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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Altered Beast
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
As Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare's single player campaign unfolds, the player is introduced to new gameplay at every turn – one moment you are fast-roping from your Black Hawk helicopter after storming into the war zone with an armada of choppers, the next you are a sniper, under concealment, in a Ghillie suit miles behind enemy lines, the next you are engaging hostiles from an AC-130 gunship thousands of feet above the battlefield. Mixed with explosive action, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare also delivers special effects, including use of depth of field, rim-lighting, character self-shadowing, real time post-processing, texture streaming as well as physics-enabled effects. Infinity Ward deployed a dedicated team from the start to deliver a new level of depth to multiplayer. Building on the hit "Call of Duty 2" online experience, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare's new multiplayer provides the community an addictive and accessible experience to gamers of all levels. [Activision]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Official Xbox Magazine
Simply put, Call of Duty 4 does everything right and nearly nothing wrong. But where it elevates itself above even the best 360 shooters is how all of the good stuff is ludicrously good. The campaign never lets up, while multiplayer is a triple-A affair in itself. [Dec 2007, p.36]
 100
GamePro
I seriously cannot think of a single flaw in CoD4, and trust me, I looked for them. From the amazing graphics to the intense and compelling single-player campaign to the feature loaded and addictive multiplayer, this game has it all.
100
GameDaily
This shooter is so addictive, gorgeous (both visually and aurally) and unrivaled that it demands your immediate attention.
100
Game Informer
Start to finish, online or off, Call of Duty 4 is solid gold. Some might decry the single-player’s short length or that it’s more of the same, but its amazing quality and the Arcade mode...more than make up for it. Infinity Ward has delivered on every front, and there is no question in my mind that this is the best action shooter that I have ever played.
100
GameSpy
It's a rarity to play a game as highly polished and as well-crafted as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. We cannot recommend it enough and fans of the series are getting just what they've been wishing for since "CoD2" released over two years ago.
100
PGNx Media
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare shows that you don’t have to revolutionize a series to invigorate it.
100
G4 TV
Rarely does a game shine in every area and accomplish everything it sets out to do. Call of Duty 4 is unquestionably one of those rare titles...It may not revolutionize the shooter genre, but it comes damn close to perfecting it.
100
Yahoo! Games
Much like they did in Call of Duty 2, the developers at Infinity Ward have set the new standard for scripted cinematic spectacle.
100
Gamer's Hell
In a year that has already seen the release of several incredible games, Call of Duty 4 sits at the top of the stack.
100
AceGamez
There are only little, meaningless things that could be done to improve this masterpiece; Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is nothing short of mind blowing.
100
GameShark
Infinity Ward may have taken a chance by modernizing the franchise, but the gamble paid off in spades. The game is one of the most gorgeous available for the 360 to date and the gameplay is absolutely fantastic, although it can be frustratingly difficult at times.
100
Thunderbolt
I can honestly say that Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a superb accumulation to the series, incorporating just enough new additions to keep the hardcore happy and the new players excited.
100
Gaming Age
It's epic, very difficult at higher levels and offers stunning visuals. Online, the ranking system is just as, if not more addictive than Halo 3's, and custom classes and abilities add another layer to each match.
100
GotNext
There’s a reason it's defeated Halo for the top spot on the Live charts. It's simply that good.
99
Planet Xbox 360
At the end of the day there is only one reason not to buy Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and that is if you’re no longer breathing...I know people that hated FPS games up until they played COD4, now they are awaiting the next one with baited breath.
98
Game Chronicles
Modern Combat is just about as perfect a game as you can get. It falls short of total perfection only because it really doesn’t evolve the FPS genre in any significant way – not that I know what that might be, but I’d know it if I saw it.
97
Team Xbox
An instant classic. The fact that Infinity Ward has created a modern-day masterpiece probably isn’t surprising given their impressive track record to date, but our lofty expectations were actually surpassed in many ways. The single-player game was particularly surprising, as none of us expected the game to have such a compelling, narrative-driven campaign. It’s one of the best stories of the year.
96
Cheat Code Central
An intense gaming experience from start to finish. The story is conveyed much better than the average FPS, the gameplay is varied enough to stay fresh, the graphics and sound both deliver, and the multiplayer is addictive.
96
Talk Xbox
At the end of the day, Call of Duty 4 is a superb accomplishment that has already shown it has what it takes to at least get a Game of the Year nomination. The single player may be rather short for a Call of Duty game, but there’s plenty of reason to keep coming back over and over.
96
IC-Games
For once a title has exceeded our expectations and some. It all goes without saying that if you want the best Call of Duty experience to date look no further than the forth in the illustrious series, it’s quite simply a corker.
96
Gamers' Temple
Call of Duty 4 easily earns its place among the elite shooters available for the Xbox 360.
96
Da Gameboyz
Compared to Activision's third instalment of the Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare blows it out of the water and then some.
96
Game Over Online
No battlefield is ever the same, because the permutations of capabilities across all the players in a given game are just astronomical, and making choices that fit your play style is crucial.
95
Deeko
With a well presented campaign and a very fleshed out as well as a very evenly balanced multiplayer mode, this is a must play for even the most finicky gamer.
95
ZTGameDomain
CoD 4 is much more than a new subtitle and change of weapons; the team has crafted one of the best paced, most beautiful shooters ever created. Couple this with the highly-addictive and extremely well balanced multi-player and you have a package that is the epitome of how sequels should work.
95
Xbox World Australia
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is one of those rare games that actually lives up to, and even surpasses, its own hype. Both the single player and multiplayer experiences are deep and engaging, showcasing an impressive variety of combat situations and intense, visceral action.
95
Worth Playing
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare provided me with more pure intensity than either Halo 3 or Bioshock. While it lacks the storytelling or some of the features of those games, it's the only FPS where I felt physically spent after I was done with it.
95
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
The natural evolution of Infinity Ward’s franchise is the best action game of the year, thanks to all the tension and cinematic feel of the single player campaign, alongside one of the most addictive multiplayer experiences on consoles. Highly recommended, even if you’re not an FPS fan. [Dec 2007]
95
Console Monster
Graphically, Infinity Ward has been able to gasp as much power as they can out of the Xbox 360 in CoD4. Although still looking much like their previous titles, the detailed models and environments, particle effects, smoke, atmospheric lighting and lengthy draw distance makes this title look simply stunning, and all this while running at a baby smooth 60fps.
95
Kombo
Call of Duty 4 is Infinity Ward's best game to date, the best military shooter ever made, and one of the best games of the year. If you are not a fan of first-person shooters, this game will make you rethink your position.
95
MS Xbox World
The game really does deliver an unprecedented military experience, which although might lack the total realism of the Clancy games, does provide an all out assault on the senses.
95
Play.tm
The single-player is a little short, but the action is relentless and polished to the point of reflection, the multiplayer, meanwhile, will keep you coming back time and again. This is the next-generation. A bona fide masterpiece.
95
GamerNode
A serious contender for Game of the Year with it's exceptional single player experience and solid multiplayer backbone.
95
GameZone
A completely intense thrill-ride from start to finish, Call of Duty 4 grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
95
1UP
With proven mechanics, brilliant visuals and sound, a satisfying campaign, and robust multiplayer, COD4 is one of the best FPS packages of the year -- no small feat, considering the competition.
94
GameTrailers
It’s absolutely relentless in its assault on the senses and never lets up until the last trigger has been squeezed. The multiplayer is even better, with the perks and weapon upgrades acting as a balance to the lack of vehicles.
94
IGN
Though the single-player lacks length, the multiplayer should keep you invested in COD4 for the long winter. This is a truly fantastic multiplayer offering that's as deep as any other online game available.
94
Game Positive
Whether it's the stunning visuals and cinematic nature of the campaign, the unrivalled action of the intensely realistic battles, or the outstanding multiplayer experience, there's something here for everyone who loves first-person shooters.
94
IGN AU
It might not have the lengthy feature list of certain other shooters, but there’s no denying that COD4’s strength is KISS – Keep it Simple, Stupid. By not trying to reinvent the wheel, Infinity Ward has done what it does best – build a shooter that is unrivalled when it comes to the sensation of being in a real warzone.
94
XboxAddict
The visuals and sounds of the game are right where they should be, and the actual gameplay is superb whether it’s multiplayer or single player.
93
GamingExcellence
The combination of fast gameplay, perks, a nice variety of maps and gametypes, and an excellent matchmaking system means CoD4 easily offers enough outstanding fragging fun to tear gamers away from Halo 3.
93
AtomicGamer
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is the best game in the series yet, largely due to the change in setting and the level of emotion that Infinity Ward has embedded into their story.
93
Jolt Online Gaming UK
To experience it is to experience a conflicting mixture of belief and disbelief: belief at the immersive scenarios, rich detail and convincing acting, and disbelief at the jaw-dropping set pieces and hammer-to-the-head storytelling.
92
GamingTrend
I’m sure that it took a lot of convincing to get Activision to sign off on moving to a modern setting instead of the wildly successful World War II model that has performed so well since the game’s inception, but it has paid off in spades.
92
Gamer 2.0
It’s the best Call of Duty game so far and hopefully will spark other developers to follow suit by breaking out of the redundant World War II genre. It doesn’t matter what platform you get Call of Duty 4, all that matters is it deserves a spot in any action fan’s collection.
92
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Add to that the experience and reward system, 16 maps out of the box, and the party system, and COD4 delivers a knockout one-two single and multiplayer shooter punch. [Holiday 2007, p.71]
91
The Onion (A.V. Club)
There's no substitution for the bone-deep abhorrence we harbor for Hitler and his henchmen, but Modern Warfare does an admirable job of creating villains out of arms dealers and ultranationalists.
91
Game Revolution
The long and short of it is that COD4 is both short and long: short in its refreshing single-player campaign, long in its deep multiplayer value. That the shortcomings of each should be the strong points of the other averts disaster on both fronts.
90
PALGN
Call of Duty 4's engrossing story, realistic graphics and compelling gameplay makes this shooter one of the releases of the year.
90
Xboxic
Marks a monumental shift for the series, and one that Infinity Ward has pulled off exceptionally well. The game offers an excellent campaign, along with marvelously balanced and fun multiplayer. The title offers the most complete package of any FPS on the 360.
90
360 Gamer Magazine UK
With its sights set not only on being the first for fast-paced military action offline, but also on being a strong contender in the online multiplayer scene. The verdict? A stunning success on both counts.
90
VideoGamer
CoD4 has all the terrorist activity you'd want, evil leaders, dramatic encounters and plenty of stunning scripted moments that will make your jaw hit the floor.
90
Total Video Games
There's only one downside to an otherwise overwhelmingly successful transition for Infinity Ward and Call of Duty. As with many classics, it's all over before you really want it to finish. If you're a veteran of tackling the Nazi invasion in past Call of Duty titles then you'll probably rush through Modern Warfare in less than 10 hours.
90
GameSpot
The single-player campaign is over in a flash, but the high quality of that campaign and its terrific multiplayer options make Call of Duty 4 a fantastic package.
90
GameTap
COD4 grips the imagination and finds a way to impact the player's emotions. And though we've seen a ton of games on similar subject matter, COD4 distinguishes itself with a washed-out gritty look and profound attention to detail. That same level of detail carries over to the online campaigns, which are just as vast and in-depth as anything found in the single player missions. From beginning to end--especially the end--COD4 is an amazing immersive experience.
90
Eurogamer
It succeeds not only for being consistently spectacular, but for the way it has been crafted into something that keeps you engaged right to the very end.
90
Official Xbox Magazine UK
COD4 is cutting-edge entertainment, but the downside to this dense and gripping delivery is that it's over far too quickly: five to six hours on Normal difficulty...COD4 is short but immensely satisfying and we can't wait for a post-modern revival. [Dec 2007, p.73]
90
Armchair Empire
Equal parts fun and gripping game play (and possibly geopolitical commentary, depending on how you look at it), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare stands as stunning example of a scripted first-person shooter done right that equals or exceeds the other big first-person shooters on the market today like BioShock, Halo 3, and Half-Life 2.
90
X360 Magazine UK
The game is bloody marvellous, but we'd rather have a finite number of enemies if it's all the same to you. [Issue 26, p.70]
90
NZGamer
A gripping story and simulative combat combined with a fantastic multiplayer system makes Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare a must-have on your Christmas wish list.
90
Video Game Talk
It's a rock-solid title that pushes the envelope and shatters expectations.
90
NTSC-uk
Quite simply, Call of Duty 4 is a stunning game and quite difficult to fault. It looks, sounds and plays brilliantly and offers an unrivaled online experience.
90
DailyGame
Intense, gorgeous and with a well-plotted original story, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare should be atop everyone's list of first-person shooters this year.
90
PTGamers
Call of Duty 4 is a game not to be missed. Intense, wonderfully designed and with one of the best online multiplayer, it’s a real contender to the best game of the year award.
90
GameCritics
With its polished cinematic presentation, well-paced action, and surprisingly emotional story, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare brilliantly captures the feel of a grand, epic game.
90
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
It's smoke and mirrors and a host of cheap tricks...but it's wonderful. [Jan 2008, p.56]
85
Pelit (Finland)
Moving the series to the present day was the right move but the structure of the single player game should also have been updated. Barging from one invincible checkpoint to the next throughout the whole campaign just isn’t good enough anymore. Still the 5 hours it takes to finish the game are intense and fun. The multiplayer part is a whole ‘nother ballgame. It’s fast and furious and the new weapons and skills that you’ll unlock by increasing your rank keep you addicted. [Dec 2007]
84
My Gamer
Is CoD4 the best FPS ever made? Definitely not. Will it provide a decent amount of entertainment value and cover the cost of $60? Absolutely.
80
Extreme Gamer
Infinity Ward splashes a modern coat of coding on top of its old formula of checkpoint-to-checkpoint run and gun action. In an initial viewing it might seem like a lot has changed, but in reality it’s just an illusion. This noted, if you loved a Call of Duty game in the past then you are going to love Call of Duty 4.
80
Destructoid
The game is short. While that may be an illusionary side effect of the intense plot, you'll be wishing for more when it finally comes to its thrilling conclusion. Also, the title is incredibly linear. It offers the spectre of choice in some missions, but when compared to the recent BioShock, you realize you will have seen the entire thing in one play through.
Jon gave it a10: Zack M gave it a10: Jukka S gave it a10: Rowan F gave it a9: Dominik J. gave it a9: Jack D gave it a9: Paul S. gave it a5: |
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