My fiance continues to purchase me games that I wouldn't have purchased myself. In searching for "Ghost Squad" I've noticed a few people mention it, so it's not like no one knows about it... but - I think it's own thread for a little while might be a nice notice to people who haven't tried it yet.
Because it's awesome.
It's brutally short, only 3 levels and you can probably play through in under 30 minutes. There are branching pathways so you can play the same levels a few different ways. The branches are usually followed by a specialized mission: Use a sniper rifle to take out enemies, handcuff hostages, defuse a bomb, engage in hand to hand combat, etc.
My first play through I was a little surprised at how fast I saw the credits. My reaction was "it's fun. A good buddy game, I guess" - but then I leveled up. I had no idea there was a leveling system! Next I found out I unlocked a shotgun! I then realized how many unlockable weapons there are in this game.
In under 10 seconds I went from fairly unimpressed to anxious to play immediately again.
The shot gun genuinely modifies the way you play. You can now drop two guys at once but your ammo is limited. As well, you'll have a hell of a time taking down guys at a distance as the shot spreads out.
The jungle levels are an excellent example. Certain areas will have you sweeping and leveling the bad guys like so much jungle brush. Other areas will have you cursing the assholes in the distance taking potshots at you.
This is the strongest and weakest point of the game. Everytime I unlock a new weapon I can't just put down the controller. I NEED to try the game using the Magnum 45. But some of the guns make critical portions of the game entirely too hard. Trying to take down a boss with a headshot with the shotgun might be impossible. I know it's hard... I just don't know if it's offically impossible.
So what puts the game over the top is playing with a partner and matching up your weapons to compliment each other. Because the weapons genuinely make a difference, it seems that some of them just aren't the best choice for solo play. Which, don't get me wrong, I'd much rather have genuine differences than cosmetic changes.
You can tell it's a Sega AM2 game. If your a game snob, like me, you'll notice the same patina of style that you'd find in Crazy Taxi. The Ninja Mode (you have no idea how fast I was slamming 'start' when I saw "Ninja Mode Unlocked") makes nice changes to the level textures and models so it has at bit of a feudal japan feel. It's attention to detail. If you look at it from just the right angle, in the right light you'll see a Dreamcast game that could have been.
Even right now... I can't wait to play again.
Pick it up now or when the price drops.