Why I’m ready to embrace the chaos of Infinite Warfare
2016 has been astonishing as far as first-person shooters go; we’ve been able to play the barbaric thrill ride of Doom, the team-based hero shooter Overwatch, the uber-realistic and emotional Battlefield 1 and the wonderfully chaotic and superbly responsive Titanfall 2, but it’s soon time for the king to take the throne once again. Call of Duty has been to World War 2, Vietnam and the future. It has seen conflicts arise in the Middle East and on the home soil of the United States, but it has never seen a campaign take place entirely in space. The Settlement Defence Force has started war against the United Nations Space Alliance, meaning the collapse of the Solar System is almost upon us, unless Captain Nick Reyes and the crew of UNSA’s Retribution can attack the SDF and restore order to the galaxy. I must admit, I’ve not played many of the recent Call of Duty titles, but this sounds like a lot of fun.
My love for the FPS genre came when I fell in love with Modern Warfare, and even further with Modern Warfare 2. I have had my struggles with the FPS genre over time, but in the last 6 months I have fallen in love with it all over again. The thing with Infinite Warfare – and the reason I can’t wait to play it – is that it looks bat shit crazy and full of blazing action and remarkably extravagant technology. I need that. I need to play a game where I don’t need to think, where I can a game that does what most action blockbusters do at the movies: entertain and ignite my imagination.
There seems to be a lot of focus put into this year’s single player, and whether that’s accurate or not, I’m looking forward to playing a part in it. Kit Harrington aka Game of Throne’s Jon Snow is playing a bad guy – a real dickhead on a power trip, and that’s incredibly intriguing for someone who is ever so slightly in love with him. He’s Jon Snow, a really good guy. How can he play an utter douche?! Another one of my man crushes, UFC’s fighter of the decade Conor McGregor is in it; I’m guessing there’s not a massive role for him in the story, and it was probably a way for the game to garner a few more followers, but I don’t care. Things are shaping up nicely and so ready for it now.
And what about the Jackal?! Finally, you’ll be able to pilot your very own jetfighter in space, AND you’ll be able to upgrade it throughout, taking part in side quests called Ship Assaults. These quests also give you more details on the story and the world, with new cosmetic items being available as well. I can’t wait to see how it handles in the air, and I’m intrigued by how intense the dogfights will be.
Online multiplayer has always been a massive part of Call of Duty, and this year’s seems very interesting. Combat Rigs look great, appearing to provide a new way to experience the multiplayer. Rigs are suits that combine 3 payloads (a power weapon or ability) and 3 traits (consistent abilities that change your playstyle in every match) over a range of different types, such as the Warfighter and the Phantom. There’re also loads of new weapons, and the maps are absolutely stunning. Frost, set on one of Jupiter’s moons looks great, as does every other one to be fair.
Zombies in Spaceland looks so fucking cool. A brand new adventure, taking a similar tone to Far Cry’s Blood Dragon. You’re part of a team fighting the undead in a theme park, set among the backdrop of the 1980s, featuring a fab soundtrack to boot. It’s a separate, standalone story that favours the franchise’s crazier roots and has a wide range of eccentric characters and crazy power ups. They’ve really gone to town on making this year’s Call of Duty different, whilst still trying to keep the Zombie elements of the series a strong part of it. If you’ve not seen the trailer, get on it now!
After an intense year of games, I’m looking forward to blow some shit up in chaotic environments in outer space without thinking too much about it. I want to run and gun in the most flamboyant of ways with no regard for my safety. I want to shoot baddies in the face, blow up expensive military equipment and watch it all unfold under the twinkling of some pretty big stars. Only time will tell if it’s any good, but I can dream. I’m allowed to be excited by Call of Duty, as are you.
