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CRITIK

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Call of Duty: Ghosts
Item: Call of Duty: Ghosts
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2013

GenresAction, Shooter, Thriller, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 4, 2013

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperInfinity Ward

Overview

Call of Duty: Ghosts takes place following a catastrophic event that changed the global balance of powers in the world. As a result, the United States is no longer recognized as a superpower. Ten years after the event, an unseen enemy emerges as a threat, but the remnants of US special forces from every branch came together to create an elite group of soldiers known as the "Ghosts", who are determined to eradicate all threats to protect the weak and the remains of America.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Call of Duty: Ghosts received some positive feedback from critics. Critics like God is a Geek and Playstation Official Magazine UK appreciated the fast-paced and action-packed nature of the storyline, with elements like Riley the German Shepherd companion adding a fresh twist. Additionally, critics such as TotalPlayStation commended the game for having a cohesive and meaningful story arc that kept players invested throughout the campaign. On the other hand, the story of Call of Duty: Ghosts faced significant criticism from multiple reviewers. Critics like Eurogamer and Eurogamer Germany pointed out the unrealistic, clichéd, and simplistic nature of the storyline, reflecting a lack of depth and originality. Furthermore, critics such as Eurogamer Italy and Gaming Age highlighted the lack of emotional impact, disjointed script, and unoriginal plot twists, making the overall narrative feel shallow and uninspired. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Call of Duty: Ghosts leans towards the negative side. While some appreciated the fast-paced action and certain unique elements like the German Shepherd companion, the majority of reviewers found the storyline to be lacking in depth, originality, and emotional engagement. The criticism mainly focused on the clichéd and predictable nature of the plot, as well as the disjointed and unmemorable storytelling. Critics like Game Informer and Push Square echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the lack of compelling narrative and emotional connection in the campaign. Ultimately, the general sentiment is that while the game delivers on action and setpieces, it falls short in delivering a truly engaging and immersive story experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics had mixed feelings about the story of Call of Duty: Ghosts. Some praised the fast-paced action and unique elements like Riley the German Shepherd, while others criticized the lack of depth, originality, and emotional impact. Overall, reviewers found the plot to be clichéd, predictable, and uninspired, with a consensus that the game excelled in action but fell short in delivering a compelling narrative experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Call of Duty: Ghosts are varied but generally positive. Many critics praised the fast-paced and action-packed nature of the gameplay, highlighting the smooth controls and intense combat sequences. IGN commends the game for maintaining its signature fast-paced gameplay with new elements like player personalization and different modes such as Extinction and Squads. GameTrailers also mentions the addition of a canine companion as a standout feature, adding a unique touch to the gameplay experience. The multiplayer modes were particularly well-received by critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and XGN, who found them engaging, addictive, and offering a variety of modes for players to enjoy. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about the lack of innovation in the gameplay of Call of Duty: Ghosts. Eurogamer Germany criticized the linear gameplay heavily reliant on NPCs and highlighted pacing issues and repetitive mechanics. Game Informer and AtomicGamer also noted the lack of significant new elements or innovations, with the gameplay feeling similar to previous titles in the franchise. IncGamers went as far as describing the gameplay as feeling phoned in and following a template, with weak gun mechanics and an unimpressive single-player campaign. The Escapist raised concerns about the clarity of player control at times, leading to progress being halted until all enemies are eliminated. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Call of Duty: Ghosts offering a familiar yet enjoyable gameplay experience. While the game may lack substantial innovations and relies on well-trodden mechanics, the multiplayer modes, customization options, and intense combat sequences still manage to provide an engaging and thrilling experience for players. Critics like TotalPlayStation and PlayStation Universe appreciate the well-paced variety of missions and the customizable loadouts in multiplayer. Despite some criticisms about repetitiveness and lack of innovation, the majority of reviewers acknowledge the game's strengths in delivering a solid, action-packed gameplay experience that fans of the franchise are likely to enjoy.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Call of Duty: Ghosts gameplay. Positive feedback highlights fast-paced action, smooth controls, and engaging multiplayer modes with personalization features. Some critics criticize the lack of innovation, linear gameplay, and repetitive mechanics, but overall, the game offers an enjoyable, albeit familiar, experience with intense combat and customization options.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Call of Duty: Ghosts received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Reviewers like DarkStation and GRYOnline.pl praised the game for its impressive visuals, particularly in scenes like space and underwater missions. Eurogamer Portugal and PlayStation LifeStyle also highlighted the detailed environments and improved textures on the PlayStation 4 version. The diverse environments, such as a Scottish castle and an Alaskan fishing village, were commended by Eurogamer for adding uniqueness to the game's visuals. On the other hand, some critics pointed out various shortcomings in the graphics of Call of Duty: Ghosts. LaPS4 and IGN Italia criticized the game for not fully utilizing the new console capabilities, with issues like jagged edges, frame rate drops, and lighting problems impacting the overall visual experience. IGN and Thunderbolt noted stark differences in graphics quality between current-gen and next-gen consoles, with the Xbox One version receiving criticism for muddy textures and inconsistent visuals. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive view of the graphics and visual design of Call of Duty: Ghosts, with some reservations. While the game was praised for its detailed environments and standout moments, such as the flooded cities and collapsing buildings, there were concerns raised about the game not pushing boundaries in terms of graphical innovation. Critics like TotalPlayStation and Game Informer mentioned that the touted environmental destructibility and new console capabilities did not have a significant impact on gameplay, indicating a disconnect between visual prowess and gameplay enhancements. Despite some criticisms regarding specific technical issues and missed opportunities, the majority of reviewers acknowledged the improvements in graphics fidelity and the immersive visual experience offered by Call of Duty: Ghosts on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Call of Duty: Ghosts' graphics earned mixed reviews, with praise for impressive visuals in space and underwater missions, but criticism for not fully utilizing new console capabilities. While some lauded detailed environments and diverse settings, others noted issues like jagged edges and inconsistent visuals. Overall, critics appreciated the improved textures but felt the game lacked groundbreaking innovation in graphics and gameplay enhancements.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Call of Duty: Ghosts have received generally positive feedback from the critics. GRYOnline.pl and Game Informer both highlight how the sound design enhances the gameplay experience, with dramatic audio effects during combat sequences. GameTrailers specifically praises the improved weapon sounds, adding to the overall immersion. God is a Geek appreciates the intense musical accompaniment that further elevates the gaming experience. Impulsegamer also acknowledges the good sound design, contributing to the overall high-quality audio experience of the game. On the other hand, LaPS4 expresses disappointment in terms of innovation and gameplay elements compared to its predecessors. While they commend the sound quality and real-time reverb system, they feel that the game falls short in bringing new and exciting sound design elements to the table. This criticism suggests that while the sound design and music may be well-executed, they may not be groundbreaking or innovative enough to set Call of Duty: Ghosts apart from its predecessors in terms of audio experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Call of Duty: Ghosts are strong points of the game. The engaging and immersive nature of the audio, as noted by Game Informer, combined with the intense musical accompaniment highlighted by God is a Geek, contributes positively to the overall gameplay experience. While there are some concerns raised by LaPS4 regarding innovation, the majority of critics appreciate the improvements in sound design, such as the convincing weapon sounds mentioned by GameTrailers. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Call of Duty: Ghosts are generally well-received, adding depth and intensity to the gameplay.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Call of Duty: Ghosts for its impactful sound design and music, enhancing the gameplay with dramatic audio effects and intense musical accompaniment. While some criticize the lack of innovation, overall, the game's strong audio elements contribute positively to the immersive gaming experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In terms of positives, GameFront appreciates the likable protagonists in Call of Duty: Ghosts, highlighting the personal side of their brotherly bond despite the cheesy dialogue. This sentiment adds depth to the characters and enhances the player's connection to the story. Additionally, GamingTrend praises Brandon Routh's performance as Hesh, indicating that there are notable standout performances within the voice acting cast. On the negative side, Gaming Age and TheSixthAxis both criticize the voice acting in Call of Duty: Ghosts. Gaming Age finds the voice acting flat and lacking depth, which detracts from the overall immersion in the game. TheSixthAxis points out the inconsistency in performances, noting that the varying quality from sentence to sentence can be jarring for players. AusGamers and Impulsegamer also contribute to the negative feedback, with AusGamers disapproving of the voiceless protagonist and the storytelling implications, while Impulsegamer highlights the issue with cliché moments and the overall direction of the script. Overall, the critics' opinions on the voice acting of Call of Duty: Ghosts are mixed. While there are some positive aspects such as the likable protagonists and standout performances like Brandon Routh's, the general consensus leans towards the negative side. Issues like flat delivery, lack of depth, inconsistency in performances, and cliché dialogue detract from the overall experience for most critics. The criticism of the voiceless protagonist and the impact on storytelling also stand out as significant drawbacks. It appears that while there are some bright spots in the voice acting, the collective sentiment suggests that improvements could have been made to elevate the overall quality of the performances in Call of Duty: Ghosts.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics appreciate likable protagonists and standout performances in Call of Duty: Ghosts, but voice acting receives mixed reviews. Criticisms include flat delivery, inconsistency, cliché dialogue, and impact on storytelling, overshadowing the positive aspects. Overall, improvements could have boosted the quality of voice acting in the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of positives for the various gaming platforms, several critics highlighted smooth multiplayer experiences thanks to dedicated servers hosted by Activision. IGN, both for PS4 and Xbox One versions, mentioned this as a positive aspect. Additionally, Gaming Age praised the Xbox One version for running at a steadier framerate and having better responsiveness and voice chat compared to the PS4 version. XGN also noted that while there were minor bugs, the overall gameplay experience on PS4 was solid. AusGamers mentioned that the game ran at a smooth 60 frames per-second on both PS4 and Xbox One. Moving on to the negatives, the PS4 version received criticism for technical issues such as noticeable frame rate drops despite running at 1080p resolution, as mentioned by Eurogamer Italy. Joystiq also pointed out frame rate hitches during set-piece moments on the PS4. LaPS4 highlighted issues with jagged edges, frame rate drops, and lighting problems, stating that the game fell short of expectations for a next-gen release. On the Xbox One side, while Game Informer mentioned no differences in experience between the two platforms, AtomicGamer criticized the PC port for high system requirements, lack of adjustments to settings, and a rocky launch. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Call of Duty: Ghosts is mixed. While there were positive remarks about smooth multiplayer experiences and cinematic gameplay experiences, there were significant concerns raised about technical faults, frame rate drops, and optimization issues across different platforms. The game seemed to struggle with maintaining a consistent performance level, with some platforms faring better than others. IGN Italia noted occasional drops in performance on the PS4, while Thunderbolt criticized the lack of visual improvements in the next-gen version for Xbox One. The general sentiment suggests that while the game provided an enjoyable experience for some, it fell short in delivering the expected technological advancements and optimization for a smoother gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Call of Duty: Ghosts for smooth multiplayer experiences on Activision's dedicated servers, with Xbox One running better than PS4. However, PS4 faced technical issues like frame rate drops and jagged edges, while Xbox One had high system requirements for the PC port. Overall, mixed reviews highlighted enjoyable gameplay but criticized technical faults and optimization problems across platforms, failing to meet expectations for a next-gen release.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Replay Value of Call of Duty: Ghosts has received mixed opinions from critics. Many reviewers highlighted the multiplayer mode as the standout feature of the game, offering countless hours of entertainment and customization options. Critics like Eurogamer Portugal and PlayStation LifeStyle praised the multiplayer portion for providing long-lasting gameplay experiences, extending the game's lifespan for weeks, months, or even years. The addition of new modes, character customization, and the cooperative Extinction mode were mentioned as enhancing the replay value by providing fresh gameplay experiences. GameSpot also commended the Extinction mode for its playful alternate reality with tower defense elements and a class system, adding replay value. On the downside, some critics pointed out certain limitations and drawbacks that impact the game's overall replayability. DarkStation mentioned that while the multiplayer mode can provide countless hours of enjoyment, the Extinction mode's value doesn't last long. GameTrailers noted that while the multiplayer modes offer some variation and replay value, the Extinction mode lacks incentive to replay due to its shortcomings. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy highlighted that the game's emphasis on rewarding loyal players may limit variety in loadouts and gameplay strategies, potentially affecting long-term engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the multiplayer mode being the primary source of replay value in Call of Duty: Ghosts. Positive aspects such as the extensive content, cooperative gameplay in the Extinction mode, and engaging multiplayer experiences were acknowledged by reviewers like God is a Geek and PlayStation Universe. However, criticisms regarding the lack of variety in certain modes, limited maps in Extinction mode, and over-familiarity in multiplayer were also noted by critics like The Escapist and VideoGamer. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment suggests that the game offers a decent amount of replay value, especially for fans of the franchise who enjoy competitive multiplayer and cooperative gameplay experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Call of Duty: Ghosts. While multiplayer mode is praised for its customization and longevity, the Extinction mode falls short in lasting appeal. Some critics mention limitations in loadouts and gameplay variety, but overall, the game offers decent replay value, especially for fans of competitive multiplayer and cooperative gameplay.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics regarding Call of Duty: Ghosts are quite varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like Playstation Official Magazine UK and InsideGamer.nl appreciate the enjoyable multiplayer experience and the variety of modes offered in the game. The smooth gameplay and entertaining additions in the campaign are also praised by Metro GameCentral and TotalPlayStation. Additionally, Eurogamer Portugal and GRYOnline.pl commend the strong campaign and variety of game modes that make Ghosts a solid entry in the series. On the negative side, several critics point out the lack of innovation and originality in Call of Duty: Ghosts. LaPS4 and GameFront mention confusing design decisions and a step backward in terms of gameplay mechanics. IGN Italia and Eurogamer criticize the mediocre campaign and the missed opportunity to define the console FPS in the current generation. Furthermore, critics like Hooked Gamers and Eurogamer Italy express disappointment in the game not living up to the standards set by previous installments and lacking in comparison. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Call of Duty: Ghosts being a mixed bag. While some critics appreciate the solid gameplay and enjoyable multiplayer experience, others feel let down by the lack of innovation and failure to push the series forward. Critics like God is a Geek praise the game for combining tradition with innovation, while others like Impulsegamer and Edge Magazine feel that the game falls short of expectations. The general sentiment seems to be that Ghosts offers a familiar experience with some enjoyable moments but ultimately fails to deliver a groundbreaking or memorable gaming experience.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Call of Duty: Ghosts. Some praise its enjoyable multiplayer and variety of game modes, while others criticize its lack of innovation and failure to push the series forward. Overall, the game offers a familiar experience with some enjoyable moments but falls short of delivering a groundbreaking or memorable gaming experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

104 reviews found

100

God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Nov 5, 2013