The specter of war
Set in thecontext of a global economic crisis, several South American oil producing states band together to form the Federation, a new superpower that will use its dominant position to turn against the United States. Call of Duty: Ghosts clumsily tries to strike a chord using this plot line by telling the story of two brothers and their German Shepherd who find themselves engaged in a battle to reclaimtheir homeland, despite themselves.
A pretty uninteresting solo campaign
Like its predecessors, the single player campaign in Call of Duty: Ghosts gets its cues from the cinematic extravaganza that hits viewers between the eyes in the first few minutes of play. It really does explodein all directions: bullets fly, blood spurts, and it's a real assault on the senses, with no time to catch your breath. The single player campaign leaves very little room for interaction, which is pretty strange for a video game.
If it ain't broke...
Trigger addicts canrest assured, Call of Duty: Ghosts doesn't drastically change their beloved multiplayer mode.
Among the new features, there are 14 new maps, the ability to slide on the ground, a new customization system with nearly 20,000 different options, female avatars, 7 new game modes, and 20 new Killstreaks (bonuses that reward thenumber of enemies killed) one of which isthe war dogs.
As is common for the series, Call of Duty: Ghosts doesn't leave muchroom for tactics. Rather, the player's reflexes, memory, and skillswill be rewarded.
Visible strings
I tested Call of Duty: Ghosts on Playstation 3 and I must admit I wasn't especially impressed by the graphics of the game. With itslow resolution textures and fixed facial animations, Call of Duty: Ghosts is not best suited to current generation consoles. Fortunately, the particle effects, the distorted maps, and Riley the dog's animationscome together to raise its game to some extent.
Verdict: Ghostly pallor
With Call of Duty: Ghosts, Infinity Ward delivers a messof disparate experiences with pretty patchy quality. The multiplayer mode, the major asset of the saga, is enhanced with subtle improvements that come together to perfect a game mechanic that has already proven itself, without taking enough risk to make a long termimpression.
