Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 had a lot to fix after the last COD release one year ago. Infinity Ward had to deliver and did so in a back-to-basics way. The game is stunning, action-packed, yet grounded in what Modern Warfare stands for. Its story is personal, and the gameplay is tight and refreshing, with lots of believable places that breathe life and will keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s tons of replay value, with some amazing levels that can extend the campaign by a few extra hours. If that’s not enough, DMZ feels like a free, separate game that is likely to see many updates in the future if you’re into fleshed-out extraction shooters. And then there’s the stellar multiplayer that delivers with Kill Block, a mode that could become its own esports platform, where skill stands above the usual “pay-to-win” loadouts from some other modes. While some later levels, especially the snow levels, lack the visual fidelity of the earlier Paris missions, Infinity Ward shows that it can make a beautiful game that is still action-packed and delivers grounded and solid gameplay. If only they could fix that pesky download mess and optimize the install size on consoles to something more reasonable. But once you’re in, NO MORE RULES!
Overall, I was expecting a classic Monopoly with a generic Star Wars theme slapped onto it. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The game breaks its own classic conventions and adds teamplay, the chance to challenge enemy locations in an assertive way, by adding a competitive dice game into the mix. All of this and the added Star Wars GO-events are dynamic and really change the way the game is played. Furthermore, the abilities and how you balance them in your team will decide if you either win or lose with your favorite team. The UI is a bit all over the place in the beginning but after a few games you will see more clearly in this fun game where tactical dice play and classic Monopoly meet the Star Wars family!
While excelling in some parts with lots of customization and unlockables and great sound design, the game’s UI and in-menu storytelling reveal its mobile origin. You’ll spend quite some time racing, breeding perfect foals, and upgrading your homestead. But you’ll spend an equal amount in tedious stylised menus. If you’re really into equestrian games and able to look over its shortcomings, you’ll be able to see this as a cosy game with lots of upgrades and unlocks if you’re willing to spend the time.