Several years ago, FPS games had a new standard to live up to. That standard was the new PC WWII game entitled Call of Duty. Four years, two sequels, an expansion pack, and two console variants later, Infinity ward sets the bar again with Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. As the name implies, it is the first Call of Duty installment to break out of the Second World War. Gone are the Thompson submachine guns and Tiger tanks. In their stead, we are given the weaponry of today. But, CoD4 goes beyond a mere change of setting.

The first thing gamers will notice when they rapell down from a Blackhawk onto a cargo siip caught in weather that would be perfectly at home in The Perfect Storm are the jaw-dropping visuals. Rain hits against every exposed surface, shadows dance across the walls, the character models are impeccably detailed...all in all, everything looks damn good. Then, the shooting starts. The next thing that will most likely make the player's jaw drop to the floor is the sheer intensity of the combat. It's hard to describe, really. One must experience it in order to comprehend it. Let's just say that you're heart will get pumping for about the entire length of the game. They say battles are chatoic, and this game nails that down to an art. And what is even more amazing is that throughout the large battles and detailed graphics...the framerate stays at a buttery 60fps. Expect to have numerous 'holy ****, did that just happen?' moments as well. Take, for instance, when you hit an enemy carrying the vaunted RPG-7. Sometimes, they will pull the trigger of their weapon in their death throws, sending a deadly exposive projectile streaking into the air, trailing white smoke as it goes. Or, said projectile can fly straight into a helicopter that has enemies roping down from it, sending it spinning about, out of control, flinging helpless soldiers. Expect moments like this to occur at any moment. Even for those who are not easily phased, there will be one particular scene that will be like a glass of cold water to the face. The players will know which one I am referring to when it happens.

Call of Duty 4 also provides breathtaking audio. For those with a 5.1 setup, you are in for a REAL treat. Each weapon has it's own satisfying report, and the constant communication between both allies and foes alike does wonders for the chaotic atmosphere.

Speaking of weapons, Call of Duty 4 has a suprising amount. There are no less than THIRTY handheld weapons alone you can kill with and die by. And there's more than one version of each weapon to boot. For instance, some weapons will be equipped with various attachable sights, grenade launchers, silncers, laser sights...the list goes on. Anyone who has even a slight interest in weapons will be overhoyed by the amount available. Everyone is bound to find at least one favorite.

Call of Duty 4 has a fantastic campaign. While it may be a bit short, it more than makes up for it with its sheer intesity, smooth gameplay, and stunning visuals and audio. But the area where this game REALLY shines is in the multiplayer department. It WILL get you hooked. In my opinion, they should have put a warning label on the cover stating this. Think Halo...except better. It's that good. What makes it so damned addictinf is its level and rank system. Most games that incorporate the rank ystem don't really give you motivation to rank up. Sure, in Halo 3 you would get a shiny new rank icon next to your name....but that was about it. In Call of Duty 4, you have to level up in order to gain access to some of the more prolific weapons in multiplayer. You aren't given everything when you first sign up. You are given the typical weapons one would expect, most of which oale in comparison to the ones you will unlock later. But it doesn't end there. To unlock attachments and even skins for these weapons, one must accomplish certain challenges that are accessible in a handy list in the multiplayer menu. For instance, to get the silencer attachment for you MP5, you are going to have to kill 70 foes with it. If you want that grip so your M-60 isn't flying all over the place when you fire for long periods of time, you will need to get 75 headshots with it. And if you find yourself agaisnt a sniper who has the red-tiger skin for his weapon, say your prayers, because he/she had to get 150 headshots with it in order to obtain that. Match-wise, the multiplayer mode comes with the standard death match, team deathmatch, CTF, etc. But it also includes various unique modes, such as Hardcore, where there is no HUD and one round is nearly always fatal. It is not for the faint of heart.

To summarize, anyone who is a gamer owes it to themselves to at least try this game. With its breathtaking visuals, heart-punding action, and multiplayer that has yet to be surpassed, this game earns a perfect rating.

Verge_6's score;

10/10