Have you ever met a total stranger but felt like you have known them your entire life? Thats what it felt like when I hopped on my 360 and played the Call of Duty 4 for the first time. I along with a lot of other 360 gamers have had the chance to test out the multiplayer for the upcoming edition in the Call of Duty series. When I first loaded up a game of Team deathmatch the first thing I noticed is that it was not skinned version of Call of Duty 2 but it did feel like that same old familiar Call of Duty that we have come to enjoy over the past few years.

Gameplay

Like I said earlier while it is a new fresh game it does feel like that Call of Duty we have come to enjoy. For those COD fans fearing this being a Counter-strike or Battlefield 2 clone this is not the case. The movement has that trademark Call of Duty feel. The hitboxes seemed to have improved from COD2 which will be great news. The Game modes are the same as previous Call of Duty editions CTF, DM, TDM and the competition favourite SnD are back along with the United Offensive game mode Domination appearing in COD4. SnD has actually has had a bit of a change to the way its played. Infinity Ward has adopted the counter-strike style of SnD by actually having a player carry the bomb requiring you to be in possession of the bomb to plant it.

The Perks

This has been a major talking point for many fans that have seen the trailers for COD4. Some hating them and some liking them. The perks in the game are implemented into the game where you know they are there but you barely notice them as they become part of how you play. The shooting through the walls isn't that bad and is actually quite realistic. You can shoot through wooden structures any gun and the Deep Impact perk allows you to shoot through thin concrete however the effectiveness of shooting through these surfaces does depend on the gun you are using. Your small MP5 can only do the wooden structures where as your big machine guns like your M249 Saw can rip easily through wooden housing and can do a lot of damage through the thin concrete. The Final stand is an interesting one with my inability to have any skill on the 360 controller making this perk a bit ineffective I can see how this perk will play out on the PC especially with the unnatural aim some people have. I like how Infinity ward has implemented these perks as there isn't a big flashing light whenever you use one saying this is a perk. Instead they have been woven into the gameplay where you don't notice them that much as you play the game.

Weapons
The Weapons in Call of Duty 4 are what you would expect in a modern combat game. The usual guns such as the m16, m249 Saw, m21 Sniper Rifle, Mp5 and the W2100 Shotgun. Stun, Smoke and Frag grenades are available. Both sides in th e multiplayer in the beta start off with the same guns. As you rank up you unlock weapons such as the AK-57, Mini Uzi, G3 M4, SVD Sniper Rifle, M4 Carbine, M60 and the RPD. This is a bit strange as we are all used to each side having its own unique weaponry. The Weapons themselves have their own Pros and Cons. The Assault rifles being good for long range, whereas your submachine guns are better for close quarters. Most people in game use the M4 Carbine because it is a effective long and close range gun. The M4 feels a bit overpowered compared to the rest of the weaponry available. I found myself using the M249 Saw as when you stop and look down the sights it can be fairly accurate and good for chopping down a group of targets. Addons to your guns are available to be unlocked by completing gun specific objectives. These Addons inlcude Red dot sights which makes aiming a abit easier. Also ACOG scopes are available at higher levels. Grips can be unlocked to help you steady your guns better. Grenade Launcher attachments are also available for some weaponry.

This edition in the Call of Duty Series i think has been done well from the multiplayer aspect. Most of the COD fans are going to be pleased with this new title from Infinity Ward. I had my reservations about COD4 before I played the beta, but once I played I can see it is going to be a hit. Cannot wait till this game is released.

Big thank you to Blacklotus for this write-up.