GROUND BRANCH
" Tactical FPS with deep weapon customization and realistic gunplay but outdated graphics and AI issues "
GROUND BRANCH Review
GROUND BRANCH is a tactical military shooter praised for its deep customization and realistic gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate the extensive options for weapon and operator customization, allowing for a personalized experience akin to a military dress-up simulator. The game emphasizes tactical, unscripted gameplay, appealing to fans of military simulations and those who enjoy slow, methodical missions.
However, the game remains in early access with noticeable issues such as inconsistent AI behavior, sound bugs, and graphical limitations. The enemy AI is often criticized for being either too predictable or unfairly difficult due to perfect enemy awareness. Despite these flaws, the developers are active and responsive, regularly updating the game and engaging with the community. The game’s potential is widely recognized, but many players feel it needs further polish and content expansion to reach its full promise.
Players find the game rewarding when played cooperatively, though solo play is hampered by AI shortcomings. Overall, GROUND BRANCH offers a unique and immersive milsim experience with room for growth.
Highlights
Players highly praise the extensive customization options, including weapon attachments and operator gear, which set it apart from other tactical shooters.
The realistic gunplay and tactical gameplay receive consistent commendation, offering a challenging and immersive experience.
The game’s unscripted and open-ended missions provide replayability and engagement for fans of military simulations.
Active developer support and a passionate community enhance the game’s ongoing development and content updates.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include poor and inconsistent AI, with enemy and friendly AI behavior frequently described as lacking intelligence or balance.
Players report bugs and audio issues, such as missing footsteps and hit registration problems, undermining immersion.
The graphics are considered dated and in need of improvement to meet modern standards.
Some players find the game’s difficulty and time-to-kill mechanics frustrating, citing unfair enemy awareness and one-shot kills.
Slow development pace and lack of matchmaking or player base size are also noted as drawbacks.
Pros
- • Extensive weapon and operator customization options enhance player immersion and personalization.
- • Realistic and tactical gunplay mechanics provide a challenging milsim experience.
- • Unscripted missions allow for flexible tactical approaches and replayability.
- • Active and responsive developers regularly update and improve the game.
- • Great cooperative gameplay, especially with friends, adds to the fun factor.
- • Varied maps and mod support increase content diversity and longevity.
- • Minimal microtransactions and fair pricing praised by the community.
Cons
- • Enemy and friendly AI behavior is often unintelligent or unbalanced.
- • Audio bugs such as missing footsteps reduce immersion and situational awareness.
- • Graphics are outdated and lack polish compared to modern titles.
- • Hit registration issues and inconsistent magnified optics frustrate players.
- • Time-to-kill mechanics can feel unfair due to perfect enemy knowledge.
- • Slow development and infrequent updates frustrate some players.
- • Lack of matchmaking and small player base limit multiplayer experience.
Rating Criteria
From one of the developers behind the original Rainbow Six® and Ghost Recon® games, comes a thinking-man's first-person shooter featuring in-depth character and weapon customization. Take your time. Think ahead. Get the job done.