Product Reviews

With the release date of Half-Life 2 creeping back and back, gamers would be forgiven for thinking that they were in for a bleak Christmas. But thanks to this sublime World War II shoot-'em-up, you can hang up your stocking and twiddle your thumbs excitedly until Santa arrives. Developed by the people who brought us the incredible Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, Call of Duty proves an even more thrilling, captivating and atmospheric experience.
During the campaign you'll find yourself parachuting behind enemy lines in France to take out anti-aircraft guns, desperately holding a bridge against overwhelming odds as part of a British unit and charging down machine-guns in Stalingrad as a Russian conscript. Bullets rain down all around, men scream in terror and cries of agony ring in your ears as your comrades are scythed down by

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mortar fire. The sense that you're actually there in the thick of war is overwhelming.
Call of Duty's pacing is also impeccable. One mission sees you embroiled in a bloodbath against countless enemies, and the next has you mounting a daring one-man raid to infiltrate a secret German base, where stealth is just as important as a steady aim. Superb.
Not only do your enemies provide a stiff challenge, they're among the most convincing you'll see in a PC game. Shoot at their heads and they'll duck down. Throw a grenade and they'll run for it. Get too close, and they'll ram the butt of their rifle into your jaw. Catch them in the open and they'll strafe and look for cover. Never once do you feel safe. Every enemy soldier feels predatory and real.
It's hard to find much to be negative about in Call of Duty. A few team-mates prove indestructible if they're crucial in leading you on to the next section of the game. Some are prone to the occasional bout of foolhardiness in the heat of war. Overall, the game is a little short, and experienced players will be able to complete it in about ten hours - but this is one game you'll definitely want to play through again on a higher difficulty level.
Call of Duty is a must. If you were thinking of holding out for Half-Life 2 before buying your next game, don't. Buy this now, or you'll be missing out on one of the greatest gaming experiences you'll ever have.