Infinite Warfare from the perspective of an outsider
28.11.2016
Translation: machine translated
I have to make something clear right from the start: I'm not a big Call of Duty gamer. The last campaign I played through was that of "Modern Warfare 2". What I am, however, is a big fan of science fiction and dystopian stories. One of my absolute favourite TV series is "Battlestar Galactica". Now, of course, you might ask yourself why am I writing about a "Call of Duty"?
Announcement: "we don't make what you want, we make sci-fi"
When "Infinite Warfare" was announced and I watched the first trailer, I had conflicting thoughts running through my head. On the one hand, I was impressed and on the other, I realised that the sci-fi look would not appeal to many old-school fans who wanted to get back to the historical roots of World War II (for whom there is now "Battlefield 1").
From elite soldier to viper...er, jackal pilot
After playing through the single-player campaign of "Infinite Warfare", I have to say: I have rarely been so entertained and thrilled! Sure, at first I wasn't exactly blown away by the somewhat outdated graphics engine and the relatively undemanding game mechanics, but the whole world is staged in an extremely believable way. For me, however, this was once again proof that atmosphere and a gripping story can more than cover up technical shortcomings. I believe that the resource conflict could happen in the relatively near future, spreading from Earth to surrounding planets. After just a short time, I felt like I was "in the thick of it" and was constantly cursing when I once again carelessly ran across the field and immediately took a grenade or a hundred bullets instead of saving the world. I should also mention that although the weapon selection is very modern, the combat on the ground feels very real. It is primarily shot with ballistic weapons (I played through the entire campaign with the M4 or NV4, a well-balanced assault rifle) and exoskeletons or weightlessness are practically completely dispensed with.
Of course, the story is brimming with epic and pathos. But the feeling of being an elite fighter pilot and officer of a special unit that operates on the ground and without hesitation in the air (or in space) is simply brilliant. For once I felt like Lee Adama aka Apollo or Kara Thrace aka Starbuck from "Battlestar Galactica" and became a Viper...er, Jackal pilot. The story is characterised by cutscenes with film-ready special effects, heroic deaths, traitors and overly strict admirals. However, it is always engaging, provided you are at least a little fascinated by the above. The last one or two hours are also held in true "Call of Duty" style, from running through hails of bullets to typical cover combat against snipers who are far too well positioned. You actually get the usual urban combat at the end - I wasn't even expecting that. After around six hours, the fun is over and somehow I was left with the feeling of wanting more.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare has been available from us since 04 November 2016:
Battlestar Galactica in the complete box set:
My personal advice
As already mentioned, I'm not a big Call of Duty gamer. So you won't hear any biased opinions from me, I wasn't particularly hype or disappointed in any way. But what I can say is that if, like me, you like this type of setting and would like to spend a few entertaining hours in front of the box again, give the old lady a chance.
I'm looking forward to your feedback. Are there even people who have had a similar experience to me?
Header image: The troupe from Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare shines with similarity to...
Roy Sonderegger
Category Sourcing Manager
roy.sonderegger@digitecgalaxus.chI came into contact with the gaming world early on. Growing up with Gameboy, SNES and Star Wars tapes, Luke, Link and Ark (I still lose my senses from them... #insiderjoke) were my heroes. Later I was influenced by more "western" titles like Baldur's Gate or Gothic, until I finally discovered Halo and Call of Duty. The Duron 700 MHz CPU was given to me as a birthday present, until I wasted it due to lack of knowledge and overclock craze. Meanwhile I have also played on some small to very big stages in Switzerland, because I discovered a second big passion with music.