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

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:33 pm

I just got another key from Eurogamer if anybody wants it.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 4:09 pm

I'll take it if you still have it.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:48 pm

Sorry guys, it's been taken. I'm sorry for not posting that sooner.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:27 pm

Well, Tycho from PA certainly seems to like it. In his own verbose way, naturally.

I took time over the weekend to hit the level cap in Call of Duty 4, and then just to be sure that I understood what was going on I played for several more hours. I'm not the most skilled player you will encounter, with a roughly equal number of kills and deaths, but I prefer to think of my work in an assassinative context - the removal of key players at key moments. Please let me have this.

In the absence of the game's deeply integrated progression scheme, Infinity Ward would merely have created one of the best shooters available today. It would have staunch proponents, and they would be right to praise it. Is there a substance within cream that can rise to the top of itself? This substance has been discovered. As a distillation of the Infantry FPS, this is right down to it. This is brutal, unrepentant, bathtub f***in hooch. It is tight and smooth, it is lethal. Unrelenting in its intensity, your first rounds - indeed, your first few levels - will be spent without the succor of CoD4's rich rewards for continued play. But you'll see them on the killcam, every time you go down: this one has increased health, of course that would help. This one does more damage. This one, after he's killed, pulls his sidearm and takes a few final shots. This one's shots retain more of their damage after they pass through a wall.

You earn these for leveling up, with the experience you gain for every kill, for every round. You also earn experience for Challenges, which are (collectively) "awesome things that you did." I completed X-Ray challenges last night for killing people behind walls, which dished up bonus XP - this is displayed with exultant audio and video cues at the very moment of success. Killing while crouched, killing while prone, taking down an enemy helicopter, this is all gravy. There are challenges specific to your weapon, as well: for kills and headshots with that firearm, you travel down an upgrade path for unique to that weapon that reveals sights, camouflage patterns, and other tools to customize your equipment.

Watching videos of multiplayer play online, you'll get the impression that it looks better than it does. It looks fantastic, don't get me wrong, but it's not completely photorealistic. What it does have is an extremely reliable framerate and excellent level design, so that during the experience of play these fantastic visuals are transmuted into something sublime. Here's what I mean: if a friend is over, and they are watching you play, they'll be able to detect flaws here and there. Level geometry isn't especially fanciful, and blown paper or leaves look a little strange. But for the player, movement is just right, player models are just right, and the environments are right so that moment to moment everything gels.

As I said on Friday, to bring this thing into the house of Halo is pretty ballsy - but it'll carve out it's proper due. On the Playstation 3, what force could stand against it? I have a high opinion of Haze, but I've never played it - that's based mostly on my gut. Call of Duty 4 will fall hard on that system, like shrieking artillery.

Slumberland · Post by **Slumberland** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:31 pm

Is there any way to still get into the beta? Sounds so good.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:46 pm

I have now reached a 'comfortable' level with the game, in that I know the controls, generally know the maps, and have unlocked the M4 with red dot scope.

Nothing groundbreaking, but the game is just a lot of fun. I like the killcam, I like the radar, I like the perks, I like the weapons, I like the graphics, I like the pace. There's just a lot to like her even if the game doesn't contain any groundbreaking or unique element.

I initially hated the radar, but really appreciate it now. I can use it effectively now to see how my team is oriented which allows me to take a good attack angle to the action. Also, I really like how you can't see enemies except when you or teammates earn a UAV scan, or unless your opponent is firing an un-silenced weapon. Even then, if you want to be sneaky you can use the UAV jammer perk, but I prefer the 'stopping power' perk.

Deaths happen quickly, but it is very difficult to attack a small group of enemies. It's a shame the beta still isn't open because I could see some really great poker nights with this game.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:37 pm

Naples39 wrote:I have now reached a 'comfortable' level with the game, in that I know the controls, generally know the maps, and have unlocked the M4 with red dot scope.

Nothing groundbreaking, but the game is just a lot of fun. I like the killcam, I like the radar, I like the perks, I like the weapons, I like the graphics, I like the pace. There's just a lot to like her even if the game doesn't contain any groundbreaking or unique element.

I initially hated the radar, but really appreciate it now. I can use it effectively now to see how my team is oriented which allows me to take a good attack angle to the action. Also, I really like how you can't see enemies except when you or teammates earn a UAV scan, or unless your opponent is firing an un-silenced weapon. Even then, if you want to be sneaky you can use the UAV jammer perk, but I prefer the 'stopping power' perk.

Deaths happen quickly, but it is very difficult to attack a small group of enemies. It's a shame the beta still isn't open because I could see some really great poker nights with this game.

I agree completely. I have warmed up to this game now. Still not as different feeling as I would have hoped and I think it is a bit too fast paced, but I am having a lot of fun in my limited time with it!

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 3:32 am

Beta ending September 30th

Level cap upped to 25

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 10:28 am

This game is pretty awesome. The leveling aspect actually adds a nice touch to it as it really is not that different than R6:V. The leveled up advantage is really overrated.

Still a teeny bit too fast for me, but the fun factor is through the roof. This game could actually be a nice compliment to Halo 3 for this years online shooters.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:39 am

I love this game. Thanks to all in the thread who did a good job of conveying the excitement this game offers, and especially to Truth who had an extra beta key.

It's easily a must buy for me now. Yes, the weapons upgrades DO give players an advantage. In the end, I just don't care because playing the game is so fun, even if the other side has a leg up on you.

I played a bunch of Halo 3 mp last night, and it was only when I popped this in afterwards that I was drawn up to the edge of my couch. Good stuff.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:44 am

tealboy03 wrote:Beta ending September 30th

Level cap upped to 25

Is this official? I tried the beta a few times since then and everyone was still capped at level 16. Admittedly I haven't played in the last 2 or 3 days.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:56 am

Naples39 wrote:
tealboy03 wrote:Beta ending September 30th

Level cap upped to 25
Is this official? I tried the beta a few times since then and everyone was still capped at level 16. Admittedly I haven't played in the last 2 or 3 days.

Well, that was the word, but I haven't seen it yet, either. Who knows?

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:57 am

Sounds like we might need one last poker night with the beta before they end it.

Teal · Post by **Teal** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:58 am

webdanzer wrote:I love this game. Thanks to all in the thread who did a good job of conveying the excitement this game offers, and especially to Truth who had an extra beta key.

It's easily a must buy for me now. Yes, the weapons upgrades DO give players an advantage. In the end, I just don't care because playing the game is so fun, even if the other side has a leg up on you.

I played a bunch of Halo 3 mp last night, and it was only when I popped this in afterwards that I was drawn up to the edge of my couch. Good stuff.

My pleasure, web. But in all honesty, the hype was selfish...I want another big DSP Poker Night, dammit!!!

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:00 am

tealboy03 wrote: My pleasure, web. But in all honesty, the hype was selfish...I want another big DSP Poker Night, dammit!!!

Between this and Halo, I think we'll be set for a while! I hope, anyway...

I'm in for a last poker night!

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:20 am

I'm definitely looking forward to COD4.

My other highly anticipated war game, Brothers In Arms: Hells Highway got delayed until March so I guess its COD and Halo for online shooting. HL2/TF2 will get a look from me also. Very interesting combo of games in the Orange Box.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:35 pm

Diablo25 wrote:HL2/TF2 will get a look from me also. Very interesting combo of games in the Orange Box.

I was gonna get HL2, but I am digging COD4 and Halo 3 so much I'm just not sure if there is room.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:49 pm

Naples39 wrote: I was gonna get HL2, but I am digging COD4 and Halo 3 so much I'm just not sure if there is room.

But your not just getting HL2 with the Orange box, you get TF2, which to me is worth the money all by itself.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:55 pm

Danimal wrote:
Naples39 wrote: I was gonna get HL2, but I am digging COD4 and Halo 3 so much I'm just not sure if there is room.
But your not just getting HL2 with the Orange box, you get TF2, which to me is worth the money all by itself.

Was just going to say the same thing. I'm FAR more excited by TF2 than by COD or Halo!

mixdj1 · Post by **mixdj1** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:04 pm

Naples39 wrote:
tealboy03 wrote:Beta ending September 30th

Level cap upped to 25
Is this official? I tried the beta a few times since then and everyone was still capped at level 16. Admittedly I haven't played in the last 2 or 3 days.

The level cap going to 25 isn't supposed to happen until tomorrow.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 1:33 pm

RobVarak wrote: I'm FAR more excited by TF2 than by COD or Halo!

A purchase of COD 4 was very doubtful for me before the beta. It's pretty good stuff...

I plan on grabbing Orange Box sooner or later too, though.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:22 pm

RobVarak wrote:
Danimal wrote:
Naples39 wrote: I was gonna get HL2, but I am digging COD4 and Halo 3 so much I'm just not sure if there is room.
But your not just getting HL2 with the Orange box, you get TF2, which to me is worth the money all by itself.
Was just going to say the same thing. I'm FAR more excited by TF2 than by COD or Halo!

Ya, I am aware that Orange Box comes with HL2, the PC expansion, and TF2, otherwise I wouldn't be considering buying it at all.

Has anyone actually played TF before? I'm just curious as to why people think TF2 is gonna be so great and better than Halo 3 or COD4.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:32 pm

Naples39 wrote:Has anyone actually played TF before? I'm just curious as to why people think TF2 is gonna be so great and better than Halo 3 or COD4.

There's a ton of hype for TF2 because of the depth it provides, namely in its class system. Kind of how Shadowrun provided depth by providing 4 different character classes and all of the different tech/magic/weapon combos, TF2 provides 9 different player classes each with their own strengths and weaknesses as well as roles within the team. It's this promise of depth that has people drooling over it.

I admit I've had limited time with the COD4 beta but like COD's 1-3 I enjoyed the multiplayer quite a bit.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 3:46 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:
Naples39 wrote:Has anyone actually played TF before? I'm just curious as to why people think TF2 is gonna be so great and better than Halo 3 or COD4.
There's a ton of hype for TF2 because of the depth it provides, namely in its class system. Kind of how Shadowrun provided depth by providing 4 different character classes and all of the different tech/magic/weapon combos, TF2 provides 9 different player classes each with their own strengths and weaknesses as well as roles within the team. It's this promise of depth that has people drooling over it.

I admit I've had limited time with the COD4 beta but like COD's 1-3 I enjoyed the multiplayer quite a bit.

I don't know, but it seems to me that COD4's "create-a-class" feature makes rigid classification systems seem outdated. Then again, maybe that's an apples to oranges comparison as in COD4 everyone is supposed to be more-or-less the same, rather than completely different.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 4:59 pm

Naples39 wrote: I don't know, but it seems to me that COD4's "create-a-class" feature makes rigid classification systems seem outdated. Then again, maybe that's an apples to oranges comparison as in COD4 everyone is supposed to be more-or-less the same, rather than completely different.

Yeah, I don't think you're getting it. Did you play Rivals? It's more like the differences in the pond mode characters, with the snipers, balanced, enforcers, and instigators. The enforcers were big and slow, but could dish out a pounding, while the snipers were small and very fast, could shoot great, but if they tried to check, they would bounce off people harmlessly. TF2 is a lot more like SR without the magic choices than it is like CoD with people wearing different clothes. The differences among classes are very extreme, each has special skills and special gear the others don't have access to at all, and with the expressive, cartoony graphics, there's a lot of character to them as well. It's not like you can build a sniper, and then decide, heck, I'll take an assault rifle this time; rather, if you want the cloaking ability, you take the spy, and he won't be handling any rocket launcher, or if you want to heal people, you take the medic.

I think it will be tough for the game to seem much better to me than SR, because that game is insanely balanced, and the map design is just incredible. But it just may be different enough while being in the same vein that I will get into it. I know I will enjoy it, and am looking forward to it, it's just I don't know if it can really beat out SR in the end.

But for the orange box, I am most looking forward to. . . well, I'm looking forward to the whole thing. I never finished the HL2 campaign on Xbox, and I want to play Episode 1. Plus, Episode 2 is new, and should be good as well I assume. Then there's TF2 for the MP (I hope they have a functional party system . . .) and finally Portal, which is something that I'm almost looking forward to the most.