christiangamer

I am currently playing Call of Duty 4 for Xbox 360 more than any other game. So I thought I should start with this title for my first review. Let’s start with single player:

SINGLE PLAYER: If it had no multiplayer mode whatsoever, it would still be a worthy addition to your 360 library. The single player story is an intense and adrenaline-producing romp through a not-so-impossible world-crisis scenario that has you jumping back and forth between U.S. Marine and British S.A.S perspectives. It’s gameplay is sublime. It’s story is powerful a (my mouth was on the floor at least four or five times). It’s technical merits are incredible. I love this game. If you like military-based shooters, I imagine you will too. There is a decent amount of content that warrants the title’s M for mature rating; but we’ll save that for the content section.

MULTI-PLAYER: This is in my opinion, the best online multi-player game on any system (ever). There are some technical problems that the developer Infinity Ward still needs to iron out (some party-dropping issues, and an invitation error that still pops up); but aside from those somewhat aggravating problems, the game is pretty much perfect. When you first step into a match you will feel very much like the new kid going through boot camp, but tread on soldier and you will be rewarded. The game has a class-based level up system swiped straight out of the most addictive role-playing game you can imagine; and it’s not just for a fancy rank or level. You get rewarded with new weapons, new perks for your class, and more. You have quite a few game types to choose from; a meticulously balanced game to get your competitive juices flowing, and 55 levels and numerous challenges to compel you to never look at another shooter again. In short it could be the perfect game, if only it were as compelling offline as it is online:

MULTI-PLAYER OFFLINE: as in LAN party options? NOPE – Not really viable at all. You can system link like in Halo, but only one player per 350 dollar Xbox 360???!! Bummer. You can split screen up to 4 on one 360 (no system link) for some free for all or 2vs 2; but you cannot take guests with you online on Xbox LIVE ala Halo 2 or 3. To top all of that madness off; you don’t get any of the leveling-up or customization options that you get online. Darn shame, because this game could very well top Halo 3 as LAN party king if it weren’t for these grievances.

CONTENT: This game is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. The content in question is violence and language, but far more potentially damaging (in my opinion) for young eyes and hearts is the intensity of the story. In the single-player campaign you are treated to a very well-crafted scenario told in an unflinching and brutally realistic manner. I won’t spoil any specifics; but in the real world the game tries to portray: Good guys die, bombs blow up, and friends don’t make it. In one scene towards the beginning of the game you witness an execution from the perspective of the victim. It’s not really gory or distasteful, but man it is intense. There is a little animated blood, and swearing that would get a PG rating from the movie people. It’s the intensity and realism of the story that gets and deserves the M rating. Parents should check it out before buying by renting it or viewing some online video footage (I’ll see if I can find some for you).

BOTTOM LINE:

• Could be game of the year for story and action
• I can’t quit the multi-player
• Awesome graphics
• Perfect gameplay
• May be too intense for teenagers

Christiangamer Score:

Content: