Tag Archives: Infinity Ward

Features, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One

What’s Right and What’s Wrong with Call of Duty: Ghosts’ Single Player

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Infinity Ward’s latest shooter, Call of Duty: Ghosts, hit the shelves this week and has again proved a big success, although not to the same degree as previous titles. There’s been a drop in sales, albeit one which could be explained by players waiting for next-gen versions later this month. The critical reception has taken a hit too though as the series dips into the ‘dreaded’ yellow zone on Metacritic with a current average of 75 instead of the usual 80-90 range.

Much of the criticism has been aimed at the game’s single player element, which is surprising, given that Infinity Ward should know what they’re doing by now. Have they become lazy? Are we expecting too much? Have our tastes changed? Or do we just want to get on with the multiplayer?

Well, today let’s tackle the single player side of Ghosts, by looking at what’s strong and what’s wrong with it. My experience and thoughts are based on my recent complete playthrough of the campaign on the PS3.

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Call of Duty: Ghosts Free Fall Map is a GAME Exclusive

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“Look, We’re Knocking Down Skyscrapers Too!”

That’s what this trailer for the Free Fall pre-order DLC incentive seems to be shouting, as Activision try to muscle in on Battlefield 4’s key multiplayer feature, massively changing environments in multiplayer maps. To be fair, Call of Duty: Ghosts’ new map looks like a hell of a lot of fun too.

Infinity Ward’s Mark Rubin, is pretty excited about the new map: “It [the new map] introduces our new mechanic, dynamic maps – this idea of bringing that sort of cinematic single player experience to multiplayer. You’re playing in a building that is falling over and is wedged between two other buildings. The floor you’re on is actually the glass windows from the side of the building so you see this world in a very topsy-turvy sense as it’s plummeting down to the streets below.”

The pre-order map will be available from multiple outlets in the US. European console gamers face a one-store exclusive policy in each territory though, with Game being the only option for UK gamers. Tease yourself with a trailer after the break and decide if you want to put your money with the big purple one. Continue reading Call of Duty: Ghosts Free Fall Map is a GAME Exclusive →

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Underwater Stage and Riley the COD Dog Gameplay Debuted for Call of Duty: Ghosts

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The live gameplay reveal for Call of Duty: Ghosts has just been shown giving gamers an early look at what the press are going to see at E3 in a few days’ time.

The demo begins with an underwater section that resembles many of the stealthy follow missions in previous Call of Duty games. You follow your AI partner around some highly detailed reefs, populated by schools of fish and apparently not-that-hungry sharks. The demo was running on ‘next-gen hardware’ but some of the finer detail was lost due to the live stream nature of the feed. We’re sure a shiny HD version of the demo will emerge over the next few days though.

After another bit of stage chatter, we finally get to see the COD Dog in action, or should I say, Riley. Infinity Ward have named the canine after his namesake in a few previous Call of Duty titles. I know, I thought  they were going to go for Price too when they mentioned pleasing fans.

Riley looks awesome though, and we’ll be able to directly control him. This is reasoned-out by him having a pop-up camera mounted on his back and vibrating sensors behind each ear telling him which direction to move in. The German shepherd can be sent to silently dispatch lone targets. Well, silent apart from their terrified screams.

Commands can also be issued, but this may be something the AI takes care of. Upon cracking the glass in a window, the AI partner simply says ‘search’ and Riley smashes through, alarming a group of guards inside before the door suddenly explodes in slow-motion with one enemy soldier flailing to stop Riley eating his face and the others barely even noticing your presence in what appears to be Ghost’s version of a ‘breach’ assault.

The demonstration closes with an impression of the E3 arena’s 120-foot screen showing a montage. Sadly, this looks very thin on your laptop or TV as they try to cram in the whole image.

Just in case you missed the presentation on your Machinima App on your Xbox 360 because it crashed (well worth £30 a year, Microsoft), here’s a link to the replay on the Call of Duty site. Just skip the 30-minute countdown to get to the presentation. We’ll bring you a YouTube link as soon as possible.

It may only be a glimpse, but we’re looking forward to the November 5th release date already.

First Person Shooters, PC, Platforms, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Review)

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After Modern Warfare 2, Infinity Ward seemed to be in deep trouble. An overly public spat with Activision led to the loss of numerous staff, leaving the studio’s fate in the balance. Even during development of this game, they’ve had to put up with heckling from the suddenly very cocky Battlefield brand.

They have stepped up in spectacular fashion though. With reinforcements acquired in the form of Sledgehammer Games, they’ve brought us a stunning example of hi-octane warfare yet again. It’s loud, it’s brash and a little bit insane. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

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First Person Shooters, PC, PlayStation 3, Reviews, Xbox 360

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Review)

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The game that has been looming over the Christmas release schedule is finally here, after most of the competition has fled for a release early next year, leaving you plenty of time to clean up online.

The first Modern Warfare wowed shooter fans with its gripping story scenes and peerless multiplayer, and you should prepare to feel the love again. There are a few flaws in the single player game but they’ll fade into memory soon enough as the multiplayer experience dominates Modern Warfare 2. Continue reading Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Review) →