The China Mail - 'Call of Duty' seeks to win back fans with warfare spectacle

- What's the scenario? -

After imaginary Eastern European or Middle Eastern countries, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4" is set in a South Korea that's been invaded by its northern neighbour, against a background of tensions between the United States and Russia.

It follows several parallel stories: the survival of a squad of young American and South Korean soldiers thrust into the heart of battle, the journey of a former serviceman driven by a thirst for revenge, and a power struggle surrounding a new North Korean leader -- a character players can even step into the shoes of.

Across the 16 stages that make up its campaign -- which can be completed in about six hours -- "Modern Warfare 4" places a heavy emphasis on battlefields rocked by gunfire and explosions.

The graphics are highly realistic, and the game returns to the elements that fuelled its initial success: frenetic action and large-scale combat experienced from a soldier's perspective.

It includes several disturbing scenes, including civilians forced to flee a South Korean town, the hanging of a North Korean deserter and several summary executions.

- What do players think? -

"The way the movement feels is incredible -- it's so fluid," said 21-year-old Nolann Noy, who came to try out the title Thursday at Paris Games Week, where it was previewed.

According to 42-year-old Alex Hernandez, "it’s really well-made; the gameplay is sharp and responsive."

Insider Gaming called it "the best campaign ever created", while Eurogamer Germany described it as "a true action blockbuster", despite a "weak storyline".

- What's at stake for studios? -

Developed in parallel by several studios, "Call of Duty" has been split into two series for more than 15 years, with new titles released in alternating years.

The "Modern Warfare" games depict military conflicts in the modern era, inspired by international tensions, while the "Black Ops" games take place in an alternate reality where the Cold War never ended.

"Modern Warfare 4" was developed by American studio Infinity Ward, which was behind the original 2003 series and the 2019 reboot of the "Modern Warfare" sub-series.

It faces the difficult task of setting things right following "Modern Warfare 3" (2023) -- developed by Sledgehammer Games -- which was poorly received by the public and critics.

Last year's "Black Ops 7" was also a disappointment, being outsold by its chief competitor, "Battlefield 6".

Unlike its predecessor, "Modern Warfare 4" will not initially be available on Game Pass, Microsoft’s subscription service. But for the first time in 16 years, "Call of Duty" will be available on a Nintendo console: the Switch 2, which is more powerful than its predecessor.

Q.Moore--ThChM