Call of Duty: Ghosts is one of the most anticipated games of the fall, and many fans of the series are eager to get a hold of the game and test it out before upgrading to the next gen version of the game. But can the game live up to the hype?
One of the most positive reviews of the game comes from IGN, which claims that developer Infinity Ward has kept what made the game popular and added new elements that help keep the annual franchise relevant and fun:
"...the variety of environments keeps the campaign fresh, not only in terms of visuals, but in gameplay as well. Instead of just fighting waves of enemies through a linear stage at ground level, you'll find yourself rappelling down skyscrapers, flying helicopters, having firefights in space, commanding tanks, scuba diving through shipwrecks, playing as a dog, and evading shark attacks. Each requires new strategy, acute situational awareness, and - in the case of the space and water missions - special consideration for verticality and physics."
However, US Gamer gave the game a more lackluster review, claiming that the game shows the age of the Call of Duty Engine on current gen hardware and may be worth waiting for on the PlayStation 4 or PC:
"I entered with few expectations, having only played Modern Warfare, but I left with a renewed respect for Infinity Ward's craft. They've put together a nice little thrill ride in the campaign, even if the old engine lets them down a bit on the PlayStation 3. If you can wait, the game's presentation may be better suited to a platform with greater graphical fidelity, like the PlayStation 4 or PC. The plot is straight out of an action film, but if you know that going into it, you'll be fine. I'd honestly say it's perfect for a Redbox if you're not too tied to Call of Duty multiplayer."
Finally, Giant Bomb concludes that Call of Duty fans will find a lot to enjoy in the game (especially in multiplayer) but for those less attached to the series the new additions may not be worth spending the money:
"Ghosts offers the same style of video game combat that Call of Duty has had since 2007. The core of it is still engaging and can be very thrilling, if you're receptive to this type of action. In fact, it's still my favorite online multiplayer shooter. But the bells and whistles surrounding the game are muted and missing, leaving behind that same core without giving you enough new and exciting reasons to come back. Even with the improved graphics to be had on next-generation consoles, I'd rather play Black Ops II."