Call of Duty 3 (Xbox)

• Platform:   Xbox
• PEGI Rating: Ages 16 and Over
• Media: Video Game

In a nutshell:
After the last game became the best selling launch title for the Xbox 360, Activision aren’t wasting any time with the follow-up as you do you bit to help out with the Normandy breakout and the liberation of France.

The lowdown:
Despite the new digit in the title this isn’t so much a sequel to Call of Duty 2 on the 360 and PC as it is Call of Duty: Big Red One on the PS2, Xbox and GameCube. It’s by the same developer (Treyarch), there’s no PC version and it doesn’t feature three distinct armies, but instead a recreation of the Normandy breakout. That’s not to suggest it’s short on new ideas though with much larger levels than ever before and far more vehicles to control (particularly in the Battlefield like multiplayer mode). There’s also a new Resident Evil 4 style quick time event system for hand-to-hand combat where you have to hit specific buttons to sock it to the Nazi hordes.

Most exciting moment:
It may seem a bit shallow to go on about the game’s explosions but really, there’s never been anything as realistic as the fireworks in this game. The way the smoke moves is particularly amazing, even drifting in the wind or dispersing after a second nearby explosion.

Since you ask:
Although Activision has confirmed nothing yet they have hinted that original Call of Duty developers Infinity Ward are working on their own sequel, primarily for the PC. When it will come out and whether it will be translated to the next generation consoles is currently unknown.

The bottom line:
The best WII first person shooter looks to be getting even better.
HARRISON DENT

The Power of next-gen:
Built from the ground-up for next-gen consoles, Call of Duty 3 brings the battle to life with advanced graphics, a new physics engine, a procedural environment and detailed ensemble animations that deliver the most cinematic war experience ever.

Battle actions:
An all-new close-quarters battle mechanic allows players to fight hand-to-hand, improvise explosive devices, disarm traps and execute a host of other battlefield situations that require cunning and rapid reflexes to survive.

Branching mission paths:
Next-generation level design provides multiple attack routes that let players decide how to confront the enemy flank an opponent, or hit him head-on. Each unique mission path requires special tactics, from sniping and demolition to all-out head-on clashes.

Nowhere to hide:
Environmental physics allow players to destroy enemy soft cover hideouts, forcing foes out in the open. But be wary, opponents can eliminate your protective cover as well.

Team-based multiplayer with vehicles:
Combined arms and team-based combat provides unprecedented depth and variety by allowing up to 24-players to battle it out online with the option of single or split-screen Internet play. Gamers have the choice to play as infantry or commandeer multiple-occupancy vehicles, including tanks, jeeps, and motorcycles with side-cars, leading to unique mobile combat roles for all-out, multiplayer mayhem. Call of Duty 3 also offers soldier classes, each with class specific abilities, and a ranking system for truly diversified squad combat.

• PC & Video Games > Games > Action & Shooter