With the well balanced ‘pick 10’ system of Black Ops II out, Infinity Ward have introduced a new system in which almost every option can be unlocked from the beginning of the game. The only element of Ghosts that’s received a total overhaul is the methods to unlocking all of the in-game goodies. Other small tweaks, such as the reduction of ‘game winning’ streak rewards, are great additions to the game. The new guard dog reward is an especially fantastic addition which sees a German Shepherd, just like Riley, provide protection as you go about your business. However, this means each reward is more focused and fits better into the progression of an online game. The more simplified system still allows you to choose your rewards, but there are less to choose from. Killstreaks have been heavily tweaked and are therefore a lot less powerful than they have been over the past few years. The perks are similarly different, but not enough to interest anyone other than the most die-hard COD fan. There’s no big change in this area, each weapon can still be customised with sights, underbarrels, paint jobs, reticules and whatever else will help you mow your opponents down. There are a decent selection of weapons to play with, each one handling a little differently to the next. Most of the recent COD games have featured a completely re-worked armoury and Ghosts is no different. On the whole, though, this is probably one of the better collections of initial maps to be found in the series. On the whole, the more visually interesting maps are the better designed, which perhaps indicates a certain lack of focus on the weaker levels. This, again, is largely due to the wear and tear of a yearly release schedule that can be found in the single-player. Others are simply dull on the eye, with drab browns and repeating scenery. Locations like Octane and Freight can easily be linked with places you’ve visited before, and fail to really distinguish themselves. Unfortunately, while around half of the maps are genuinely interesting to view, the rest bear strong resemblances to previous Call of Duty maps. So too is Prison Break, with a cold cement area contrasting wonderfully with a vibrant jungle-like theme. A scottish castle map, titled Stonehaven, is a particularly attractive setting, even within the heavily aged engine. Ghosts features some undeniably improved maps in this regard. What the previous multiplayer levels have lacked, however, particularly compared with direct rival Battlefield, is a degree of visual flare. Ultimately, well engineered levels are a given from Infinity Ward, an ability that has made Call of Duty the online icon it is today. There seem to be less vantage points for snipers across these maps the spaces are generally a little tighter than before, making gameplay even more manic. Choke points and open areas are scattered across the locales, mixed up suitably to create that ‘thrown into the fray’’ feel synonymous with Call of Duty. The 14 maps on offer all have that familiarly well balanced and well designed feel. The sizeable collection of new maps will undoubtedly be the first port of call for veteran players, and as with previous Call of Duty titles there’s a great selection. For those who are still invested in the heart-pounding action, though, there’s plenty here to get stuck in to. There are plenty of additions to the regular formula, although there’s a possibility that only a few of these new elements will appeal to those outside of the hardcore COD crowd. As we’ve seen so often, however, this doesn’t mean a stale experience with little new to offer. This is essentially the same COD online experience that you’ve played hundreds of times before: fast paced, tight and unforgiving. Unlike said single-player, the online offerings in Ghosts don’t feel belated by outside influence, it’s clear from the off that this is a COD game through and through.ĭoes that mean a lack of advancement? Well, yes and no. What’s more, in a genre that’s becoming increasingly focused on high-drama human vs human deathmatches rather than emotive solo experiences, Call of Duty is arguably still the king with a big shiny crown to hold on to. With quite possibly the worst single-player campaign in the history of the series, the multiplayer segment of Call of Duty: Ghosts has got a lot of work to do. Reviews // 16th Nov 2013 - 9 years ago // By Ryan Davies Call of Duty: Ghosts Multiplayer Review
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