratios than expect to have terrible ones when you first start out. The game rewards players for playing the objective, not just for killing the enemy team (unless you're exceptionally good at killing the enemy team).

    Not rated 10 due to the current lack of content, and a few more issues that need to be polished. Unfortunately the game hasn't been advertised as much as possible either, and due to this the game is currently lacking in population. I highly recommend checking out this game though, the more players it has the better it will get!    … Expand
  23. Medibee
    Sep 7, 2012
    10
    This is a fantastic free to play game that is the least pay2win f2p ever. The game play is fast and fluid and the guns are varied and fun. With the new arctic pack coming out soon this is game that you must play.
  24. serial_
    Sep 7, 2012
    10
    GRO is a breath of fresh air in the shooter genre. Too many games focus on destructible environments, vehicles, and bucket loads of bloom. Ghost Recon Online focuses on the most important thing that too many games today forget about until a month before launch: The Gameplay. What it may be lacking in the number of bullet points under its features list, it more than makes up for with highGRO is a breath of fresh air in the shooter genre. Too many games focus on destructible environments, vehicles, and bucket loads of bloom. Ghost Recon Online focuses on the most important thing that too many games today forget about until a month before launch: The Gameplay. What it may be lacking in the number of bullet points under its features list, it more than makes up for with high standards and quality of what really matters.

    People claiming it's a "camping game" don't understand cover-based shooters. It's not camping if you're advancing from cover to cover while assaulting an objective; it's tactical. Most people I've met who didn't like the game didn't stay with it past a few rounds. The game has a steep learning curve and you either push yourself to learn to play or you load of the latest re-skinned enumeration in the CoD franchise and plug yourself back into the meat grinder.

    This isn't CoD. Don't expect it to be. You need to work as a team, communicate, and focus your effort on the objective. If you just want to drop MOABs on people and run headlong into claymores after instantly respawning, then this probably won't quench your thirst.

    But, if you're sick of CoD and its bajillion clones, then you're probably hungry for something like GRO to sink your teeth into.    … Expand
  25. Kerbouchard1224
    Oct 29, 2012
    10
    Ghost Recon Online is a very in depth tactical experience. I (as a paintball lover) found this to be just as tactical and unforgiving as a competitive paintball match. I do reccomend to play with at least one person you know, for a solid reliance upon each other. As far as camping goes, teamwork eliminates that problem (if anyone wants to work together). The F2P system is the best I haveGhost Recon Online is a very in depth tactical experience. I (as a paintball lover) found this to be just as tactical and unforgiving as a competitive paintball match. I do reccomend to play with at least one person you know, for a solid reliance upon each other. As far as camping goes, teamwork eliminates that problem (if anyone wants to work together). The F2P system is the best I have ever seen, allowing anybody who has the patience to understand the game to be rewarded. Yes, run and gun will get you killed, so if you love COD and it's the best game in the world, avoid this game like the plauge. Any real fan of Ghost Recon Future Soldier will enjoy this due to it's numerous combat improvements and it's . I highly reccomend this game for any paintball player or a serious tactical gamer. If you are new to the genre, be patient. You will learn to love it.… Expand
  26. zaphwoarang
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    Tons of fun, excellent cover system, superb team play experience, unique class abilities, great maps. Cool weapons/ customizations, great community, A get-away from COD and Battlefield, a free triple A title. What more can you ask for...This game is the next big thing for shooters!
  27. Kale
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    Extremely smart and engaging game, with a higher skillcap and better teamwork mechanics than any other shooters I've played. My only real concern with the title is that it's so completely not pay-to-win that I have no idea how Ubi is going to make any money with this exceptional free-to-play.
  28. gamer27997
    Oct 27, 2012
    9
    the game is like ghost recon future soldier but free 2 play .Also graphics, combination in weapons, equipment is fantastic. a very good imitation of ghost recon future solder. one thing i have to say for this game....excellent job GRO team...
  29. Boux
    Feb 13, 2013
    10
    FINALLY a good multiplayer tactical shooter. The shooting mechanics in this game forces you to take a tactical approach to every situation. It takes a lot of time to become accurate when aiming down the sight so you can't just 360 quickscope. Because of these mechanics you have to have people who do cover fire for those who try to push back the front line. CoD style run and gun will notFINALLY a good multiplayer tactical shooter. The shooting mechanics in this game forces you to take a tactical approach to every situation. It takes a lot of time to become accurate when aiming down the sight so you can't just 360 quickscope. Because of these mechanics you have to have people who do cover fire for those who try to push back the front line. CoD style run and gun will not work in this game, you have to use teamwork. The weapon customization is also incredible. You can fine tune every gun you have as much as you want. And these weapons feel GREAT. None of them feel like peashooters. Great game, try it, it's FREE.… Expand
  30. aegisaeon
    Jan 16, 2014
    10
    This game is definitely worth a try! And not to mention it is going on Steam soon and its F2P !! You will get addicted by the gameplay as it differs from the normal FPS shooters of today.

    Highly recommand it if you are a fan of shooters!
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
43
#43 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. SpazioGames
    May 19, 2014
    65
    It's basically the same game as Ghost Recon Online but with not so many more maps: a third person shooter that aims to be tactical without being able to provide fun for more than a few hours. It deserves to be tried only because it's free and nothing else.
    Read full review
  2. Edge Magazine
    May 16, 2014
    70
    Classes and skills are well-balanced, and even though you’ll cycle through the small map selection quickly, they offer enough possibilities to stave off fatigue until Ubisoft adds more arenas. With more modes and maps, Phantoms would be a formidable offering, but it’s worth dipping into until then.
    Read full review
  3. Gamereactor Sweden
    Apr 30, 2014
    70
    Considering this is completely free to play, Phantoms has a lot to offer in terms of tight controls, nifty cooperation and a neat ranking system. Given the fact that it will keep evolving, it looks like fans will have good reason to stay.
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