Word: COD4, an early critique
This is the first, of what we hope will be a regular series of guest editorials from an outspoken CoD combatant and wordsmith, Morphine Fiend. Mr. Fiend has agreed to share his thoughts on CoD4 with the BASH...the blog readership. For reasons which will become self-evident, we're dubbing his editorials: "Word". Morph has chosen CoD4 as his first editorial - perhaps in response to the criticism I meted out against early critics of CoD4.
All the opinions in Word are Morphine Fiend's. So, if you have any issues or comments, please direct your fire to him. Lol. Please post any comments below, or email him directly at: morphinefiend@devil-dogz.com.
- Jock Yitch, BASH
Word: COD4, an early critique
May 2, 2007 Edition
by Morphine Fiend
BASH Guest Editorial
Today, I take issue with Call of Duty 4.
I realize that my position may be unpopular with gamers, but I am not excited about Call of Duty 4 at all. I abhor the mere thought of moving this game series to the modern day era. I believe that there are a vast number of avenues that this franchise could have gone down in World War II.
I for one, would have liked to have seen Call of Duty take on the Pacific Theatre of Operations. I am stunned that they steered clear of that front altogether, especially after the recent Hollywood offerings—Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima.
Far be it for me to criticize the work that everyone at Infinity Ward and Activision have put into their latest offering. The trailer is visually appealing and extremely smooth. I applaud all of the talented designers, programmers, coders, and such in the work that they do. However, I do feel as if Call of Duty for the PC is a game that has been abandoned, neglected, and generally discarded. I say this due to the lack of expansion packs, new gametypes, new maps, and many other additions that could have been made. Activision and Infinity Ward introduced the use of vehicles in UO. I for one would love to be able to hop into a jeep, tank, Deuce and a Half, or even a motorcycle. Yes, I am aware that an expansion pack is in the works, but it was gamers who created this idea, and are working on it.
I like the modern warfare era too, so don’t get me wrong by any means…please, I implore you. I believe that part of the reason that World War II first person shooters are so popular to begin with is because they’re familiar. A lot of people have seen Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day, and the list goes on and on. The young men who fought during that war were amazing--their stories captivating. These were young men who overcame insurmountable obstacles and odds to challenge evil and tyranny half the way around the world. Their story deserves to be told, their actions honored, and the lessons they learned taught. They did not ask, nor did they want, to become heroes. Actions and fate come together under dire circumstances to breed honor, bravery, and duty. These young men wanted peace, quiet, and a guarantee that they could raise families and live long lives away from the horrors that they witnessed, read about, and saw at the matinees in their movie theaters.
I believe that “playing war” cheapens what young men and women are doing for real every day. Soldiers are living today the threats, atrocities, fear, and horrors that will be coming tomorrow to our consoles and PC’s. For that reason I am uncomfortable "playing" at a war that is being experienced by our soldiers - right now. World War II however, is a distant experience from today's reality. It's distance allows me to view it objectively and play it dispassionately. For that reason, I feel that playing a WWII game actually honors the exploits of the soldiers who served during that time: I am remembering their sacrifice.
The sacrifices made in today's wars are too visceral and immediate. Playing out those sacrifices in near real time simply diminishes their importance.
Word.
Morphine Fiend
morphinefiend@devil-dogz.com
I realize that my position may be unpopular with gamers, but I am not excited about Call of Duty 4 at all. I abhor the mere thought of moving this game series to the modern day era. I believe that there are a vast number of avenues that this franchise could have gone down in World War II.
I for one, would have liked to have seen Call of Duty take on the Pacific Theatre of Operations. I am stunned that they steered clear of that front altogether, especially after the recent Hollywood offerings—Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima.
Far be it for me to criticize the work that everyone at Infinity Ward and Activision have put into their latest offering. The trailer is visually appealing and extremely smooth. I applaud all of the talented designers, programmers, coders, and such in the work that they do. However, I do feel as if Call of Duty for the PC is a game that has been abandoned, neglected, and generally discarded. I say this due to the lack of expansion packs, new gametypes, new maps, and many other additions that could have been made. Activision and Infinity Ward introduced the use of vehicles in UO. I for one would love to be able to hop into a jeep, tank, Deuce and a Half, or even a motorcycle. Yes, I am aware that an expansion pack is in the works, but it was gamers who created this idea, and are working on it.
I like the modern warfare era too, so don’t get me wrong by any means…please, I implore you. I believe that part of the reason that World War II first person shooters are so popular to begin with is because they’re familiar. A lot of people have seen Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan, The Longest Day, and the list goes on and on. The young men who fought during that war were amazing--their stories captivating. These were young men who overcame insurmountable obstacles and odds to challenge evil and tyranny half the way around the world. Their story deserves to be told, their actions honored, and the lessons they learned taught. They did not ask, nor did they want, to become heroes. Actions and fate come together under dire circumstances to breed honor, bravery, and duty. These young men wanted peace, quiet, and a guarantee that they could raise families and live long lives away from the horrors that they witnessed, read about, and saw at the matinees in their movie theaters.
I believe that “playing war” cheapens what young men and women are doing for real every day. Soldiers are living today the threats, atrocities, fear, and horrors that will be coming tomorrow to our consoles and PC’s. For that reason I am uncomfortable "playing" at a war that is being experienced by our soldiers - right now. World War II however, is a distant experience from today's reality. It's distance allows me to view it objectively and play it dispassionately. For that reason, I feel that playing a WWII game actually honors the exploits of the soldiers who served during that time: I am remembering their sacrifice.
The sacrifices made in today's wars are too visceral and immediate. Playing out those sacrifices in near real time simply diminishes their importance.
Word.
Morphine Fiend
morphinefiend@devil-dogz.com
