Ghost Recon 2 – Xbox & PS2 Differences News

Rumours last week suggested that Ghost Recon 2 would offer a distinctly different experience on the Playstation 2 compared to the Xbox version, as Ubisoft today released an official announcement on the subject.

Whilst few specifics are known as of yet, we do know that the Playstation2 version is currently in development at Pandora Tomorrow creators, Ubisoftâ??s Shanghai Studioâ??s, and will be built right from the start using the Unreal engine â?“ marking the first title in the Tom Clancy franchise to be created exclusively for the Playstation2. The game will also include the rare appearance of real-time physics in a PS2 title, courtesy of the Havok physics engine.

Meanwhile the Xbox and PC versions will be developed at Red Storm Entertainment, who built the Tom Clancy brand into what it is today and were responsible for the first two Rainbow Six titles. The Xbox and PC versions will make use of Red Stormâ??s proprietary Ghost Recon engine instead of the Unreal engine favoured for the PS2 version â?“ no specific details on this have yet been released.

Interestingly the Playstation2 version will act as a prequel of sorts, taking place four years before the Xbox version and setting up the course of events for that title.

Florence Alibert, marketing director for Ubisoft EMEA quoted "Ghost Recon benefits from some of the most committed fans in the industry. We're grateful for that and we're showing them some love by developing two different games for XboxT and PlayStation2 this holiday season. Whatever the platform, Ghost Recon 2 will immerse gamer in the chaos of modern war, whether in single player or in multiplayer. Where the original Ghost Recon's featured award-winning multiplayer levels, its sequel will be second to none."

The move could be looked upon from two different angles, with one positive outlook suggesting that it will result in Xbox and PC versions not being handicapped by the restraints of a PS2 version; whilst the cynical suggests itâ??s a clever way of selling two titles based on one release.

Weâ??ll bring you more information soon.