When I started playing COD 4, I was skeptical due to its lackluster predecessor. Those doubts were of very short duration. When the game starts, you are given a kind of obstacle course, like all COD games. Then, he is invited to a training mission that takes place in Tanker. This is what really made me realize how powerful the Unreal 3 Engine really is.

The graphics, the mechanics, the sound effects, and the overall feel suck you into the game very quickly. It’s not to ruin the game for anyone, but like all COD games, you play as different soldiers, each from their respective countries. You start out as a SAS officer and as the game progresses you play as a senior officer in the US Navy.

The weapons and different things available in this game are amazing. Everything from the M920 to the Javelin really makes for an enjoyable experience. The environment also kicks in, as exploding cars and what seems at times an endless barrage of grenades can appear to kill you. Enemies have been to school and now they don’t randomly come out to be shot. Luckily for you, your squad ranks higher. Sometimes just when you think it’s over, your squadmate will take out the enemy that pinned you down. Needless to say, you start thanking your squad.

What makes a great game even better? Great replay value and this multiplayer game adds it effortlessly. The different modes available provide an excellent online experience. There is no one guy who takes out an entire team with a pistol and a melee. Here you work for every kill, and just as it’s a bit easy to kill, getting killed is just as easy. Don’t worry though, as the camera lets you see how he was killed. Like all games, you win by getting points, either by killing enemies, holding a base, or calling in an air strike. Yes, Airstrikes, Helicopters, and Radars are earned for consecutive kills. Great little reward system.

How does COD4 compare to the monster from Halo 3? Simple, they are 2 different games that somehow complement each other and use what works. The COD 4 online community is great and people really know what they are doing. Halo has the same, but they treat us with the oh so often 11 year old who thinks he is the Master Chief and that every death we “cheat on”.

Overall, this is a fabulous game that deserves all the good scores it has received.