No freedom, no AI - but a grand adventure

Here two things are particularly striking because they are a drama would be per se, in this game, however, are virtually irrelevant Firstly, the levels are incredibly linear and freedom ends at best, on the question of whether I walk left or right to a home. On the other hand have neither friend nor foe over an appreciable KI, but respond only script-based.

Although both aspects of good reasons would be for me, a modern shooter not to buy presents COD 4 impressive, what can make good storytelling and level design, can and should - especially the later missions as SAS soldier belong with its dramatic twists the very best, the ever staged on a computer. The missions "Well camouflaged" and "One Kill" in the second act are simply leading the way in their intensity.

By playing 4 two protagonists in COD, a US Marine and said SAS Commando to intense firefights in urban settings like "Black Hawk Down" can be just as believable experience, as the covert operations of a special unit. This surprised the game in some places with a hardness (just the behavior of the SAS), although morally debatable, however, is likely to be quite realistic.

In addition to the mission design the graphic and acoustic-/ musical presentation catches your eye, and ear. Due to the fact very little to be calculated level the game runs well on mid-range machines in high resolution and with excellent textures. The sound on a good speaker set or headphones (my favorite!) Is just terrific - both in terms of weapons and ambient sounds, as well as the voice and the orchestral soundtrack itself.

Of course there are also some criticisms:
Especially in the first missions as a US Marine, the script system coincides with his "shooting galleries Charm" clearly on. While you certainly can abgewinnen some realism of their own insignificance in urban combat, the ability to abstract is provided but again severely tested by endlessly onrushing enemy masses and immortal computer characters. The game invites a new firefight situation namely only when the player has exceeded a certain trigger point. The advantage of the scripts is but by the many surprising and lovingly detailed events also immediately obvious.

The criticism of the shortness of the campaign is justified, which is why I would any reasonably experienced players recommend playing at least at the second highest level of difficulty. In the then following 4 to 8 hours, however you can experience entertainment at the highest level - and that is worth than 25 hours unimaginative graphics presentation more.

Despite some small things on the debit side there is therefore no hesitation in 5 star for all the moments in which I sat open-mouthed in front of the monitor.