Just under a week ago, I published the first of many “Marine Corps Reality Check” editorials in an effort to try and bridge the realism gap between the average war-gamer, and the actual warfighters on the ground that play Modern Warfare for real.  The inaugural topic dealt with snipers, and how video games that depict the sniper community to this point have come nowhere close to reality, even though they are always a blast to play.  Just this morning a new upcoming game caught my eye, Sniper: Ghost Warrior, which is slated for the 360 and PC and due out in just six short days from now on June 29th.  According to City Interactive, Sniper: Ghost Warrior’s publisher, realism is the name of the game.  Click below to see if we’ve got an integrity violator on our hands, and for a full (okay, half-full) preview.

Trigger control, proper bone support, stock of the weapon snug in the pocket of your shoulder, and proper breathing are just a few of the wickets a sniper needs to hit before taking that well-aimed, precision shot.  City Interactive, who must have read my USMC Gaming Reality Check article on snipers, has created the first game that I am aware of to finally utilize a sniper’s ghillie suit the correct way: WITH VEG.  I was honestly expecting to see yet another human-sized Ghillie Monster trudging through the Amazon when I watched the official trailer, but I’m glad to see someone finally picked up on it.

Next up let’s review this guy’s marksmanship, starting with his position.  As you can see in the trailer, our sniper takes all three shots from the kneeling.  All three shots result in hits – we never see if they end up being confirmed kills, but they do take the enemy combatants down in a shower of blood.  Three shots from the unsupported kneeling, without the use of a tripod to support the gun; a pretty damn-near impossible thing to do, but then again, video games are still supposed to be fun, so I’ll give it to him.

Okay, so enough with the negativity: let’s talk tactics, or at least the official Sniper: Ghost Warrior Tactics Video.  After watching that video, I can confidently and excitedly state that this is by far the most realistic sniper game to date, and in all honesty, will likely rein as the realism/fun king until City Interactive releases the sequel.  Sure, there’s no such thing as “sniper concentration”, and Marine snipers do not get trained in the art of throwing knives, but damn does this game not only look like a blast to play, but it’s realistic as hell!

Once again, no, I am NOT a sniper.  I have commanded a Marine sniper platoon though, and I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so I do know a little.  Sniper: Ghost Warrior passes this officer’s inspection with flying colors, and to save arguably the best for last – this game is selling for only $40 dollars!  Get it in only six days, folks!  I know I will.

Full review coming soon.  Until then make Tom Berenger smile by watching Sniper, or check out a really realistic sniper movie with my boy Marky Mark Wahlberg in Shooter (that was heavy, heavy sarcasm for my Marines out there – I know you cannot shoot a 203 900 yards).