Ghost
Floaty but effective
In my original version of this page, I was none too complimentary about the Ghost, saying that I found it way too floaty and unstable to enjoy much. Certainly it's slow to respond to control, which can be a bit frustrating, and it's also rather easy to accidentally overturn. However, nowadays (as I belatedly update the page in October 2023), I must say that I'm a lot more appreciative of it, and have been for a long time. Used carefully it's pretty effective and can be highly enjoyable, especially when tackling large numbers of enemy troops, such as in the tower zone megabattle (see BCM468 for example).
Anti-Ghost tactics
Most weapons will soon start a Ghost smoking nicely. However, going for the pilot may neutralize the threat quicker, and leaves the Ghost usable if you're interested. Ghosts are rather susceptible to tagging by plasma grenades, which can be quite easy at close quarters, though you'll obviously be running a risk if out in the open. A fast-exploding frag grenade on the ground is another option.
If you're in a Banshee, you can get the Ghost pilot ejected with a blast to the side of a fin. If you're in a Ghost, your opponent should be no match for you. For example you can circle him whilst maintaining your aim and piling in the plasma. He's slow to rotate and shoot back.
Lethal Marines
Because Marines have a nasty habit of clambering into Ghosts and then running you over, which can be a touch annoying, you may sometimes like to grenade Ghosts beforehand so they're overturned (though only certain Ghosts are used by Marines). Neither Marines nor Elites can right an overturned Ghost to use it.
Stealing a ride
Something you may not have realized is that you can make a Marine dismount from a Ghost by getting close and hitting the 'X' button when alerted on the screen. You can then take over if you want. But it's a bit risky getting close of course. Try it with the first Ghosts in level 5 if you want to check; that's where I eventually noticed the possibility (I happened to be next to the Ghost when a Marine jumped in).
Raising the nose
Holding the 'A' button causes the nose to raise, which can help you get over higher obstacles. It's also handy for stopping the nose untidily scraping against sudden rises, for example when navigating the up-and-down tunnel flooring in the underground bridge section of level 5.