Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Overview -
It's 2016, and Activision's triple-headed 'Call of Duty' developer strategy means that it's Infinity Ward's turn to deliver. 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' promises a swathe of 'CoD' content, including a futuristic campaign which includes space combat on foot and in the Jackal space fighter, a new Combat Rig powered multiplayer mode, and a new Zombie mode, which features the very 80's 'Zombies in Spaceland.' But for November 2016, there is even more 'Call of Duty' in store. The 'Legacy Edition' of 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' includes Infinite Ward's opus, 'Modern Warfare' which returns as 'Modern Warfare Remastered,' complete with the full campaign and multiplayer modes.
Video Review
'Infinite Warfare' can really be beautiful. The space battles and planet vistas are a '2001' fan's dream, and the more central aspects, the characters, weapons, vehicles, and HUD elements are tops. All of this is on a regular PS4. I'm sure that pushing up the resolution on a PS4 Pro or as I've seen on a PC, brings out even more to like in the art design, but what's here is not subpar, neither is it rough. The worst offense that I can think of isn't ugly level corners, or crashes (I had none), or even installs (again another surprise, the game was ready to go quick), but the death animations for enemy robots. They often slump in place in a way that seems unnatural even for them.
'Modern Warfare Remastered' has been carefully updated, and the result is more like an early (but good-looking) PS4 game. It looks stunning in parts, and just smart in others, but it's not 'Infinite Warfare.' (Check out comparison shots here.)
I mentioned before that 'Zombies in Spaceland' has this great crummy fair look, but I mean this in a good way. I do have an issue with the 'Infinite Warfare' multiplayer maps, and that is that some of the sci-fi settings just look so much better (not unlike 'Destiny) than the more pedestrian settings.
Audio Review
The visuals are great demo material for sure, but the audio is right there. Voice-acting is very good, and the epic setting of space is carried through well (yes there is sound). The one complaint is that the chatter is a bit hyper. I don't always need Reyes to say "he's bugging out" when I'm on an enemy spacecraft's six. Likewise, his squadmates can be a little impatient during missions.
In another key 'Space: Above and Beyond' connection, James Morrison is featured in the 'Infinite Warfare' multiplayer. (He is great as always.)
In multiplayer, the characters actually say useful things which is great. The voice-acting in the Zombies episode sells the camp setting without going too far, which I hope people check out for themselves.
'Modern Warfare Remastered' maintains its frequently bombastic setting, and I would expect nothing less.
Final Thoughts
The pairing of 'Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare' with 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered' has been one of the more talked about moves in the industry these past few months. 'Infinite Warfare's campaign is can't-miss for any sci-fi warrior, while 'Zombies in Spaceland' is a sweet surprise like late night cable from yesteryear. Nabbing the whole package, including one of the biggest multiplayer draws in gaming, along with a newly spritzed last-gen classic is like a wish list approach for me.
