Call of Duty 2

"Because it isn’t the complete package with solid single player and multiplayer modes, we have to say Rent It."

Before the Xbox 360 launched, Perfect Dark Zero was being marketed as the must have game. However it seems that most of you didn't listen. Instead, 3 out of 4 of gamers decided that Call of Duty 2 was the must have game on launch day. It is also the most popular game with retail stores having Xbox 360 kiosks. However, retail stores seemed to have been flooded with World War II games the past year; many of which didn't turn out too impressive. So for those of you who haven't pickup on this sequel or are still waiting for that phone call telling you your Xbox 360 has arrived, should you slap down $60 for Call of Duty 2?

The first thing anyone, gamer or not, will notice about this title is its graphics. It is undoubtedly the best looking game we've seen so far and Microsoft undoubtedly chose Call of Duty 2 for their retail kiosks because of this. Like Kameo: Elements of Power, this First-Person Shooter (FPS) definitely opens your eyes and tells you the next-generation is coming. There isn't a single negative comment we can make about this game's graphics. The smoke and particle effects are realistic. The environments and levels are detailed, and the characters are beautifully modeled and rendered.

The most impressive part about Call of Duty 2's graphics is that it still looks fantastic in standard definition. Most games we've seen loose a lot of its visual appeal when playing in standard definition. Games in High Definition (HD) are clear, clean and crisp, but all of that is usually go out the window when playing on a normal set. Call of Duty 2 however manages to retain its beautiful look and detailed graphics. So if you don't have an HD set, no worries. You'll still get to experience the next-generation with this FPS.

Graphics are only half the experience though. The game's 5.1 surround sound really get your heart pumping and place you right in the middle of the action. The game's developer, Infinity Ward, did a superb job mixing and tailoring the sound effects for those fortunate enough with a home theater system. Bullets are constantly whizzing around you with sounds of explosions and falling debris everywhere. All of which helps you know your surroundings and where enemies are coming from. Call of Duty 2's voice acting is also impressive. Your commanding officer is constantly giving you orders in a voice you respect and believe.

Enough of the game's features however. What about the game itself? The single player mode is by far the best on the Xbox 360 thus far. There are 10 campaigns in all. The first three have you in a Russian uniform trying to push the Germans back to Berlin. The next four campaigns have you fighting for the British while the US troops invade Normandy to complete the war. Overall, most gamers should be able stop the German blitzkriegs in 10-15 hours, a relatively short game considering its $60 price tag.

The gameplay holds up for all the campaigns. While it is a First-Person Shooter, there are several vehicle levels to break up the constant gunfire with a few tanks here and a few jeep turrets there. In the end though, it is an FPS game. You'll mostly be moving from barrel to bush to crates looking for cover as enemy rounds fly by you. The levels are well designed with lots of cover areas. Prepare to navigate across courtyards, secure enemy bunkers, and ward off enemy waves until reinforcements arrive. Infinity ward has also taken a lot of care in making sure everything they've produced from the levels to the battles themselves are historically accurate.

As you move on the enemy infantry, you'll know exactly where you need to go. Objectives are clear and simple. Icons on your radar also help you navigate through your mission. It's not always eliminating German forces. Sometimes you have to hold your position or collect intelligence. No matter what it may be, you won't be running around aimlessly trying to figure out what it is. Most of the time your commanding officer will also let you know what you should be doing. All you have to do is keep your ears open, if you think you can hear him with all the bullets and grenades going off around you.

You also won't have to fight alone. Your squad is always there to give you cover fire and watch your six. The AI for your fellow soldiers is also quite impressive. You'll actually be glad they're fighting with you. Of course you can't follow behind them and hope they win the war for you, but they'll definitely take out a few Germans you might miss. For the most part, they'll also take cover and provide you suppression fire like a real squad in WWII would have.

The controls for Call of Duty 2 are very solid. The layout is pretty standard shooting with the right trigger and aiming with your left. The shoulder buttons throw your grenades while the face buttons jump, change weapons, melee, and reload of course; pretty standard. The analogs are also very tight and responsive. Anyone who has spent any considerable amount time with FPS games will be able to pick up and play this title.

Another big element with FPS games is the multiplayer mode. There's nothing quite like enjoying a friendly night shooting your friends in the head. However most of you may not enjoy playing on Xbox Live as much as playing alone. Not to say multiplayer isn't good, just far from the massive melee and frag fest you're used to from Halo or Perfect Dark Zero. Online play for Call of Duty 2 is a much slower pace and rewards those with patience.

Remember, these are World War II soldiers. You don't have an electrified or armored shield that regenerates. If you get a few good likes with a rifle, your Gamertag is going to end up on a memorial. If anything, it's a sniper's paradise. The online levels are filled with cover areas and multiple storied buildings. Everyone seems to be going to high ground, staying put, and hitting fellow gamers in the head from down the road. So if you're looking for constant action with bullets flying, look somewhere else.

So are 75% of Xbox 360 owners right in putting $60 down on the table while picking up their console? Well it depends on what you're looking for. If you into a solid single player campaign with great graphics then Call of Duty 2 is your game. If you're looking to take gamers online in a constant frag fest, this WWII reenactment is not for you. Because it isn't the complete package with solid single player and multiplayer modes, we have to say Rent It. Maybe if we got a few more hours with the single player campaign, we'd say this is the Xbox 360 must buy. Otherwise the multiplayer mode needs to step it up for replay value and Call of Duty 2 just didn't keep us coming back for more on Xbox Live.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/09/06