Call of Duty 3

Call of Duty 3
Review Xbox 360
Activision

There is no doubt in my mind that Call of Duty 2 was one of the best games available on the Xbox 360 at it's time of release. Although there has been a change of development team and the game takes you through a comparable World War II scenario Call of Duty 3 is easily as good as its predecessor with sound and graphics to die for. Built from the ground-up, Call of Duty 3 takes full advantage of next-generation technology and a new physics engine to deliver a living battlefield where cover is ripped apart by gunfire and explosions; blades of grass are trampled beneath tank treads and soldiers' feet and uniforms wrinkle and fold like real fabric. Battle Actions require players to engage in life-or-death, hand-to-hand combat with enemies, plant explosives and fire mortars, further immersing them into the most authentic WWII experience to date.

Call of Duty 3 takes place near the end of World War II as the allied forces land on Normandy beach. You step into the shoes of four ordinary soldiers - American, British, Canadian and Polish - to fight through The Normandy Breakout, the historic campaign that led to the liberation of Paris and brought the Allies onto the doorstep of victory.

Unlike Call of Duty 2 which was developed for PC Call of Duty 3 has been built from the ground-up for next-gen consoles, Call of Duty 3 brings the battle to life with advanced graphics, a new physics engine, a procedural environment and detailed ensemble animations that deliver the most cinematic war experience ever.

An all-new close-quarters battle mechanic allows you to fight hand-to-hand, improvise explosive devices, disarm traps and execute a host of other battlefield situations that require cunning and rapid reflexes to survive.

Next-generation level design provides multiple attack routes that let players decide how to confront the enemy - flank an opponent, or hit him head-on. Each unique mission path requires special tactics, from sniping and demolition to all-out head-on clashes. Environmental physics allow players to destroy enemy soft cover hideouts, forcing foes out in the open. But be wary, opponents can eliminate your protective cover as well.

The online play has been sorted out once and for all. Combined arms and team-based combat provides unprecedented depth and variety by allowing up to 24-players to battle it out online with the option of single or split-screen Internet play. You have the choice to play as infantry or commandeer multiple-occupancy vehicles, including tanks, jeeps, and motorcycles with side-cars, leading to unique mobile combat roles for all-out, multiplayer mayhem. Call of Duty 3 also offers soldier classes, each with class specific abilities, and a ranking system for truly diversified squad combat.

Sound-wise Call of Duty 3 is awesome. If you have 5.1 surround sound you will find that bullets wiz past your ears and explosion seem to happen all around you. There is also a wonderful classical score provided by Joel Goldsmith and performed by the Slovak Symphony Orchestra this adds massively to the games filmic qualities and gets your emotions stirring just at the right moments.

Graphically Call of Duty 3 is a triumph. The residue of war hangs heavy in the air - clouds of the best smoke I have seen in a game pour from scattered smoke grenades - sparks fly, buildings and scenery smash to pieces and the shear amount of on screen action is really impressive stuff.

Overall Call of Duty 3 is a hoot for any FPS fan. The online play on offer will give the title longevity and the mission mode is as gripping if not more gripping than before - the emotional stories that have been sewn into the characters don't quite cut the mustard but the idea is nice and can be developed in future versions. Your nation needs you son..you're going over the top.let battle commence.

8.5 out of 10