CoD-4 Review. First Thirty Minutes.

[OldsterHolster]

Whew! And Wow! If the whole game is as intense and fast-paced as the first two or three missions, it's going to wear me out. Heh, heh. I'm really impressed so far, however. Hell, it took me four times through the evaluation course before I could even qualify for a "normal" difficulty recommendation; and then I lost my squad on the boat, and then had grenades for breakfast in the next level. Methinks I'd better polish up my shooter skills a little for this one.

BioShock was wonderful and Crysis was even better, but my initial reaction to CoD-4 is that it might be the best of all. I know the single-player is going to be short, but even the first thirty minutes is showing me that they've made an outstanding game and seem to have gotten everything just right. The little evaluation course, the "training," the seamless transition from action to cutscene and back again, and even the delayed credits and title screen, have combined to totally suck me into the experience better than anything in recent memory. It's slick, and I'm liking it!

No problems so far, either. Everything's as maxed as I can get it, and I'm running 1920 X 1200 resolution with nary a hiccup, and it is impressive. There is one hellava lot going on at any given time, and, while some effects, such as the blowing storm water on the boat, might not be as technically perfect as say the water effects in BioShock, the feeling of being there is strong. I was hunching my shoulders and ducking my head in that wind-driven rain, and I swear it gave me a chill. lol.

Anyway, so far, so good; and I think I've got a good one here. I'll have to pace myself to make it last a little longer, and, with the intensity of action I've seen so far, an hour a night might be all I can handle in any case. Heh, heh. Edward.

[Kalbrecht]

Heh. Hope you really enjoy it Edward. The pacing is excellent, throughout. I don't think I had any slow moments.

Now get back out there, Soap! :-P

[pcfreak]

You should try the multiplayer, it's one of the fastest paced games I have played online for ages. I spent my first hour just watching replays of my deaths. After a bit of practice, I am starting to get as many kills now. I played the single player, and while it is short, it's also one of the best single player shooters I have played for a long time!


Cheers,

Stuart

[Lou Cypher]

I just picked this game up today and I agree with everyone, Gamespy gave it PC GOTY and methinks they may be right.

Lou :globe:

[Eddie Ismail]

Man that game is the devil.

Me, my two brothers, and a friend gather around everyday after work in my apartment and play until 3:00AM, with cheetos and a bottle of flor de cana, of course we are usually drunk by midnight, but it fun and addictive. I think I've logged more than a whole week of playing time on the game so far, and I had it for less that a month and a half.

and Edward, you havent lived until you played ot on veteran. it'll add couple of hour to the game and it is not insanely dificult

[Jimlo]

you havent lived until you played ot on veteran. it'll add couple of hour to the game and it is not insanely dificult

I'm about halfway through on veteran right now, but I only get time to play it on the weekends and when I do play it I'm playing mutiplayer. I find myself dying a lot on veteran and before I beat a level I usually get to the point where I know where every single guy is on that level :lol:

[MasterChief]

Man that game is the devil.

Me, my two brothers, and a friend gather around everyday after work in my apartment and play until 3:00AM, with cheetos and a bottle of flor de cana, of course we are usually drunk by midnight, but it fun and addictive. I think I've logged more than a whole week of playing time on the game so far, and I had it for less that a month and a half.

and Edward, you havent lived until you played ot on veteran. it'll add couple of hour to the game and it is not insanely dificult

I think I've run in to you a few times while playing online. Usually clean the floor with you too, if I'm remembering correctly :p:

[Rob]

I think I've run in to you a few times while playing online. Usually clean the floor with you too, if I'm remembering correctly

What he is really trying to say Eddie is that he hacks his way to victory. :lol:

Nice write up Edward. Have you ever played CoD 2 or 3? I know they moved it to modern combat, but is the gameplay essentially the same or have they radically changed it?

[Kalbrecht]

The basics of gameplay are exactly the same, Rob.

Run, take cover, take out respawning enemies until you figure out the linear path. As soon as you hit it, the respawning stops, and it starts again up ahead.

A lot of people complained about this, but it's what the CoD series is built on, and what makes it work. This quite basic design, and the linear pathing, is very well hidden by some excellent timing and amazing action sequences.

[gridiron whirlwind]

I am diggin the SP campaign right now as well.....just some of the best fire fights ever for pc gaming IMO.

[747 FlightEngineer]

Today I get my 8800GT from UPS and will install on Christmas Eve. I tried playing COD4 on my current rig but it seems not to like SLI to much. In fact all of my games seem to rebel against SLI. Leads me to think that one of my cards is toast. With 8800 512MB stand alone card I have great hopes that I can now enjoy COD4 and the rest of my games.

[OldsterHolster]

Yeah, you must have some problem, because I've played everything so far with SLI enabled. In CoD-4, be sure to check the box in the graphics options section labeled "two video cards." Edward.

[gridiron whirlwind]

I just finished this great game, and for once I can say that this was an awsome ending for a game.

Matter of fact...this whole game just flat out kicks a$$....NUFF SAID.

I just wish more companies could optimize a game like Infinity Ward.

Thanks Infinity Ward :thumbup:

[OldsterHolster]

I just finished this great game, and for once I can say that this was an awsome ending for a game.

Matter of fact...this whole game just flat out kicks a$$....NUFF SAID.

I just wish more companies could optimize a game like Infinity Ward.

Thanks Infinity Ward

AMEN! I just finished it last night, and just off the top of my head, I feel like I had more fun with this game than either BioShock or Crysis. It was challenging, and I died a lot, but it was realistic and evoked emotions and feelings that were stronger than those resulting from any other shooter I've played, I believe. It was almost too realistic!

Almost as important, it was totally hassle-free. Excellent interface, stunning graphics, great sound, varied missions, and a coherent story and reality, all without a single glitch, bug, or problem of any kind; and that's pretty special these days, it seems. With Crysis, especially, I was locking down my firewall and turning off anti-virus, spyware protection, and other programs, etc.; but I just left everything running with CoD-4, and, once when some stupid Apple update tried to run, the game just politely minimized itself while I shut the crap down, and then it took up right where it left off. Cool! Take note, Epic, and Gears of War, THIS is how a game is supposed to run.

It's hard to find fault with this little gem, even though I prefer sci-fi shooters over reality wartime games and there's no quick-save feature. They make checkpoint saves work very well, and the whole game is just slick and smooth-flowing. There are no health packs or ammo to look for, no puzzles, and no "Xen" levels to distract you from the game's focus, and you do get sucked in, big time. Heh, heh. By the way, did any of you have trouble with those damned German Shepard attack dogs? I was fine as long as I could waste them with my weapon, but I never did get it right trying to use the melee attack, as the hint suggested. I pounded on that T key (default melee attack) until I put a dent in it, but those friggin' mutts got me every time. lol. I'll get 'em the second time through, maybe.

As mentioned, the game is almost too realistic. I have a lengthy clip of actual C-130 gunship operations during the Gulf War that a friend sent to me, and the corresponding level in this game is almost a mirror image of that. I was impressed. The only real fault with the game, as you all know by now, is that it's not long enough. I think I could have played another ten hours without getting tired of it, but I guess that's just good business on their part. They've taken one particular style of shooter and perfected it, and there will be no hesitation on my part when CoD-5 comes out.

Well, that's my "NUFF SAID," and you can tell I liked it. The words solid, gripping, and emotionally immersive, as well as smooth and trouble-free, all come to mind; and, if you like shooters, this is a must-play. I'm going to immediately go through it, again, until I decide what to get next; although I think I'll just do "normal" difficulty, again. It's not an easy play, and I've got a lot to learn yet before I try it on "hardened" or "veteran" level. Who knows, I might even try online multiplayer for the first time in my life, if I improve my skills so I won't make a fool of myself. Ha!

Speaking of "next," what do you guys think I should get? I've been gaming and not keeping up with stuff, so I haven't thought much beyond BioShock, Crysis, and now CoD-4. Is the Half-Life episode 2 expansion out on a separate disc, yet. I've already got Half-Life 2 and episode 1, so I don't really want the Orange Box. Anything else you know of that I might like?

Have a great Christmas day, everyone, and a Happy New Year. Edward.

[Kalbrecht]

By the way, did any of you have trouble with those damned German Shepard attack dogs? I was fine as long as I could waste them with my weapon, but I never did get it right trying to use the melee attack, as the hint suggested. I pounded on that T key (default melee attack) until I put a dent in it, but those friggin' mutts got me every time. lol. I'll get 'em the second time through, maybe.

As mentioned, the game is almost too realistic. I have a lengthy clip of actual C-130 gunship operations during the Gulf War that a friend sent to me, and the corresponding level in this game is almost a mirror image of that. I was impressed.

Oh yeah, I hated those dogs. You can't just 'slash slash' away - killing them quickly in melee seems to be all down to a single, well timed hit. And most of the time you'll miss...heh.

The C130 levels was one of my favourites - incredibly 'realistic' and loads of explodey fun. As soon as I finished it I called up my friend and told him that he had to play that level.

How did you like the "Ghillies in the Mist" level?

Speaking of "next," what do you guys think I should get? I've been gaming and not keeping up with stuff, so I haven't thought much beyond BioShock, Crysis, and now CoD-4. Is the Half-Life episode 2 expansion out on a separate disc, yet. I've already got Half-Life 2 and episode 1, so I don't really want the Orange Box. Anything else you know of that I might like?

Have a great Christmas day, everyone, and a Happy New Year. Edward.

You can get HL2: EP2 off STEAM if you want to buy it that way, Edward. Honestly though I wasn't THAT impressed with it. I think HL2 has fallen by the wayside a bit in comparison to all the incredible shooter releases this year!

As for other ones, what about Unreal Tournament 3? Apparently the SP is not bad. There's also STALKER, from earlier in the year.

[gridiron whirlwind]

I think I could have played 10 more hours also Edward.

I loved every minute of it, and if it makes you feel any better I only was able to melee 2 mutts, and I surprised myself when i did it.

I am going to make a 2nd run thru it also....gonna wait about a month...then try it on hardened, but I don't know if I will make it thru on that difficulty....I had a tuff time in a couple of spots, and I was playing on normal.

[OldsterHolster]

How did you like the "Ghillies in the Mist" level?

I thought they were pretty cool. I think most of us enjoy sniper levels, anyway, and the Ghilliesuits were a nice touch. I don't know about you guys, but I found my heart beating faster when I had to avoid those foot soldiers sweeping along beside the tanks and walking within feet of me. Pretty exciting, and an audible "whew" when I got past them. Immersive. Heh, heh.

I am going to make a 2nd run thru it also....gonna wait about a month...then try it on hardened, but I don't know if I will make it thru on that difficulty....I had a tuff time in a couple of spots, and I was playing on normal.

I'm right back into it, myself, but I left it on "normal" difficulty, again. Knowing that linear path that Chai mentioned does make it somewhat easier, but I'm still dying a lot. I'm a little surprised that it's still a lot of fun, and I'm seeing things I missed the first time through. It should last me another week or so until I can decide what to play next.

You can get HL2: EP2 off STEAM if you want to buy it that way, Edward. Honestly though I wasn't THAT impressed with it. I think HL2 has fallen by the wayside a bit in comparison to all the incredible shooter releases this year!

As for other ones, what about Unreal Tournament 3? Apparently the SP is not bad. There's also STALKER, from earlier in the year.

I think I'll wait until I can get a disc for episode 2. I just don't care for the idea of downloaded games. Silly, I guess. As for Unreal Tournament 3, my experience with the last Unreal Tournament was that it was obviously designed for multiplayer, and I just didn't enjoy playing it single player very much. Stalker might be a possibility. I vaguely remember some members talking about it, but it didn't stick in my mind as a must play. I'll have to go read a review, I guess. Call of Jaurez is another possibility, since I seem to have enjoyed several western-themed shooters.

I was thinking I might get KOTOR, too, and have another RPG to fool with between new shooters. Oblivion was my last, and first, rpg endeavor, and it was fun in spite of them not letting me map move forward to my right mouse button like I'm used to. Of course I could always just wait for Duke Nukem Forever which will be out any day now. Heh, heh, heh. Thanks for the suggestions, though, and let me know if you think of anything else. Edward.

[Jimlo]

I always hated the dogs too. Once the dogs jump on you, you have to wait until they are about to lunge downward towards your poor throat and then you hit the melee button to grab them, then press again to break its neck.

The C130 levels was one of my favourites - incredibly 'realistic' and loads of explodey fun. As soon as I finished it I called up my friend and told him that he had to play that level.

That was my favorite level, I never get tired of using that 105mm to pound stuff into little tiny bits. :yes:

[gridiron whirlwind]

Well, if you have not played STALKER, I stongly suggest that Edward...it is a game that totally sucked me into the atmosphere.

[OldsterHolster]

OK, you talked me into it. I read a review, and, in spite of some talk about issues with Vista, it does sound pretty good; so I ordered it from Newegg. For $26.90 total including shipping, I can't be going too wrong. I'll be S.T.A.L.K.in' by New Year's Day. Heh, heh. Edward.

[OldsterHolster]

OK, I finished the second trip through CoD-4, last night, so I guess I'll give it a break for a while. What a great game! Other than knowing what was going to happen, it was just as much, if not more, fun than the first time through, and I'll be coming back for more in the future. It was easier this time, and I just may give "veteran" difficulty level a try the next time I play it. I still had some tough fights and died too much, but not nearly as often as the first time.

A lot of the time I died trying different tactics, weapons, etc., but the bottom line seemed to be that you needed to shoot fast and straight whichever way you chose to go. Heh, heh. There is one level (I forget the name) where the last goal is "Get to the Landing Zone" down a switchback road through a village. After destroying four tanks and a fierce firefight in a field, you get to a fence and can go either straight down the hill, or left or right on the road. The map shows the left route to be the shortest and most sensible, but I had to go right the first time through to be successful. I spent at least an hour, this time, trying to go left, but I never made it. I used smoke, regular grenades, stealth, and all my best moves, but they got me every time, and I ended up going right, again, to get out of the level. Anybody else make it down the left side, or is left just scripted to result in death? Even with the scripting and linear nature of the gameplay, the game is just fun to play over and over again, and that says something. By the way, did all of you who have played the game let the credits roll, so you could play the last, little, epilogue level after they were done? I thought that was a nice little touch. Kind of a bonus for rolling the credits.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. should be here on Wednesday to start off "gaming 2008." I hope it continues to be as much fun as it's been for the last few months. I love my new computer and being able to play these things in all their graphical glory, and BioShock, Crysis, and Cod-4, have me salivating for more. Hope you folks are having as much fun as I am. Have a great week and a Happy New Year. Edward.

[gridiron whirlwind]

Happy New Year to you also, Edward.

I went right at the same place you did also Edward.

Have fun with STALKER , be sure to patch it up before playing....there are also some great performance tweaks, which you should not have to worry about with your rig.

I think there are some nice mods for the graphics also, if you wish to install them....I did not the first time thru, but I will the 2nd time.

Be sure to report back on your experience with it.

This has been a great year for shooters to say the least. :yes:

[Lou Cypher]

I went left twice and made it just fine, just call in an airstrike to clear the way, and thx for the heads up about the last little gameplay after the credits, didn't know it was their.

Lou :globe:

[OldsterHolster]

Yikes! You mean you can call in an airstrike, there? Geez, I feel like a dummy, again. I know there was another place where they kept telling me to call in an airstrike, but I didn't know what to do, so I never did. Guess I should pay more attention to the control details, huh? Oh well, nothing like doing it the hard way to stay sharp, I guess. I may have to go back and give that a try, since that level beat me up pretty bad, both times through. No wonder. Edward.

[Kalbrecht]

Yep. I went down the left, then did a switchback. The airstrikes are the key, like Lou said. Very useful, and the only way to make it down the left side.

[MasterChief]

Yeah that part was super frustrating on veteran. Basically you just have to send in constant airstrikes to the area right in front of where ever you are running. once you can do that without killing yourself it's a piece of cake

[scholt]

hey all! love your site/forums. reading this got me reinterested in stalker. i bought it when it came out and i am lame and never finish a game...but i went at it again last night and with some mods(which are GREAT) i played for 8 hr straight and plan on doing the same today.

btw it works fine on my laptop(vista)

the 'grumpy's stalker mod' is a MUST.

good hunting stalker.


Well, if you have not played STALKER, I stongly suggest that Edward...it is a game that totally sucked me into the atmosphere.

[scholt]

thought i posted this but dont see it.

i like your site/forums guys.

reading this got me back into stalker which i played for 8 hrs yesterday and will do the same today. it is great. btw it works on my laptop(vista) just fine.

'grumpy's stalker mod' is a MUST


good hunting stalker



Well, if you have not played STALKER, I stongly suggest that Edward...it is a game that totally sucked me into the atmosphere.