(continued from previous page) .../> The perk system is the innovative highlight in Call of Duty 4. There are five base classes in the game: Assault, Demolitions, Heavy Gunner, Sniper, and Special Ops. Each class offers a different starting weapon, handgun, and fully customizable thanks to perks. Perks are, in one way of describing them, class mods. Earned by leveling up, perks come in three categories. You are able to have up to three perks at a time, one from each category. The categories were grouped by the developers to provide balance to the game, by limiting which combinations you could choose. The three categories are: Perks 1, Perks 2, and Perks 3.

PERKS 1
The first group of perks is largely demolition based, including:
Bomb Squad - Ability to seek out enemy explosives.
C4 x 2 - Remote detonation explosives.
Claymore x 2 - Trip activated explosive mines.
Special Grenades x 3 - Three special grenades, but cannot be smoke grenades.
RPG x 2 - Rocket launcher with 2 rockets.

PERKS 2

Group 2 perks are character oriented, including:
Juggernaut - Increased health.
Sonic Boom - Higher explosive weapon damage.
UAV Jammer - Undetectable on enemy radar.
Sleight of Hand - Faster reloading.
Stopping Power - Increased bullet damage.

PERKS 3

The third and final group of perks are for the most part grouped together mostly to provide balance:
Deep Impact - Deeper bullet penetration.
Last Stand - Pull out your pistol before dying.
Steady Aim - Increased hip-fire accuracy.
Extreme Conditioning - Spring for longer distances.
Maryrdom - Drop a live grenade when killed.

These perks come in handy and provide a fresh game play mechanic. They tie in very well with the classes, and the ability to create a custom class and use the perks gives the player a wide array of approaching the game.

The games weapons are all based on real technology, and have been modeled after the real things, as have the kick back animations and the particle effects of the muzzle flash and explosions. Also, reloading animations have been tweaked, taking a bit longer to reload, but making the game that much more real. The sleight of hand perk does well with slower reloading weapons.

The team was tight lipped on final map counts, or total weapons, and, at the time of the event, were doing research to finalize how many people will be able to play eachother online at one time. During the event, the game was running with 12 players with no lag. The online multiplayer will have leaderboards and stat tracking, as well as clan tags (unlocked at lvl 5). The team is working with Microsoft to get the multiplayer on Live as soon as possible, and has no plans on doing a PlayStation beta.

That being said, the team reassures us that the difference on platforms will be minimal. The only real differences will be the lack of rumble and six-axis control for the PlayStation 3 controller. The guys at Infinity Ward preferred the 360 controller for shooters, but said that the PlayStation 3 controller was easier to target enemies with, which gave it a slight edge for multiplayer.

For being in Beta build, the game is looking fantastic, and very complete. This title is almost certainly going to be a must have for all consoles, and is set to release this November. Be sure to check back for more updates as well as a full review later on, along with more beta impressions.

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