Tom calls time on all the DS CoD4 bashing...

With Call of Duty 4 recently voted the Greatest Game Ever by GAME customers, I thought I’d turn my hand to taking a look at the much-overlooked DS version.

Missing the point

I moderate our customer reviews, and all too often with DS Call of Duty 4 I’ve read people say “don’t bother with the DS version, get the 360 or PS3 version instead”, or the classic “it doesn’t even have online play!”. I can’t help but feel they’re missing the point. As a DS game, comparing this to the bigger home system versions is pretty unfair.

It’s understandable though, because as well as the name, both games share a similar structure. Much like the bigger versions, in DS CoD4’s singleplayer you’ll do a mission or two as the American Forces, then switch to the British Special Ops team, and back again.

It’s all spread over eleven well designed and action-packed levels, with gameplay introduced in a training level which sees you manning a machine gun to protect an escaping convoy. It’s a good first impression that familiarises you with the controls; D-pad to move and strafe, L to fire and the touch screen for everything else.

Surprisingly compelling

Everything else in this case means turning, weapon changing, environment interaction, the map and ADS (Aiming Down the Site) mode. Mostly its responsive and slick, though tapping the touch screen frantically to turn in the middle of a firefight will sometimes register as the double-tap needed to access ADS mode, which can get a bit frustrating.

But apart from that, Call of Duty 4 DS is about as good as could be expected on Nintendo’s handheld. It’s hectic, surprising and even atmospheric, with actual relevant in-game speech a little unexpected for a cartride-based FPS. Taking part in a daring escape only to hear “take out that chopper” and turning to see a dirty great helicopter bearing down on my position made me wonder not only what would be thrown at the convoy, but what else the game might deliver. Compelling stuff.

The multiplayer is the weaker aspect of the game. On a single-card is restricted to a few maps and modes, though that is the usual trend with the download play option. With multiple cards you’ll have access to all the game modes and maps, but finding four friends with both DS’s and a copy of DS Call of Duty 4 may be the tricky part. In gameplay terms meanwhile the multiplayer is fun but lacks the fast pace, smoother controls and online play of the system’s standout multiplayer FPS Metroid Prime Hunters.

Graphically Call of Duty 4 isn’t a worldbeater, but considering what they’ve included this is quite impressive for a DS game. Everything looks solid, the explosions are bright and large. The AI is not exceptionally smart but it does offer a challenge. Seeing enemies occasionally back off around a corner and waiting for you ambush style is impressive; seeing how they insist on hiding behind explosive barrels, however... not so much.

Worth picking up

It may not be a direct competitor, but considering its small stature, The DS version of Call of Duty 4 can for me stand side by side with the home versions. It may not have the graphics of the PC version or the online facilities of the 360 version, but it is a brilliant game when you put it into a handheld context. So if you don’t own a super-powered PC or next-gen console but do have a DS and want to try out the game everyone’s talking about, you should definitely pick this up.

GAME's Verdict

• Good controls.
• Campaign Mode comprises 11 well-designed missions.
• Solid Graphics.

• Trying to turn around fast and going into ADS mode accidentally.
• Admittedly not as cinematic as the home versions – though still a good effort on handheld.
• Online multiplayer would have been nice.

Review by: Tom 'Dutiful' Daly
Version Tested: DS
Review Published: 18.08.08