Advanced Warfighter delays Recon until 2006

Ever since the Xbox 360 was officially announced, gamers have been wondering which games would be available for its launch. Microsoft recently rattled off a partial list of games that will be available for the console's debut, and two other publishers, Take-Two Interactive and Activision, announced their intentions to deliver nine games for launch. None of the announced games have been surprises, as several were among those first announced for the system.

One game that has been showcased from the get-go is Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Many believed the game would be available for the 360's launch, or at least be ready in time for the holiday season.

Gamers gearing up for a little Christmas warfare will have to settle for a Valentine's Day massacre instead. Ubisoft today announced that all versions of Advanced Warfighter will now ship in February 2006.

In a statement today, Ubisoft explained the reason for the delay. "The additional time devoted to the development of this title will enable the game's development teams to optimize the application of Xbox 360 technology. The delay of the release date will not impact Ubisoft's revenue forecasts for the fiscal year."

Advanced Warfighter sees a fighting force of extraordinary magnitude go south of the border to Mexico City in the year 2013. The game will also feature a unique cooperative campaign set in Nicaragua.

The game will be released on the GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, and PC. For more information on the game, check out a recent chat with one of the game's developers at X05.