Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Desert Siege builds on the methodical, squad-based action of the original Ghost Recon by throwing players into a high-stakes African theater. You lead a four-man fireteam of U.S. Army Green Berets tasked with keeping vital shipping lanes open after Ethiopia’s invasion of Eritrea. Each of the eight new single-player missions places a premium on planning, communication, and the right weapon selection for the situation at hand.

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The expansion introduces nine new weapons, from the suppressive M-60 machine gun to the long-range precision of the M98 sniper rifle, giving players more tactical flexibility than ever before. Before each mission you’ll tailor your loadout—choosing between stealth-oriented gear for infiltration or heavier firepower for open combat. The weapon handling feels weighty and authentic, rewarding careful aim and team synergy over run-and-gun tactics.

Multiplayer fans will also appreciate the two new modes, Team-based Siege and Domination. Siege tasks teams with alternating offense and defense, capturing or holding key objectives, while Domination turns every firefight into a grab-and-hold war for control points. Both modes retain Ghost Recon’s trademark emphasis on communication and coordination, making every round a tense struggle where one well-placed grenade or strategic flank can turn the tide.

Graphics

Despite being released as an expansion pack, Desert Siege leverages the already solid graphics engine from the 2001 original and refreshes it with new environments that capture the harsh beauty of the Horn of Africa. Sweeping desert vistas, rocky mountain passes, and dusty border villages feel distinct and immersive. The muted color palette—with tans, browns, and dusty reds—reinforces the arid climate, while occasional bursts of green foliage or shimmering water provide welcome visual variety.

New lighting effects, particularly at dawn and dusk, heighten the mood during night-time raids or early-morning reconnaissance. Muzzle flashes and tracer rounds cut through the darkness with dramatic flair, making firefights feel cinematic yet grounded. Texture work on the new weapons is crisp, and the animations for reloading or weapon swaps remain fluid, ensuring the action never feels jarring.

Character and vehicle models maintain the series’ reputation for realism. Enemy troops move with military precision, take cover intelligently, and react dynamically to your approach. Even with the hardware limitations of the era, Desert Siege’s visuals stand the test of time, proving that strong level design and atmospheric detail can outshine pure graphical horsepower.

Story

Set in 2009 against the backdrop of a sixty-year conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Desert Siege plunges players into a rapidly escalating crisis. When Ethiopia invades Eritrea and chokes off Red Sea shipping lanes, the United States mobilizes its elite Ghost Recon unit to prevent a humanitarian disaster. The stakes are clear: restore open trade routes, secure aid convoys, and de-escalate a war that could spiral out of control.

The narrative unfolds through concise but effective mission briefings, in-game radio chatter, and debriefing cutscenes between scenarios. While the storyline doesn’t break new ground in terms of character development, it provides just enough context to make every op feel consequential. You’ll sabotage enemy supply depots, escort vulnerable convoys, rescue captured aid workers, and neutralize strategic artillery positions, all while piecing together the broader political tensions at play.

Though Desert Siege’s story is compact, it hits the right notes for a tactical shooter expansion. It keeps the focus squarely on mission objectives and military authenticity, avoiding unnecessary plot detours. For players who appreciate a clear, mission-driven narrative with just enough geopolitical intrigue to stay engaged, this expansion delivers on every front.

Overall Experience

Desert Siege stands out as one of the finest expansion packs in the Ghost Recon lineup. By offering a mix of challenging new solo missions and endlessly replayable multiplayer modes, it extends the life of the base game without feeling like a simple add-on. The variety of mission objectives—ranging from stealthy infiltrations to all-out firefights—ensures that no two hours of gameplay feel the same.

Fans of tactical shooters will appreciate the added weapon choices and refined map design, both of which emphasize strategic thinking and team coordination. The new multiplayer modes strike a balance between accessibility and depth, making them perfect for groups of friends or competitive online matches. Even if you’ve already clocked dozens of hours in Ghost Recon, Desert Siege provides fresh challenges that will test your squad’s mettle.

Ultimately, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Desert Siege is a must-have for any fan of the original game or for newcomers seeking a robust, squad-based tactical experience. With its gripping African conflict setting, polished visuals, and finely tuned gameplay, Desert Siege delivers an engaging expansion that keeps the Ghost Recon series firing on all cylinders. Whether you’re storming border forts under the desert sun or battling for control points in multiplayer, the Ghosts prove once again why they’re the tip of the spear in modern tactical shooters.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10