Call of Duty is back, and this time we are headed to outer space to take part in an intergalactic war. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is rich in sci-fi goodness. The game consists of a finely constructed storyline that sees you taking the controls as main character Nick Reyes.
The campaign begins with pure classic sci-fi shtick. Humanity has decided to explore colonization of other worlds due to Earth’s dwindling resources. As time passes the inevitable off-world insurgency takes place, and a group is known as the Settlement Defense Front (SDF) blocks the earthbound forces’ resources. As the game progresses, you will find SDF to be a real thorn in your side.
Infinite Warfare is a military shooter campaign whose writers have crafted a story that flows and is not forced. The story line has clearly defined missions. However, these are handled in a manner that you do not feel as if you are in an episodic TV show. As far as features go this storyline and how the writers crafted it is an essential part of the final product. One key aspect that helps the story flow is the minimal use of loading screens which allows the story to segue naturally.
One key aspect of the game, though not a requirement, are Infinite Warfare’s side missions. These are entirely skippable and not necessary to complete the game, BUT if you do breeze past them, you are missing out. They enhance the single-player mode of the game. Not only are they fun but they spotlight one of the games great features, flight sequences. In the main missions these are limited, but in the side missions, you experience dog fights and an impressive amount of additional flight time to log.
As with any Call of Duty release in recent years, there are the various online battlegrounds. To me, the online features are the backbone of any Call of Duty game. Some of the are pulled from the single-player missions, but there are a few gems exclusive to online play including a Japanese urban center. Similar to previous Call of Duty maps, it takes a few sessions to memorize the lay of the land then it is all run and gun.
Like in the previous Call of Duty installments, profile advancement relies on the classic reward system that recognizes skill as well as the amount of time spent on playing matches. Other notables returning things from previous versions are the UAV, the familiar assault drone that wreaks havoc and racks substantial kills.
There are also new unlockables available. One – the Eraser – is a gun that vaporizes targets instantly. The other – The Claw – which unleashes a horizontal rain of ricocheting bullets. These additions are a welcome addition to the game and add variety to the matches along the way. Even novice players will enjoy and benefit from the rapid increase in their kill count when using these.
Infinite Warfare utilizes multiplayer classes known as Rigs. Those familiar with Call of Duty will recognize following archetypes. Rigs expand upon these traditional class types where Strykers serve as the Support class and Phantoms are the Scout. The new Warfighter class mirrors the traditional Assault class, and it’s supported in the frontlines with the high-tech FTL class and the Synaptic robot. These new class variants do not add anything substantial to matches, but they are certainly worth checking out to experience their slight nuances.
Of course, what would Call of Duty be these days without its now expected Zombie mode? Unlike previous versions, this cooperative multi-player mode is unique in the fact that it is a tribute of sorts to the 80’s. You read that right. Everything from the current ’Spaceland’ themed park to the massive neon 80’s art points directly to the time-period. Did I mention one of the playable characters in Zombie mode is a rapper in a tracksuit? Just to prove this is a flashback to the 80’s one of the characters is voiced by none other than Paul Reubens aka Pee-Wee Herman.
Multiple additional Zombie maps are planned for future download as well.
To play the latest Call of Duty you need a PS4, Xbox One or a PC with these minimum system requirements:
OS: Windows 7 64-Bit or later
Processor: Intel Core i3-3225 @ 3.30GHz or equivalent
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 2GB / AMD Radeon HD 7850 2GB
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 70 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX 11 Compatible
Additional Notes: Disk space requirement may change over time.
Just to note once again, the above are minimum requirements, and according to Game Debate this system should get your game running on a 900p resolution at medium graphics settings.
Call of Duty’s return is somewhat the same but different all at once. By escaping the gravity pull of Earth and venturing to space and worlds beyond the game enters unchartered territory. All these aspects make the game fresh, but enough features from the previous Call of Duty titles also make the game familiar. The mix of good characters and a solid storyline make this game one that you will pull out often.
YouTube: Official Call of Duty – Infinite Warfare (Post-Launch Trailer)
Photo credit: Activision
