'Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare' review roundup: Change is good

Another year, another Call of Duty, but that doesn't mean this year's Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare isn't worth your time. The reviews are finally in, and it looks like developer Sledgehammer Game's take on the future of war is impressing more than a few critics.

In the single player campaign, players take on the role of Jack Mitchell. After you lose your arm and good friend in combat, you are approached by your friend's father to help change the world. His name is Jonathan Irons (played by Kevin Spacey) and he owns the largest and most powerful private military corporation in the world. Irons fits you with a powerful new robotic arm and recruits you to join his team of mercenaries. Turns out Irons isn't exactly a nice guy, and after a few twists and turns in the plot is looking to take over the world with his private army.

It's typical Call of Duty fare, but multiple critics have noted the story's pacing as an improvement over past titles. Writes EGM in their review:

"No Call of Duty story has been this coherent or straightforward. Not once did I wonder why I was headed to the next exotic locale or who the voice barking orders at me was. Even more encouraging is the choice to slow down some of the playable segments, giving you mid-mission downtime to explore, listen to dialogue, and take in your surroundings. Pacing like that is a fairly basic accomplishment-something first-person shooters have been doing well at least since Half-Life 2-but it's a welcome shift for Call of Duty."

But don't let that lead you to believe that the game isn't filled to the brim with action. It's the gameplay, both in single player and in multiplayer, that is the real game-changer for the franchise. All players are equipped with an Exo suit, which grants players new abilities, like temporary invisibility, and also allows players to dash and jump higher than ever before.

This new-found mobility is what really separates Advanced Warfare from its predecessors. Says Giant Bomb in their review of the game:

"Advanced Warfare's increased focus on player mobility makes a huge impact that freshens up the action and, in some ways, makes every other game in the franchise feel obsolete by comparison."

Numerous other critics agree. Returning to an older Call of Duty without the Exo suit feels like a step backwards, especially in multiplayer, where players have more customization options than ever before thanks to the Exo suit. Taking a page from the book of Black Ops II, players now use a "Pick 13" system to fine-tune their character with weapon attachments, perks and more. It also includes a new supply drop system that rewards players with new weapons and cosmetic items. Writes GamesRadar in their review:

"Advanced Warfare's competitive multiplayer is where it's at. Everything you'd expect from CoD's online matches is here and then some. The weapons feel weighty, the shooting is precise, and there's plenty to keep you coming back for more. Player customization is huge this time around, allowing you to not only outfit your soldier with dozens of well-balanced weapons, Perks and new Exo abilities, but also swap helmets, fatigues, and boots for a completely unique look."

After last year's underwhelming Call of Duty: Ghosts, it looks like Advanced Warfare is the breath of fresh air the biggest gaming franchise in the world needed. Suit up soldier, because it sounds like you'll be playing this one for months to come. At least until the next Call of Duty comes out. Here are what others in the video game community are saying:

Photo: Activision, Tumblr