Call of Duty 2: Big Red One

"Underrated"

Call of Duty 2: Big Red One is not to be confused with Call of Duty 2 for the Xbox 360, they are very different games. However, they are both WWII first person shooters. Right now you could be thinking with great sarcasm, "Great, another one..." This one is different. In other words, it's actually good.

Anyway, I'll just get to the ratings.

,.:-~'"GRAPHICS"'~-:.,

8.5/10

When I first popped in the game and was slightly disappointed. The game looks good at a glance. Round things are round and sharp things are sharp, but a few things look a little flat and not curved enough (such as the allies and enemies). However, a lot of this is made up in detail. Colors were used nicely to make things look the way they should.

,.:-~'"SOUND"'~-:.,

9/10

There is no background music. It's not needed. Instead the background is made up of distant sounds of gunfire and explosions. Every gun sounds realistic and unique. Also, the voice acting was very well done, every voice sounds clear and crisp.

,.:-~'"GAMEPLAY"'~_:.,

10/10

One of the best first person shooters ever. Not only is it fun, but Call of Duty 2: Big Red One is quite intense. When a powerful explosion occurs close to you you are thrown on the ground, with a ringing in your ears and blurry vision. Bullets hit nonliving objects and throw dust into the air around you, those tracers sometimes just come too close. Turrets and machine guns seem dangerous and can usually keep you under some cover. However, submachine guns are a little too accurate and too powerful. That brings the realism down a notch.

Your allies have names and normal conversations that make them seem a little more human. Many say that the AI are just plain dumb, hiding in the same spot, not moving much, missing each other completely. In all seriousness, how many people do you know that would run from point A to point B about 25 feet away with five rifle holding men shooting at you. The AI isn't stupid, just not suicidal.

Another downside is the game is on strict rails. No exploring, no shortcuts, and no climbing over objects that are too high to jump over. That does make the game sound a little more boring, right? Fortunately a wide variety of missions keep you interested. Shooting down planes with AA guns, dropping bombs, driving tanks, blowing up defences and, of course, running around on foot clearing the area of opposition.

,.:-~'"STORY"'~-:.,

7/10

Rather bland, but things happen in order and fit together. Very short, only takes 6-8 hours to complete.

,.:-~'"OVERALL"'~-:.,

9/10

More fun than it is revolutionary. Call of Duty: Big Red One is a very fine game that allows you to think more about aiming and taking cover than running-n-gunning. Though short, you can play your favorite missions many times before the game gets old. Definately worth buying.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/05