Mudgee
My name is Adam.
Welcome to episode 2 of my delightful review saga. If you are new around here, you can dazzle and enlighten, or broaden your knowledge of Battlefield 4 by checking out my first review:
http://ps4forum.com/32-playstation-4/1358-mudgee-pre-review-battlefield-4-a.html
I see you have an interest in what is anticipated to be the biggest selling console game for 2013. If you want to read a review which is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, then please by all means, read on.
Let's have a wonder over to the wonderful CoD franchise and have a peek at the next and newest addition to the series, Call of Duty Ghosts.
As always, here are a few facts you may or may not have known about this upcoming blockbuster...
The FPS Call of Duty: Ghosts will be brought you by Activision as the tenth main installment in the Call of Duty series, and the sixth developed by Infinity Ward. If you aren't dedicated to one particular console or gaming platform, fear not because the game is to be released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U and Xbox 360 on November 5, 2013 in the states. For our Asian counterparts, particularly Japan, you will be seeing a November 14 release. As you are all aware, and I know i'm preaching the obvious here but Ghosts will also be the first Call of Duty game available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, later in November 2013.
There are many factors which need to be considered here, if you want to see an in-depth analysis of recent footage, gameplay and features, then check out the official website on Call of Duty®: Ghosts
This however, is bias as one would expect. Highlighting all the great aspects of next-gen gaming and new world precision that only Ghosts can offer you. Apart from the razzle dazzle, shine and nicely coated finish that presents Ghosts as such a revolutionary game, the other aspects to the game seem to have fallen behind suit on this one. Whilst they have hinted at DLC packages, I won't go into that detail today.
As far as it can be told so far, there are some outstanding issues with this game that I wish to address to you, my lovely readers...
Firstly, lets look upon originality.
CoD Ghosts don't score any marks with me here, needless to say there is no originality whatsoever. Ghosts seem to have repeated a very familiar formula here, a formula that has proven to work, but still, the same formula. But wait! I may hear some true die-hard fanboys and girls cry out, 'They've included a dog this time?'. Well, I don't even know where to respond on that one. Picture it like this, you have an action-figure hero, and every year the doll is re-modelled, designed and re-sold to the consumer. But every year kids eagerly await the new doll because they add a new hat, or a new and improved gun. It's the same doll, with a different coat of paint. This is the only true analogy so far that I can give to Ghosts.
But, in light of this, the storyline is not what sells CoD. It hasn't been that way since they the original WW2 series which actually revolved a well-told story around historical facts. No, it's the multiplayer and online gaming experience which apparently sets CoD a world apart from its fiercest rivals. This however, I also believe is about to change. If you want to have a look at some of the reveal footage, click News: Call of Duty: Ghosts new multiplayer details revealed - ComputerAndVideoGames.com
Since about 2008 Call of Duty really moved into a league of its own. It became the yardstick, the benchmark of competitive online gaming that other games needed to even try and compare to. Historically in this regard, Call of Duty has done a truly fantastic job, and they were always one step ahead of their competition through enough alterations and a clever marketing team to prevail. There are certainly clouds looming above the Call of Duty franchise, and they are looming fast. I believe next-gen FPS will compete with CoD on a level that has not been seen before, from what we know so far, it already appears as though Battlefield 4 has conquered them in leaps and bounds on the competitive online map. With the same technologies, smarts and gameplay design that other games have replicated off CoD in the past, it's only a matter of time before the series loses it's throne.
I must note one positive out of this, which will put a smile on any FPS players face. The vast array of customization ability. Ghosts are allowing players to build and create their own soldier, stating something like 20,000 options to change the appearance of your hero/heroine. As expected, there are also more perks than before, now totaling 35. More importantly, a mix up of game modes, for example; Search and Rescue, Cranked: Which involves progressing abilities with kills and a countdown clock and Blitz: Which is similar to CTF, but more like a game of Gridiron, with both teams defending a 'try line' of sorts.
WEAPONS:
Below I have identified what has been confirmed so far in the weapons category, for an exhaustive list check out Weapons and Equipment - Call of Duty: Ghosts Wiki Guide - IGN
Grenade Launcher; MK32 - This is brilliant news for multiplayer as these launcher types are a particular favourite of mine.
Assault Rifles; Honey Badger, SC-2010, AK-12, FAD, CZ-805 BREN
SMGs; KRISS Vector K10, Bizon
Shotguns; Mts - 255
Marksman Rifle; IA-2 (built in sniper scope with dual render site)
Equipment; Thermobaric Grenade, Canister Bomb, 9-Bang, Throwing Knife, I.E.D. , C4, Semtex
Whilst some of these you will recognize, I believe a lot of fun will be coming out of the canister bomb and 9-bang, which do look quite amazing. As one would expect, the first few days of multiplayer on this game will be full of them, being used by players testing out their new toys.
GRAPHICS:
Unfortunately, whilst Ghosts does have a nice sheen and certain artistic flair to it, I can't find the WOW factor in next-generation graphics that I am expecting. Once again Ghosts has only made minor changes to the graphical component of the game and for me, it's just not following what I expected. Even by graphically enhancing a girl into the battlefield does not do enough for me in this regard. I'm not saying the graphics are bad by any stretch, but it has not captured my imagination. As you may have read from my last review, I think the next-generation of consoles should focus on destructible environments, a feat that has rarely been accomplished. From what i've seen so far, this feature seems to be minimal if negligent.
MUSIC:
There is one particular score in the mix that I do appreciate, I haven't heard the entirety of it and thus will not comment on it so far. I will review the Musical compositions properly once I have played through the game and analyzed further.
STORLYINE:
For me, a storyline is everything to me and really tells a consumer how hard the developers have tried. Sadly, I can only assume that Ghosts will have a similar tacky feel and narrow-minded storyline like its former heavyweights. CoD will do what it does best, try overly hard to immerse the gamer in what they think is a compelling storyline, only for it to fall flat on its face and you're left with an ending that is not only mind-boggling and inconclusive but leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. If you want to witness some trailers that can relate back to this, check out Call of Duty: Ghosts | GameTrailers
CONCLUSION:
I will be getting this game yes, but my expectations sadly are not high. I think CoD is enjoying the last of its glory days with this game, and I believe in the future, possibly after the (as annoying expected annual release of what I imagine to be Ghosts 2 in 2014) will be CoD's final hurrah. They have the big budgets and great casts to make this game a legendary masterpiece. They have an almost blank check to create something as wonderfully compelling as the Last of Us with ease. However, I fear that Ghosts will not do any of this. Sadly, once you look past all the minor additives, gloss and appeal of it being 'new and improved' you will still be left with the same old game and same old playing style as we were doing 5 years ago. I will try my best to enjoy this release when it does come out, and I have no doubts it will be fun getting in on the multiplayer action. However, this series no longer has the same affect on me, and I feel that if you do decide to purchase this game, enjoy it whilst you can, because the sun is setting quickly on this once masterful series. Every dynasty has its end, and true to its name, I believe Ghosts will be the death of the dynasty that is Call of Duty.
6.8/10
http://ps4forum.com/32-playstation-4/1358-mudgee-pre-review-battlefield-4-a.html
I see you have an interest in what is anticipated to be the biggest selling console game for 2013. If you want to read a review which is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, then please by all means, read on.
Let's have a wonder over to the wonderful CoD franchise and have a peek at the next and newest addition to the series, Call of Duty Ghosts.
As always, here are a few facts you may or may not have known about this upcoming blockbuster...
The FPS Call of Duty: Ghosts will be brought you by Activision as the tenth main installment in the Call of Duty series, and the sixth developed by Infinity Ward. If you aren't dedicated to one particular console or gaming platform, fear not because the game is to be released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U and Xbox 360 on November 5, 2013 in the states. For our Asian counterparts, particularly Japan, you will be seeing a November 14 release. As you are all aware, and I know i'm preaching the obvious here but Ghosts will also be the first Call of Duty game available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, later in November 2013.
There are many factors which need to be considered here, if you want to see an in-depth analysis of recent footage, gameplay and features, then check out the official website on Call of Duty®: Ghosts
This however, is bias as one would expect. Highlighting all the great aspects of next-gen gaming and new world precision that only Ghosts can offer you. Apart from the razzle dazzle, shine and nicely coated finish that presents Ghosts as such a revolutionary game, the other aspects to the game seem to have fallen behind suit on this one. Whilst they have hinted at DLC packages, I won't go into that detail today.
As far as it can be told so far, there are some outstanding issues with this game that I wish to address to you, my lovely readers...
Firstly, lets look upon originality.
CoD Ghosts don't score any marks with me here, needless to say there is no originality whatsoever. Ghosts seem to have repeated a very familiar formula here, a formula that has proven to work, but still, the same formula. But wait! I may hear some true die-hard fanboys and girls cry out, 'They've included a dog this time?'. Well, I don't even know where to respond on that one. Picture it like this, you have an action-figure hero, and every year the doll is re-modelled, designed and re-sold to the consumer. But every year kids eagerly await the new doll because they add a new hat, or a new and improved gun. It's the same doll, with a different coat of paint. This is the only true analogy so far that I can give to Ghosts.
But, in light of this, the storyline is not what sells CoD. It hasn't been that way since they the original WW2 series which actually revolved a well-told story around historical facts. No, it's the multiplayer and online gaming experience which apparently sets CoD a world apart from its fiercest rivals. This however, I also believe is about to change. If you want to have a look at some of the reveal footage, click News: Call of Duty: Ghosts new multiplayer details revealed - ComputerAndVideoGames.com
Since about 2008 Call of Duty really moved into a league of its own. It became the yardstick, the benchmark of competitive online gaming that other games needed to even try and compare to. Historically in this regard, Call of Duty has done a truly fantastic job, and they were always one step ahead of their competition through enough alterations and a clever marketing team to prevail. There are certainly clouds looming above the Call of Duty franchise, and they are looming fast. I believe next-gen FPS will compete with CoD on a level that has not been seen before, from what we know so far, it already appears as though Battlefield 4 has conquered them in leaps and bounds on the competitive online map. With the same technologies, smarts and gameplay design that other games have replicated off CoD in the past, it's only a matter of time before the series loses it's throne.
I must note one positive out of this, which will put a smile on any FPS players face. The vast array of customization ability. Ghosts are allowing players to build and create their own soldier, stating something like 20,000 options to change the appearance of your hero/heroine. As expected, there are also more perks than before, now totaling 35. More importantly, a mix up of game modes, for example; Search and Rescue, Cranked: Which involves progressing abilities with kills and a countdown clock and Blitz: Which is similar to CTF, but more like a game of Gridiron, with both teams defending a 'try line' of sorts.
WEAPONS:
Below I have identified what has been confirmed so far in the weapons category, for an exhaustive list check out Weapons and Equipment - Call of Duty: Ghosts Wiki Guide - IGN
Grenade Launcher; MK32 - This is brilliant news for multiplayer as these launcher types are a particular favourite of mine.
Assault Rifles; Honey Badger, SC-2010, AK-12, FAD, CZ-805 BREN
SMGs; KRISS Vector K10, Bizon
Shotguns; Mts - 255
Marksman Rifle; IA-2 (built in sniper scope with dual render site)
Equipment; Thermobaric Grenade, Canister Bomb, 9-Bang, Throwing Knife, I.E.D. , C4, Semtex
Whilst some of these you will recognize, I believe a lot of fun will be coming out of the canister bomb and 9-bang, which do look quite amazing. As one would expect, the first few days of multiplayer on this game will be full of them, being used by players testing out their new toys.
GRAPHICS:
Unfortunately, whilst Ghosts does have a nice sheen and certain artistic flair to it, I can't find the WOW factor in next-generation graphics that I am expecting. Once again Ghosts has only made minor changes to the graphical component of the game and for me, it's just not following what I expected. Even by graphically enhancing a girl into the battlefield does not do enough for me in this regard. I'm not saying the graphics are bad by any stretch, but it has not captured my imagination. As you may have read from my last review, I think the next-generation of consoles should focus on destructible environments, a feat that has rarely been accomplished. From what i've seen so far, this feature seems to be minimal if negligent.
MUSIC:
There is one particular score in the mix that I do appreciate, I haven't heard the entirety of it and thus will not comment on it so far. I will review the Musical compositions properly once I have played through the game and analyzed further.
STORLYINE:
For me, a storyline is everything to me and really tells a consumer how hard the developers have tried. Sadly, I can only assume that Ghosts will have a similar tacky feel and narrow-minded storyline like its former heavyweights. CoD will do what it does best, try overly hard to immerse the gamer in what they think is a compelling storyline, only for it to fall flat on its face and you're left with an ending that is not only mind-boggling and inconclusive but leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. If you want to witness some trailers that can relate back to this, check out Call of Duty: Ghosts | GameTrailers
CONCLUSION:
I will be getting this game yes, but my expectations sadly are not high. I think CoD is enjoying the last of its glory days with this game, and I believe in the future, possibly after the (as annoying expected annual release of what I imagine to be Ghosts 2 in 2014) will be CoD's final hurrah. They have the big budgets and great casts to make this game a legendary masterpiece. They have an almost blank check to create something as wonderfully compelling as the Last of Us with ease. However, I fear that Ghosts will not do any of this. Sadly, once you look past all the minor additives, gloss and appeal of it being 'new and improved' you will still be left with the same old game and same old playing style as we were doing 5 years ago. I will try my best to enjoy this release when it does come out, and I have no doubts it will be fun getting in on the multiplayer action. However, this series no longer has the same affect on me, and I feel that if you do decide to purchase this game, enjoy it whilst you can, because the sun is setting quickly on this once masterful series. Every dynasty has its end, and true to its name, I believe Ghosts will be the death of the dynasty that is Call of Duty.
6.8/10
