Call of Duty 4: On the Cutting Edge of Video Games

Call of Duty has been successful ever since its first installment in October, 2003. Since then, each release has improved on graphics, sound quality and game play drastically. Call of Duty has always been a step ahead when it comes to first person war-based shooters. But even from genre to genre, Call of Duty still holds it' own as possibly the most impressive video game series put together, and that's not at all an exaggeration. Now the newest installment, Call of Duty 4, is set for a Nov. 9, 2007, release, and it's going to cause some commotion.

Call of Duty 4 has lived up to expectations without having to rely on considerable hype for coverage. The game really speaks for itself offering incredible slow motion drama between shoot outs and a very 'free' control style that allows for a more complex, intricate game that changes up scenarios and situations. New weapons have been introduced including anti-tank missiles, laser sighted machine guns and silenced submachine guns along with new tactic controls for the shooter.

The most interesting thing about Call of Duty 4 is the new integrated environment running off what is called a 'proprietary engine'. This engine will allow the environment to chip away or change according to bullet trajectory or explosion intensity. Many portions of the environment remain static, but for the most part every aspect of reality is realized. Also taken into account is something programmers have neglected in the previous games. In Call of Duty 4 an actual physics engine is used to determine a bullets velocity and how much it will slow down after penetrating various obstructions according to width. If a bullet hits concrete, for instance, you're probably fine, but a few tree branches or a flower pot in the line of fire won't save you now.

As for multi-player, don't even get me started. Call of Duty 4 comes with 12 different multi-player modes offered on and off any Internet connection. A few of these include Team Hardcore, Oldcore, Old school and Ground war. The best part about multi-player is the experience points that can be accumulated, reminiscent of many RPG's. The player can now progress through ranks, starting at private- or fall in status based on a kill vs be killed point system.

Call of Duty 4 is actually the 8th sequel since its original release, but it is the first game in the series that will not take place in a WWII setting. Instead, the player is a marine caught in an struggle to take back nukes stolen by the Russian government. The plot itself is interesting enough and glued together with enveloping cinematics between levels that makes for great eye candy. The game play is terrific, the sound is great and the graphics are better. Call of Duty 4 is an excellent piece of work and has to be experienced by any seasoned gamer. There is no doubt that Call of Duty 4 is on the cutting edge of video games at the moment, especially in the first-person shooter genre. It'd make a great gift for a loved one for the holiday season, but you might discover it'd be a much better gift for yourself.