Gamernode: Previews - Call of Duty 4 beta impressions

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The same goes with two players firing at each other with one equipped with the health bonus ability. At times this can get frustrating because it never feels like one is learning the mechanics of the game. It's a minor gripe, but it will become clear if it will be a bigger problem when the veterans are on with their amazing gear compared to the lowly noob.

Which brings up the other troubling point about the beta and possibly COD4 as a whole. The matchmaking system did not do a very good job matching up players with the same skill level. Matchmaking is based on a rank -- one improves their rank by killing other players, and winning matches. This rank also unlocks new weapons, and new abilities. In addition, weapon upgrades can be unlocked by completing micro achievements within the matches, such as killing so many players with a certain weapon. People who devote the time are going to get the best gear.

So not only are the veterans good, they also had the best toys. No one equipped with a sightless Ak-47 is going to stand a chance against a laser scoped M4, along with the steady aim and increased bullet damage abilities. The matchmaking will obviously be fixed, and have more of a player pool to choose from once the full game is released. Let's hope it does.

Three maps were available in the beta: Crash, Overgrown, and Vacant. Crash is the typical Black Hawk Down style map complete with a down helicopter populating the center; overgrown is set in a small down built around a dried up riverbed, while Vacant lets players fight back and forth within an abandoned Russian storehouse. All three maps looked great, but Vacant proved to have some problems.

There are just too many doorways for people to cover and many times, it was just pure luck that someone got the drop on another player. Again, like the abilities, it felt like nothing was within the player's control and it became a frustrating experience. Let's hope this map is tweaked before release.

Graphically, Call of Duty 4 is amazing. While not at the level of Gears of War or Halo 3, Call of Duty 4 will still turn heads when it is seen on a HDTV. The best part is the framerate. The game runs at 60fps, and not once did we experience a drop except when lag occurred. The outdoor environments are especially beautiful with the grass and trees being some of the best ever seen on a console. Make no mistake, COD4 is gorgeous for a COD game.

Despite the problems (remember this is a Beta), Call of Duty 4 is shaping up to be one fine game. All the components are there and so far GamerNode's time with the game has been a blast. There are a few hiccups in the design, but nothing that can't be tweaked before the official release of the game. First person shooter fanatics are going to be eating this game up come November.

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