Call of Duty 2 is one of the better games in the Xbox 360 launch lineup, and not just because of its graphics. The gameplay screams next generation, thanks in part to a clever control scheme. The grenades are on the LB and RB buttons, making it extremely easy to throw a grenade without stopping the shooting action. It isn't just for the convenience, though. This control scheme makes the battles fluid and adds to the immersion factor. Another thing that makes the game more intense is the health system. What happens here is that when you start to lose health, the edges of the screen will turn red and you will have to find some cover. If you do find some cover, then after a couple seconds your health will regenerate fully and you can continue. Some may argue that this is unrealistic, but none will argue that endlessly collecting health packs is more fun. The two things I have just mentioned to you help to make this game fast paced and fun, but the battles themselves are the star of the show, visually and gameplay-wise. The number of characters on screen sometimes reaches ridiculous numbers, and it never seems canned or rehearsed, even though it probably is most of the time. The game is basically complete and utter chaos all of the time. A typical gameplay scene: You look left, some one has sniped in the head as well as the guy who went to help him. You see a grenade warning (another clever gameplay mechanic) and move out of the blast radius, only to find that the person who saved your life 30 seconds ago is flying in the air amidst a cloud of smoke. All of this while bullets whizz past your head. This is happening on their side too, and combined makes one really chaotic scene. The general crispness of the graphics help this game feel next gen, even though it is set in the 1940's. The sound is no detriment either. The screams (both german and engish), the explosions, the guns, the landing of bodies on the ground after they are blown up, are all brought to you brilliantly by 5.1 channel surround sound. Overall, this is certainly the best WW2 shooter ever, and a great buy when you go to pick up your 360.
Author's note: The achivements are fantastic in this game, as well as highly addicting, they certainly breathe more life into it.
By Madskillz999 | Review Date: Jan 06, 2006 | X360
Call of Duty 2 takes you into the trenches of World War II, starting with the frozen tundra of Russia under attack. High realism levels really draw you into the combat. You start out as a raw Russian recruit, in the ... Read Full Review
I finally Completed the game on the Veteran setting and whew that was hell. Man let me tell you, the game was fun and exciting all the way through on the regular setting. But If you think you got what it takes to be a WW... Read Full Review
