14 DAY TRIAL // Ubisoft's free-to-play shooter Ghost Recon Online has been renamed into Ghost Recon Phantoms and will get a full-fledged launch via the Steam service on April 10 for the PC platform, bringing massive changes to the original formula.
Ghost Recon games in the past have delivered some pretty great shooters with a wide array of futuristic weapons, gadgets, and abilities for the combatants.
Ubisoft launched Ghost Recon Online last year as a beta project and it attracted around 5 million players who wanted to see if the free-to-play experience is worth their time and, potentially, their money.
Now, Ubisoft has confirmed that Ghost Recon Online will be renamed into Ghost Recon Phantoms in order to reflect the new identity as well as signal a big departure from the core recipe of the original title.
More specifically, the name emphasizes the protagonists of the new title, which are renegade members of the Ghost Recon team, who've taken the Phantom designation and want to pursue their own goals.
Besides the name change, quite a lot of different aspects of the game have changed, from the visuals, to the design of the three different characters classes, and much more.
"This new identity comes with a slew of new changes and features. Even the game’s graphics have been overhauled with different level design and lighting. There are now new character classes, new gear and plans for even more following the launch of the popular free-to-play tactical, third-person shooter," Ubisoft said.
The new art direction borrowed from current warfare prototypes for weapons and other items in order to portray a realistic experience in the new game.
Ubisoft has also listened to feedback from players and has made changes to the matchmaking system, as players will be paired up with others of similar level, skill, and gear, so those who don't pay anything won't be dominated by those who spend money on the game.
A special Mod Master and weapon camo system are set to appear at launch but, so far, Ubisoft's team is still putting the finishing touches on them.
Other features are also coming after launch, as the company wants first to test them out with members of the community.
"Post-launch the team will continue to develop new features and weapons to keep the gameplay dynamic. Currently the team is fine-tuning tactical insertions and smoke grenades, which are being tested in large scale playtests by the community before being released in-game in the near future."
Ghost Recon Phantoms will debut next month, on April 10, via Steam for PC. You can check out a few comparison shots with the visual improvements in Phantoms below.
