Customer Reviews
Best reason so far to own an Xbox 360
This is definitely the best game released thus far for the Xbox 360, and one of the best FPS games available. It is really strong in a lot of areas. Graphics are very solid (as one would hope, being in a next-gen system) through-out, and although they may not totally blow you away at first, you will definitely notice how much better they are when you switch back to a PS2 or XBox game. However, playing this game on an HD-TV really shows how much better textures can look on the 360. The game also has a fantastic frame-rate throughout the one-player campaign as well. Probably the best example of how "next-gen" the game is comes from the level design. More than any other console game I've played, this game really makes you feel like you're in the middle of a war. Friends and foes fight all around you, charging, using smoke grenades, calling out movements, sometimes getting blown apart all around you. Some levels will find you holding down a building or other location against waves of enemy troops which number in the hundreds. This sense of scale, of being immersed in an actual war, really is what makes the game.
I was also very, very pleased with the controls, which make or break a console game for me (for example, Call of Duty 2: Big Red One is not nearly enjoyable because its controls are not nearly as responsive or as well mapped to the controller). Its very easy to get into the game and feel like you are able to do exactly what you want, when you want - a definite necessity for a great FPS.
The only area this game disappoints in is the multi-player, which has become a buggy, lag-filled mess. The occasional game that doesn't fall apart due to lag and players dropping out can be fantastic. There are a lot of varied games to play and the levels for multi-player are great. If the rumored patch ever comes out, then this game will start to eat up a lot of my time again.
I definitely recommend Call of Duty 2 to anyone with an Xbox 360.
Multiplayer issues
Pros:
Best graphics of any first person shooter on the 360
Excellent feeling of atmosphere.
Great use of sound positioning (You'll here the footsteps of enemies which is of great use online, rain sound diminishes when going in doors, outdoor and indoor footsteps.)
Sharp texture quality
Immersive single player mission (jaw dropping mission in the midst of a rain storm)
Large multiplayer maps where 70 - 80 % of buildings can be entered.
Detailed multiplayer maps. Multiplayer maps provide plenty of objects for cover.
Buildings of large size. Some are two stories with about 6 rooms.
Multiplayer map design and fighting system force you to find cover and discourages the run and gun style.
Far draw distances.
Cons:
Multiplayer system is full of errors and bugs.
Some lobbies can take 10 to 15 minutes to load.
Once you get into a game the frame rate can drop to 10 to 20 fps.
Cannot choose your own map.
It is taking to long to release the multiplayer patch!
Single player missions can be lost from time to time.
For every 5 games played 3 have significant lag and loading problems.
Too much emphasis on sniper weapon in the multiplayer games.
No sub-options for the multiplayer games. You can only choose what type of the multiplayer you want such as Capture the Flag, Headquarters, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and from there no other options can be set.
Some issues with jumping into windows.
When the multiplayer runs well there is no lag and the frame rate can hit 40 to 60 fps.
True Ranking system seems to be a hidden mystery.
Final words:
I would recommend not buying this game until you here of a solid update that fixes the multiplayer issues. At the same time the multiplayer (when it works well) is more immersive than any other fps that I've played. The mechanics have a feel of Medal of Honor on the Xbox but improved to a degree. The fact that this game only uses 1 of 3 cores and still looks great is a hint of things to come.
Tips:
If you want to win in multiplayer you have to use the Sniper rifle.
Bend down when you enter a building because the enemy will hear your footsteps.
Never stay in one place for too long.
Don't focus too much on what's near you, focus in the distance and in windows of buildings.
Always look behind you frequently.
My Rating:
7.2 out of 10
If multiplayer was improved w/ more options:
8.8 out of 10
PARENTS! Great for kids over 13 --- WHY?
Finally a video game that mixes true history with high end console gaming.
Parents, this game is a good history lesson as well as a pretty safe game for your 13+ to play. They will enjoy the thrill of the action as it happened in World War II.
Gameplay, story, music, graphics are A++! Online play is a bit sluggish but good enough to still pass as a 5 star game.
Get it and keep it!
