I'm curious about what you all think; I know Magnum has signed up for a tour of duty...

I got my Beta code yesterday, downloaded the game and played for about three hours. Here are my first impressions:

- Tactical vs. "Run and Gun":

Most mature FPS gamers (self included) do not want to compete in twitchy, reflex-shooters against over-adrenalized teenagers. Although that contingency is well represented in GRO's player population, significant effort has been made to limit their freeedom to Rambo through the maps. The sniper class has an effective defensive gadget that will inhibit reckless forward movement of most over-eager assaulters and cover is plentiful and effectively rendered. Good HUD SA, including virtual tethers to teammates and positional markers, make it possible to progress through the maps with some semblance of tactical movement and cohesion. The maps are somewhat linear (this is not "open world" by a long shot) but they do allow for flanking and effective use of cover.

- Maps, equipment and atmospherics:

I'm finding the ambiance of this game to be pleasingly military, even with the futuristic elements. This is because the maps are properly scaled for SpecOps fireteam-sized CQB operations, and the effectiveness of all weapons is very tied into the (well executed) physics of player movement (exertion/stance, etc.) and individual weapon choice/upgrades. Some people have complained that the starter weapons have so much recoil and/or limited optics that they are getting mulched in every game by better-equipped players but I find this to be a legitimate and effective way to make you learn the basics. Production value in the maps is impressive, with terrific, spatial, sound, high-quality lighting and good, cinematic effects that do not detract from tactical gameplay.

- Limitations

There are lots of these. At the moment you cannot choose which map you want to play on, or which game mode, for that matter (unless I am misunderstanding something). There are no, nor will there ever be, player-hosted servers. Of course, this goes against the grain for those of us who discovered multiplayer combat gaming via the PC and it's exacerbated here by a very busy, even intrusive level of top-down supervision by Ubi. However, there are in-game voice comms and other evidence of a serious attempt on Ubi's part to make this game both tactical and rewarding of teamplay. To its credit, the game is enjoyable even when it's each man for himself, because so much effort has been put into team SA that you'd have to be a moron not to take advantage of where your teammates are in the battle and what they are seeing.

For the first time since the innovative Spies vs Mercenaries MP mode in Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, I feel there is a level of imaginative gameplay innovation here that can engage the tactically-minded player while not short-changing the dedicated FPS gamer. For this reason I'd be interested to find out if any of you here at SimHQ are in the Beta and if so if you'd like to form a fireteam dedicated to tactical comms and gameplay. I'm way too long in the tooth to join a clan but the Beta is good enough, in my opinion anyway, to justify a little effort at real team-based gaming.

I got my code yesterday going to download today. Noticed that there is an end date to my beta though, are they all limited beta codes?

I've been in beta for a while and it's changed quite a bit but I really like it.

How would you summarise the changes, Mace? I've only been in Beta 2 but am eager for 3, it's really very good.

Never able to get in to GR online because of that dumbass Uplay crap... sign in, tells me to update my B-day, i do... but then it never accepts it... so I gave up. UBISOFT SUCKS and so does there Uplay crap. IMO

You're right, Magnum, it's bloody awful. But if I can be of any assistance in helping you resolve your issues -- which, in all fairness, do not seem widespread -- I'd be happy to, as GRO is worth the effort. I suspect GRO will suit hardcore MP tac-gamers a great deal more than GRFS MP. Just a hunch.

unless you work for Ubisoft... not sure how you can help them ACCEPT my B-day update. lol

Have you tried contacting their tech support? I know it's a pain, and possibly even against your principles but a connoisseur of tac shooters like yourself should not be denied the opportunity to play this.

yes, no reply.

and after just playing GRFS on 360... I may never want another Tom Clancy title...ever. lol

What's wrong with GRFS?

EDIT: NVM I just read your comments in the console forum. Doesn't bother me as I am all for the future tech stuff as it's heading that way IRL.

don't we have enough action shooters? Sure it's not as action as, say, COD and BF... but come on, it falls further away from tactical with each release... and now the options to turn off all that BS are gone too. Hey, if you like it...good for you... but I have enough action, feed me down a tunnel games... I want TAC SHOOTERS!

But if that is the way that battlefield tech is going then it will be simulated in games.

I must say it the SP did look a little more story-led and action oriented than previous GR games but I like the overall look and feel from videos. MP looks good to me too.

I will call in a favor or two and make all best effort to get you sorted if you can tell me you're still interested in playing it.

if I can get in, I'll try it out for sure. (but if it's like the GRFS MP... I probally won't stay long... it's good... for what it is, just not what I like.