Technically superb, tightly plotted, fast-paced and wonderfully cinematic, Call of Duty 4 is one of the best war first-person shooters ever made.
The game quickly shows off its qualities: after a brief tutorial we get a great level on a ship, then an amazing credit scene - a steady-cam sequence seen through the eyes of a man dragged through a Middle Eastern city to be executed: a chilling, brilliant moment worthy of Brian De Palma.
Call of Duty 4 is a roller-coaster ride. You never get that "enough with this damn level!" feeling plaguing many games. There are also touches of class such as plot twists and playable flashbacks (the mission with Price in Chernobyl is easily one of the best levels I have EVER played in a FPS). A.I is remarkable: although main events are scripted, both your allies and enemies are reasonably flexible.
The game has two flaws. First, the single player campaign, while an excellent gaming experience, is fairly short. Second, although you do have a key impact on every battle, deaths or survivals of your team members feel staged - which means they won't die unless the plot requires them to.
Stay through the credits for a bonus level.
9/10
The game quickly shows off its qualities: after a brief tutorial we get a great level on a ship, then an amazing credit scene - a steady-cam sequence seen through the eyes of a man dragged through a Middle Eastern city to be executed: a chilling, brilliant moment worthy of Brian De Palma.
Call of Duty 4 is a roller-coaster ride. You never get that "enough with this damn level!" feeling plaguing many games. There are also touches of class such as plot twists and playable flashbacks (the mission with Price in Chernobyl is easily one of the best levels I have EVER played in a FPS). A.I is remarkable: although main events are scripted, both your allies and enemies are reasonably flexible.
The game has two flaws. First, the single player campaign, while an excellent gaming experience, is fairly short. Second, although you do have a key impact on every battle, deaths or survivals of your team members feel staged - which means they won't die unless the plot requires them to.
Stay through the credits for a bonus level.
9/10