Call of Duty 4:Modern Warfare Hype Machine...

[RobVarak]

Whoa, there are M-14's in the game? I thought this was a "modern" shooter

Seriously, that's pretty cool. It'd be nice to see a few more throwbacks to vary the choices.

[Naples39]

Whoa, there are M-14's in the game? I thought this was a "modern" shooter

Seriously, that's pretty cool. It'd be nice to see a few more throwbacks to vary the choices.

They also threw in MP44. Apparently they're not ready to entirely let go of the WWII era.

[Naples39]

You know for all the talk of upgrades and leveling-up, on some more open maps I am really liking using the default M16 with the grenade launcher (hence no red-dot sight). It's not a very good beginner weapon as you really need that full auto when you're learning, but combine the M16 with stopping power perk and the enemy drops after one burst. Extremely satisfying.

[RallyMonkey]

I need help. While true in the general sense as well, i am referring to this game right now.

I am 4 or 5 stages in and my next objective is to Escort a Tank somewhere. The team and i are on the street level of a blown out building, the tank is parked to our left up at the top of a hill, and just outside the building is a set of burning tires next to a VW van which is preventing me from getting to where it appears i need to go. I spent 20 minutes trying to figure out what to do and i feel stuck. For anyone who knows what i'm talking about and can help please PM me as i don't want to post any spoilers here.

I am having a blast with this thing.

[ScoopBrady]

I really enjoyed the first few missions in the single-player campaign and can't wait to play some more.

I really enjoyed the beta for multiplayer but I fear that the mp will not be the unifying poker night title we were hoping it would be and it all boils down to the damn leveling system. I hope I'm wrong but I think that damn leveling system will seperate us and hinder poker nights. I started playing a some mp on my own last night and was having a blast when I was in a room with guys level 7 and below. When there were guys in the 15-21 range it was no fun at all because they were able to mow me down with hardly any effort. It went from fun to frustrating awfully damn quick. It seems as if the final version is not as balanced as the beta was. I hope I'm wrong but I can definitely see a bunch of DSPers like myself who have limited gaming time hovering between level 4-12 for the next couple of weeks while others advance up to level 25 and over. When that happens I think it will be the death of DSP COD4 poker nights or at least the participation will drop. I hope I'm wrong because I had a blast for that one map I got to play with everyone last night but I don't recall anyone being over a level 12 in the room.

[Slumberland]

Sad to be missing out on the fun... I planned on getting it Monday, but the theft last weekend put my account in the negative temporarily, so I'm waiting for it from Gamefly like a shlub. And they only sent it today!

[James_E]

PC version is running great for me, in singleplayer. 1280x1024 with some good graphics options on, average >30fps. Drops to 25 sometimes.

Fun, intense stuff.

Multiplayer is a problem. It runs.. but it's a slideshow (literally < 10fps) I set it to "Optimal settings" (800x600, most stuff off) and it is still unplayable. I logged into a server with ONLY ME in it (ping was 35 or so).. and no change. Even the menus are slow.

Mind-boggling. I'm on wireless router, speedtest showing ping of 40ish and downstream 2Mbits/s upstream 600kbits/s. I'll try wiring directly to the router tonight, and I've heard rumours of soundcard being a problem... I'll check that out.

[Naples39]

I really enjoyed the beta for multiplayer but I fear that the mp will not be the unifying poker night title we were hoping it would be and it all boils down to the damn leveling system. I hope I'm wrong but I think that damn leveling system will seperate us and hinder poker nights. I started playing a some mp on my own last night and was having a blast when I was in a room with guys level 7 and below. When there were guys in the 15-21 range it was no fun at all because they were able to mow me down with hardly any effort. It went from fun to frustrating awfully damn quick. It seems as if the final version is not as balanced as the beta was. I hope I'm wrong but I can definitely see a bunch of DSPers like myself who have limited gaming time hovering between level 4-12 for the next couple of weeks while others advance up to level 25 and over. When that happens I think it will be the death of DSP COD4 poker nights or at least the participation will drop. I hope I'm wrong because I had a blast for that one map I got to play with everyone last night but I don't recall anyone being over a level 12 in the room.

I'm not panicking yet. Often times when I've gotten my ass kicked online by someone with a higher rank isn't because they're using some groovy weapon I don't have access to, it's just that they are better at the game than me, know the maps better, etc. With any FPS the people who play the game a lot are better at it, so wouldn't reflexively blame it on the rank system.

Looking at a list of the unlockables at each rank, it's not like you're getting dumped with super weapons. As I've said, getting to level 4 and 5 is essential, but that can be done in one night easily. After that, the only one I'd really say is essential is level 10 for the M4. I don't use the M4 all the time, but it's a very strong choice to have. You have to get all the way to level 37 to unlock another worthwhile assault rifle, and a perk like martyrdom which I might use at level 17 hardly unbalances the game. Worst case scenario is I just won't use my fancy toys on poker nights, as you've got 5 create-a-class slots to play with anyway.

[webdanzer]

I actually have had the opposite experience than Scoop, in that I got into the Beta fairly late, got owned by the higher ranked guys, and complained/wondered if it was the powerups that made the difference. Now in the full game, I'm doing pretty well against those higher-ups, and I really think it is because I simply have more experience with the game.

Honestly, I think the leveling up really gives you more 'options' rather than more 'power.' Even the laser scope -which as a scope is much better than the default ironsight- requires you to give up the grenade launcher, which as Naples said earlier, can be quite an effective weapon.

[macsomjrr]

I actually have had the opposite experience than Scoop, in that I got into the Beta fairly late, got owned by the higher ranked guys, and complained/wondered if it was the powerups that made the difference. Now in the full game, I'm doing pretty well against those higher-ups, and I really think it is because I simply have more experience with the game.

Honestly, I think the leveling up really gives you more 'options' rather than more 'power.' Even the laser scope -which as a scope is much better than the default ironsight- requires you to give up the grenade launcher, which as Naples said earlier, can be quite an effective weapon.

I agree to some extent but part of the fun of MP is watching your rank go up and feeling a bit of an accomplishment as your levels rise. That really bugged me that we couldn't level up in the private match (and yes I know why).

[James_E]

PC version is running great for me, in singleplayer. 1280x1024 with some good graphics options on, average >30fps. Drops to 25 sometimes.

Fun, intense stuff.

Multiplayer is a problem. It runs.. but it's a slideshow (literally < 10fps) I set it to "Optimal settings" (800x600, most stuff off) and it is still unplayable. I logged into a server with ONLY ME in it (ping was 35 or so).. and no change. Even the menus are slow.

Mind-boggling. I'm on wireless router, speedtest showing ping of 40ish and downstream 2Mbits/s upstream 600kbits/s. I'll try wiring directly to the router tonight, and I've heard rumours of soundcard being a problem... I'll check that out.

(QUoting myself)

Had an Audigy 2 soundcard in an old Dell. Dropped it into my PC. Now MP works fine. WTF? Makes no sense. SP worked great with onboard sound.

[DookieMowf]

As far as being at a disadavantage with not being ranked as high. This is from Skerik at OS and I agree with what he said

But the more you play, the better you get.

Bingo. That's why I think the whole "leveling up" thing is so completely overblown. I do it because it's fun to rank up and play with different weapons and perks while having a persistent record of your progress, not because I think I have to in order to compete with higher level people.

I'm level 22, but I'm using equipment (M4 with grenade launcher) and perks (Conditioning and Stopping Power) that I had unlocked by level 10. And I'm still kicking butt and taking names. So for anyone worried about the potential unbalancing effect of the leveling system, rest assured you're still fully able to compete with anyone once you hit even a modest level of advancement like level 10.

While the higher levels of advancement offer you more options, they really don't offer anything so incredibly awesome that you're powerless to compete against someone ranked a few levels higher than you. Like Heel said, chances are that the reason they're beating up on you is because their high level means they've just played the game a whole lot more than you have, they know the maps better than you do, etc.

[Teal]

As far as being at a disadavantage with not being ranked as high. This is from Skerik at OS and I agree with what he said

But the more you play, the better you get.

Bingo. That's why I think the whole "leveling up" thing is so completely overblown. I do it because it's fun to rank up and play with different weapons and perks while having a persistent record of your progress, not because I think I have to in order to compete with higher level people.

I'm level 22, but I'm using equipment (M4 with grenade launcher) and perks (Conditioning and Stopping Power) that I had unlocked by level 10. And I'm still kicking butt and taking names. So for anyone worried about the potential unbalancing effect of the leveling system, rest assured you're still fully able to compete with anyone once you hit even a modest level of advancement like level 10.

While the higher levels of advancement offer you more options, they really don't offer anything so incredibly awesome that you're powerless to compete against someone ranked a few levels higher than you. Like Heel said, chances are that the reason they're beating up on you is because their high level means they've just played the game a whole lot more than you have, they know the maps better than you do, etc.

Bingo. And after having my ass handed to me several times by skerik, I'd tend to listen to what he has to say...

[RobVarak]

And don't overlook the fact that you can take advantage of the tricked-out weapons of those ranked higher than you. If you can kill them...

[JRod]

As far as being at a disadavantage with not being ranked as high. This is from Skerik at OS and I agree with what he said

But the more you play, the better you get.

Bingo. That's why I think the whole "leveling up" thing is so completely overblown. I do it because it's fun to rank up and play with different weapons and perks while having a persistent record of your progress, not because I think I have to in order to compete with higher level people.

I'm level 22, but I'm using equipment (M4 with grenade launcher) and perks (Conditioning and Stopping Power) that I had unlocked by level 10. And I'm still kicking butt and taking names. So for anyone worried about the potential unbalancing effect of the leveling system, rest assured you're still fully able to compete with anyone once you hit even a modest level of advancement like level 10.

While the higher levels of advancement offer you more options, they really don't offer anything so incredibly awesome that you're powerless to compete against someone ranked a few levels higher than you. Like Heel said, chances are that the reason they're beating up on you is because their high level means they've just played the game a whole lot more than you have, they know the maps better than you do, etc.

Bingo. And after having my ass handed to me several times by skerik, I'd tend to listen to what he has to say...

Here's my question does the ranked lists match based on level or skill or do they just randomly match people?

<<< Waiting for gamefly to get me a copy.

[Teal]

As far as being at a disadavantage with not being ranked as high. This is from Skerik at OS and I agree with what he said

Bingo. And after having my ass handed to me several times by skerik, I'd tend to listen to what he has to say...

Here's my question does the ranked lists match based on level or skill or do they just randomly match people?

<<< Waiting for gamefly to get me a copy.

Don't know if there's a filter for it, but haven't had it filtered on skill level yet. 1's, 15's, and 25's all together. But it doesn't unbalance gameplay, as I've seen it...

[Boltman]

Whoa, there are M-14's in the game? I thought this was a "modern" shooter

Seriously, that's pretty cool. It'd be nice to see a few more throwbacks to vary the choices.

They are not throwbacks my friend, some seals and even force recon still use M-14's to this day.



That said, I am picking up my pre order tomorrow.

[Macca00]

After playing for a few hours this evening against randoms I completely agree with what many others here have said, I don't think the leveling up thing is a big deal as most of the upgrades/perks don't drastically change your experience (though after getting the red dot my kills have gone up quite a bit). I have had a few instances where I've turned a corner and got off several bursts of fire from point blank range and the guy didn't die but that could be because of my bad aim.

It definitely is one hell of a meat grinder though - spawn, hide, shoot people in the back, get shot in the back, respawn, shoot someone from the side, get stabbed in the back, respawn and repeat....it's surprisingly fun.

The maps are just crazy and it's going to take me a while to get acquainted with them - I love the one that's mostly inside an office-building/warehouse - it's just insane close quarters combat (I usually get an Uzi and do my best Master Chief impression before getting my head blown off, lol)

[pk500]

Man, the single-player version of this game is intense on PC. I'm sure it's the same on console.

Unfortunately, I must turn off shadows to get an acceptable framerate. But the lighting and general graphics are GORGEOUS on my machine, even with shadows off. I can only imagine how incredible this game looks on a proper gaming rig, as the game looked ridiculous with shadows on, even on my rig, before the stuttering got the best of it.

Still, everything about the single-player PC version just oozes quality. Great story, great music, great graphics, great fun.

The first two COD's for the PC were Medal of Honor on steroids. COD 4 is a cross of Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon on steroids.

And that certainly is not a bad thing!

Take care,
PK

[Naples39]

Finally tried some single-player myself. That car ride as the president was a trip!

[macsomjrr]

it's just insane close quarters combat (I usually get an Uzi and do my best Master Chief impression before getting my head blown off, lol)

Use the knife!!! Right stick 'em right in the throat and you'll win everytime:) Usually you'll get lunge right at the guy and they'll have no chance to get a shot off.

[pk500]

The production values of this game are insane. It's like an interactive thriller movie.

REALLY enjoying the single player on the PC.

Take care,
PK

[TCrouch]

Indeed, PK.

And for the record, with all of the eye candy cranked up, it's a LOOKER. The lighting is really beginning to reach insane levels in games nowadays. They've had the models and geometry pretty much nailed for a while; textures are getting better, but until recently, the lighting has never really been able to suspend disbelief. CoD4 really takes strides in the right direction, but the Crysis demo is the king for "holy sh*t" factor.

Still, the smoke effects, the lighting, and all of the various graphical touches actually add something to the experience in CoD4, since you can take your cues from muzzle flare or any number of other things.

[macsomjrr]

Little things like the leaves blowing around in the wind and the sound and look of the rain on Downpour (MP) impressed me.

[Danimal]

The mission where you finally catch bad guy #1 (al Ashad of however you spell it) is insane, I had to replay that mission so many times until I finally found a route that worked for me.

This game continues to impress, and it just keeps going.