Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare
" Immersive action-adventure with cinematic space opera and rich Zombies mode, but multiplayer is unbalanced "
Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare Review
Call of Duty®: Infinite Warfare is a divisive entry in the franchise, initially marred by backlash due to its futuristic setting and unfortunate launch timing. However, many players now recognize it as an underrated title, especially praising its campaign and Zombies mode. The campaign offers a cinematic experience with professional-grade graphics, engaging characters, and a high-octane storyline set across the Sol system. Gameplay is smooth and varied, with a unique blend of space combat and boots-on-the-ground missions.
On the other hand, the multiplayer mode is widely criticized for unbalanced gameplay, a stagnant meta, and low player population making matchmaking difficult. Technical issues, particularly frequent crashes and compatibility problems on PC, significantly hamper the experience for many users. Despite these flaws, the Zombies mode stands out as a highlight, featuring rich content, rewarding Easter eggs, and enjoyable gameplay that many consider the best in the series. Overall, Infinite Warfare is recommended primarily for its single-player and Zombies content, ideally purchased on sale due to technical and multiplayer limitations.
Highlights
The campaign is highly praised for its cinematic quality, compelling characters, and varied mission design, making it one of the best in the franchise. Graphics and art direction are noted as ahead of their time, delivering an immersive space opera feel.
Zombies mode receives strong acclaim for its engaging map design, rewarding Easter eggs, and fresh gameplay mechanics, often described as deserving to be a standalone game. The game's movement system and space combat segments also add unique gameplay variety.
Criticisms
Multiplayer is commonly criticized for its unbalanced meta, poor map design, and low player base, leading to frustrating matchmaking and gameplay experiences. Technical issues such as frequent crashes, especially on PC, and compatibility problems with modern hardware are widespread complaints.
Some players find the story decent but not exceptional, and the futuristic setting was initially a turn-off for many fans. Loot boxes and monetization in Zombies mode also drew some negative attention, though less impactful overall.
Pros
- • Campaign offers a cinematic and immersive space opera experience with varied missions.
- • Zombies mode is richly designed with rewarding Easter eggs and engaging gameplay.
- • Graphics and art direction are visually impressive and ahead of their time.
- • Smooth and fluid gameplay mechanics enhance player movement and combat.
- • Unique space combat segments add refreshing variety to traditional FPS gameplay.
- • Campaign characters are well-written and memorable, adding depth to the story.
- • Strong campaign replayability with optional side content and new game+ mode.
Cons
- • Multiplayer suffers from unbalanced meta and low player population.
- • Frequent crashes and technical issues, especially on PC, hinder gameplay.
- • Some players experience severe loading and save file problems.
- • Futuristic setting initially alienated many longtime franchise fans.
- • Multiplayer matchmaking and hit detection are often reported as poor.
- • Loot boxes in Zombies mode detract from overall experience for some.
- • Campaign story, while good, is considered by some as not outstanding.
Rating Criteria
Infinite Warfare delivers three unique game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies.
