Page 6

The Verdict
So, COD II is a success then? Well, yes and no. Really it depends on what you are looking for in a game. COD II doesnt really do a lot new. It can still appear to be quite linear in places, the tank sections come into mind here, although for the most part linearity is cleverly hidden amongst the intensity of the battle. Apart from the new game engine, and a few tweaks not much has changed since COD I. Some of the changes that have been made such as the health system will not be to everyones liking either.

For me this lack of reinventing the wheel is a good thing, as a new and improved COD is exactly what I wanted from the series, many fans of WWII or FPS games will love this game, and it has instantly become one my favorite FPSs of the last year. The graphics and sound are really something, and what Infinity Ward has managed to do is ratchet up the level of tension to a whole new level. The game is all about atmosphere, which is so intense; the game really sucks you in and spits you out leaving your head spinning as if youd been caught up in a whirl wind.

The scale of the battles is even more epic and cinematic than before, and the decision to remove any hint of solo one man against the German army type mission is a welcome one. The whole experience was compelling enough for me to dive straight back in after completion for another round, although you will have to turn to the multiplayer component for continued replay ability. Few games have the ability to make you pause, wipe the sweat from your mouse hand, and in a stunned silence think to yourself My god thank **** I wasnt there, as you prepare once more to dive back in to the action and seemingly impossible tasks that lay ahead. COD II achieves this and more. After many battles fought, won and lost, my nerves are now shattered, my body battered and ears deafened and thoughts of those smaller satisfactions in life are entering my mind once more.

Now, where did I put that cup of tea?

Oh **** that plane .. where was I ?