drtyepic has 1 chronicle

1. CoD4 online
   

   Player Chronicle -- Posted on Dec 29 2007

   Call of Duty 4 Online
   
   
   
   As I’ve been putting so much of my time (well, about 12 hours to be more precise) into Call of Duty 4 online multiplayer, I thought it would be nice to do a short, succinct, and possibly sexy review of CoD4’s multiplayer (just for the record, there will be nothing sexy about it at all…unless you’re into that kind of thing).
   
   
   
   

   
   
   
   
   Counterstrike was the last online FPS multiplayer I ever really through myself into, and similarities between it and CoD4 are inevitable, despite the two games being essentially different. Whilst there is tactical edge to both games, with an emphasis on speedy bursts of play, CoD4 encompasses a more fluid style, one that is far more accessible to newcomers.
   
   
   
   To the contrary you would expect and unforgiving difficulty curve, especially considering the lack of experience and equipment you have first going into a game. CoD4 uses a unique (to online FPS multiplayers, at least) leveling up system. So when you first begin, you have very few weapons, upgrades and perks to choose from. In order to unlock such items you must gain XP to level up, which is done by killing the enemy, completing objectives, or completing certain challenges. It provides a wonderful driving force behind the actual gameplay, and will keep you coming back for more. The fact that you start so empty-handed may be daunting at first, but even if you aren’t the greatest player, persistence is constantly rewarded.
   
   
   
   This is not to say that the game is a breeze. The fact that warzones are unpleasant places to be is constantly reinforced during the unremitting chaos of the battle. Weapons feel tangible and terribly lethal from both ends of the barrel, and a single bullet can kill with ease. It is almost alarmingly satisfying to hit a distant target with a precise shot and watch him convincingly collapse to the ground. When the tables are turned return blasts will violently shake the viewcam, and just a few hits will leave you perilously close to death. This prevents accurate retaliation and enforces clever use of cover. It creates a flow to each game, and presents a level of feedback that is quite remarkable.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   With the exception of one or two levels CoD4’s maps are crisp in both design and appearance. The terrific amount of detail and balance with which they are refined belies the simplicity of their structure. It won’t take you long to decipher the way around a new map. Although not all the maps are fantastic, but even the worst do a good job of preventing camping by ensuring you can always be seen from any angle; nowhere is safe for long. The result is heart-stopping entertainment merged with compelling tactical action.
   
   
   
   True, there are no massively orchestrated set-pieces such as you’ll find in the campaign, but this is its charm. It is the skirmishes that you and your friends make yourselves on each battlefield that provide the action, and every match feels like something out of a Hollywood movie. Shots ricochet off walls, burnt debris floats past in the wind, dirt and dust fall after every grenade explosion. It’s not a huge leap of the imagination to envision yourself in a scene straight out of Black Hawk Down.
   
   
   
   While the visual impact of the environment may be the most distinct feature that draws you to CoD4’s multiplayer, the more you play the more you’ll find yourself committed to the mechanics of the play, not the manner in which it is packaged.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The whole thing feels very finely tuned. Kinetically and intuitively CoD4 online is a triumph. When played at the top of its level it is a game of structure and precision, a fundamental aspect hidden under the layers of anarchy. A thrillingly unforgiving multiplayer with a compelling ranking system and stream of unlockables, CoD4 is a truly great online experience, and one which fans of the genre would be amiss to ignore.
   
   
   
   9/10
   
   
   
   Right, I’m done. I’m off to play some CoD4.[/b]
   
   

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drtyepic has 1 comment on this chronicle.

1. BEN
   Posted On Dec 29 2007

   Nice work here Dirty! I posted this bad boy to my FaceBook and Dugg it as well! If you have account one there, you should do the same
   
   
   
   Check the connections out at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=645195076 and http://digg.com/users/GathrngofGamers