By Travis Johnson
This is, as the kids say, very meta: a documentary based on the true stories that inspired the plot and setting of the upcoming tactical shooter, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands. The interplay between truth and fiction here is dazzling.
Produced by Ubisoft and narrated by Marching Powder author, Rusty Young, Wildlands “…provides a fascinating insight and wider context to the inspirational themes in the videogame, further highlighting the incredible lengths that the Paris based development team has gone to in order to create a truly believable setting.”
We’re a long way from Pong, folks. Still, this does look fascinating. According to director, Colin Offland, “We spoke to the people who know the drug trade better than anyone else; iconic characters, from either side of the law, who have defined this continent’s notorious image. The war on drugs is a complex one and we give viewers unprecedented insight to the people who have shaped this landscape, enabling a better understanding of a global issue which affects us all.“
Among those interviewed is former trafficker, George Young, who was played by Johnny Depp in the movie Blow. Add to that a SEAL operator and a cartel assassin, and you at least get the impression that they;re going for balance here. Whether any of this is in good taste is for the viewer to decide – it’s certainly a first, that’s for sure.
The documentary is scheduled for a March 6 release, a day before the game’s cross-platform launch.
