E3 2014 – Hands off with Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Another year, another Call of Duty right? Yes and no. With three studios now working on the franchise, there’s a definite trend towards Activision releasing more distinct adventures into warfare and advanced fish AI. Sledgehammer is up to bat next, and while their latest entry doesn’t stray too far from the usual COD fundamentals, it just might be the prettiest Call of Duty released so far.

At the E3 booths this year, we got a another look at a few new levels of the annual shooter. As usual, it’s the regular mix of Baysplosions and heavy-handed OO-RAH action, but COD fans would riot if it were anything else. The game does look phenomenal however. Facial expressions pop easily, the voice-acting is top-notch and a ton of smaller details have been added for the hell of it, even if most gamers won’t pick up on them.

For instance, lighting technology has improved, with those effects being seen in the game on the terrain, characters and even dilated pupils. Such small, unnoticed design elements, but they do add a subtle touch to the game.

As for how it plays, don’t expect this latest entry to be a massive departure from earlier COD games. Advanced Warfare can still run and gun with the best of them, as those core mechanics aren’t exactly in need of a change. But the new exoskeleton suit abilities will help you out in a crisis, while new enemy variants that use all manner of technology and drones to take you down will provide a departure from the usual slaughter of grunts.

Throw in some decent vehicle levels, and while the next Call of Duty game won’t be the massive evolution that critics have been asking for, it will be sticking to its guns to provide the usual summer blockbuster action.

Last Updated: June 17, 2014