It is, we admit, sometimes difficult to keep track of all the different World War II shooters. But Call of Duty was a pretty outstanding effort, an FPS that was both arcadey and atmospheric, with a structure that eschewed giving you one player to control for the whole game in favour of a range of protagonists to play as: an American Paratrooper, a Royal Marine Commando and a Russian tank commander. If you were a fan back in 2003, you’ll know that it was showered with Game of the Year awards. ... more >>

It is, we admit, sometimes difficult to keep track of all the different World War II shooters. But Call of Duty was a pretty outstanding effort, an FPS that was both arcadey and atmospheric, with a structure that eschewed giving you one player to control for the whole game in favour of a range of protagonists to play as: an American Paratrooper, a Royal Marine Commando and a Russian tank commander. If you were a fan back in 2003, you’ll know that it was showered with Game of the Year awards.

Now Activision bring you the sequel to developer Infinity Ward’s acclaimed shooter. They’ve pulled out the stops this time, with the aim of bringing players what they claim is the most realistic WWII game yet, and that’s up against some pretty stiff opposition. And this time it’s not only smug PC gamers playing – Infinity Ward has decided that the spanking new Xbox 360 also has what it takes to showcase their new game. Once again, the game hops around the European theatre of operations, and you’ll find yourself facing Rommel himself in tank battles across the deserts of North Africa, scaling cliffs on D-Day and hunting tanks in a Russia ripped to shreds by the conflict.

The single player game puts you in the middle of huge battles, and you’ll have to rely on your comrades around you. A sophisticated squad system connects you intimately with the dozens of soldiers fighting by your side, and they’ll give you covering fire, take cover themselves, even distract the enemy from what you are up to. They’ll also alert you to the hazards around you, giving you forewarning of approaching enemies and incoming fire. The environments are more atmospheric and complex than ever, with wrecked cityscapes and shell-churned countryside, obscured by rain, smoke, fog and snow, and illuminated by dynamic, shadow-casting lighting.

This being a sequel to a PC only shooter, it would be nothing without a solid multiplayer mode, and the game sees a return of the distinctive Call of Duty team-based experience. Not the first opportunity this year to join the fray of Axis vs. Allies, but nonetheless, looking really good for it. << less