Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

FPS are nothing new on the DS and initial batches of the console itself were packaged with an incredible Medroid demo proving just how well the console could handle this 3D genre. After this we had the rather ropey Goldeneye from EA, which didn't win over nearly as many people as the original N64 version did. More recently we've been treated to the stunning WWII FPS, Brothers in Arms, which was not only engaging to play but also packed with atmosphere. Nothing has really been developed around modern conflicts however but this n-Space developed title hopes to rectify this, all squashed onto a tiny DS cart. Is it battle ready then?

Gameplay

While Modern Warfare is very real, the game's plot isn't as it revolves around yet another plot for the former Soviet Union to reclaim its rightful place as a World Power. Unfortunately a rather unstable Chechen leader leads the campaign, so it's never going to be simple case of dropping in, doing the job and then exiting. The game takes place in a variety of locations in an attempt to stretch you as a soldier in modern combat. Obviously the bulk of the game is an 'on foot' FPS and it's here where the gameplay has a skill bias as opposed relying simply on quick reactions. Headshots, for example, are more effective than body hits, and taking too much time will result in your enemies taking cover behind available objects, although you also have the ability to do this. In addition to firearms you also have grenades which can be tossed around corners to clear the odd 'sitting' enemy. The action is relentless and fortunately there are enough checkpoints to stop the proceedings becoming too frustrating.

Outside of the FPS you also have to man the odd machine gun and there are a fair few 'on the rails' sections where you'll have to defend the back of your truck, or even your helicopter, from enemy attack. Probably one of the most unique levels takes place high above the war zone where you are safely tucked away in a Hercules providing air ground support for a team of SAS operatives. It's your job here to keep enemy troops far away from your team whilst also following their other instructions very carefully. In the multiplayer option there are a handful of decent maps where you can play the odd Deathmatch or Capture the Flag although sadly there's no online. Instead your only option is to invite some friends around and take advantage of this feature with everyone in the same room. Not exactly technology at work then and another example of a seriously under-exploited Ds feature.

Controls

Obviously FPS' work so well on the DS because of the combination of controls but while the traditional controls are used for movement and firing (d-pad and shoulder buttons respectively) the touch screen is just as important.

Graphics

Because of the DS' limitation it would have been easy to simply push out an average looking shooter with bland textures and overall design so as not to compromise the framerate. Clearly the developers have aimed much higher and n-Space have done a wonderful job of producing a handheld version which is about as close to its more powerful console versions as you're likely to get. Obviously this includes weather, smoke and explosion effects but what is unexpected are the larger animations such as the helicopter shadowing you as you patrol the streets. It's the overall design which is really pleasing though, with intelligent maps and very little repetition making almost every turn as heart pounding as the last.

Sound

The audio does a superb version of creating a tense combat atmosphere throughout the game. This includes both music and dialogue from the console version but the whole thing has been edited in such a way that it never feels like it's becoming repetitive but instead adds to the game's enjoyment.

Dual screen

The stylus, on the touch screen, is used to aim and very good it is too, allowing you to pick off headshots with ease and precision. For a closer view simply double tap and you'll be taken into 'zoom mode' although only where available. In addition to combat you'll also use the touch screen to set and defuse bombs generally by altering circuits and tracing wires against a rather fast clock.

Final comments

Before we even mention the (very) minor drawbacks let's just say the Call of Duty DS is a superb FPS and an asset to the growing DS FPS library. It looks great, sounds wonderful and the variety in the missions has that annoying 'just one more go' quality which is sadly lacking in a great deal of current titles. Even the Multiplayer is pretty entertaining, despite its shortcomings. The majority of problems relate to the controls where zooming can occasionally be problematic, especially when it most matters. There are also some dead ends which can trap you thanks to programming glitches but these are easily avoided once you've located them. Despite this, Call of Duty is a stunning and highly enjoyable little package.

Pro: Looks Great, Loads of Variety.
Con: Too Short, Limited Multiplayer.
Final score: 8.1

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