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After my first review of NCAA Football 08, I was primed to write a follow up on Madden, because year-in and year-out, no other video game generates half as much scrutiny from the American gaming public. However, after buying it and playing it, I found there isn't a whole lot to say about it past the fact that it is a lot like NCAA, except with pro football teams.

It's a good game though – so go get it.

That being said, I have good news for you! This is now a two-for-one video game review, and with one out of the way, I can get to my second game, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 (GRAW 2 from this point forward.)

First, let me start by confessing to the fact that I do not like shooter games. I hate turning corners in dark, dank, scary atmospheres with the prospect of a 30-eyed monster waiting for me just around the bend. I scream like a little girl when my brother comes up from behind and shoots me when we battle in Gears of War. It's pretty safe to say that I am a sports game guy through-and-through.

Fortunately for you, my new loyal readers, I do not write these reviews for myself. I am a man of the people, and if it means stepping outside of my comfort zone to bring you what you want, then that's exactly what I'll do.

Yep, that's a hell of a gun.

It's interesting to me that many young people these days widely disapprove of our involvement in the Middle East, but games that simulate war remain extremely popular. The game I am reviewing, GRAW 2, is the latest in a very long line of gaming titles based off the ideas of best-selling novelist Tom Clancy, whose books and games revolve primarily around taking out terrorist threats all over the world. GRAW 2 takes place in Mexico.

I'd like to note I only played this game on the Playstation 3, although I understand that the XBOX 360 version is even better. That should not discourage even the most discriminating Playstation 3 player, because this is an excellent game.

Now, let's move on to the gameplay, shall we? I have been down on PS3's overall frame rate, primarily because it really is a distraction from any game when the character's movements on screen in any game are choppy and sluggish. GRAW 2 doesn't have that problem, even when multiple characters are within your scope of vision.

As Captain Scott Mitchell, you are put through a series of missions in which taking down Mexican rebels, blowing up armored vehicles and commanding a team of soldiers to help you carry out your mission are all commonplace. Most of this is thanks to the HUD feature in the top left corner of your screen that oversees the actions you instruct your teammates to make, and even allows you to see what they’re seeing if you want to.

Something else that really impressed me was the completely interactive environment. In the training level I played when I first turned on the game (Gamer rule: Always play tutorials, never just dive into a game, no matter how excited you are to play it) I had a blast sitting on top of a building with a sniper rifle, pumping lead into some poor Mexicans' cars, only to watch their tires deflate, engines begin to smoke, and car alarms go off (not necessarily in that order) before watching the final bullet pierce the gas tank and send alternators and doors alike flying sky high.

In addition to the attention to detail, control and interaction with everything, this game is just very realistic. When looking through the scope of your sniper rifle, you only have a limited opportunity to maintain complete stillness before making a shot. Wait too long and your scope will drift ever so slightly as you breathe.

Furthermore, if you don't find cover, you're toast. Think of what you have to do in Gears, but take it to the next level. Mitchell isn't in a cartoonish, bulky suit - he's in standard military garb, and that allows you to move a little quicker with better agility. Often times when you are pinned against a partial wall or corner while waiting until the time is right to fire, you can see the bullets whizzing by your head.

GRAW 2 is a cool game. With highly responsive gameplay, an expansive and interactive environment and a team of helpful soldiers to deliver justice on unruly Mexicans, you'll have a blast – literally. And what’s next for Clancy? Perhaps a job advising the Republican Party on their immigration strategy? Let’s hope he sticks to creating exciting, entertaining games like GRAW 2.

Happy Gaming!