If there exists one series that defines the "new age" of first-person shooters -- that is, this current gaming cycle, consisting of the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii consoles, as well as other platforms introduced since 2005 -- most gamers would agree that the "Call of Duty" franchise fills that void. "Call of Duty", particularly the titles since 2007's "Modern Warfare", combines all the necessary components of a successful action game: modern, gritty military combat with sprawling set pieces, top-notch graphics, bombastic sound and a huge arsenal of real guns adorning the single-player campaign; a multiplayer which features a variety of game types, customizable weapons, and RPG-like depth; and, depending on the particular iteration, a third option, either Spec Ops or Zombie Mode, which emphasizes cooperative play.
Because "Call of Duty" contains so many noteworthy innovations, the gaming community has seen all sorts of titles both influenced by and sometimes almost completely replicating its formula, from the Perk-esque "load-outs" in Halo: Reach to the complete overhaul of "Medal of Honor". But the truth is, "Call of Duty" very much recalls a title released at the very end of the last console generation: EA Game's "Black".
Developed by Criterion Games (otherwise known for "Burnout" -- go figure) and released in 2005 for the Playstation 2 and original Xbox, "Black" featured visceral first-person shooting set in present-day Chechnya, an array of weapons (complete with attachable silencers), and immersed players in a highly cinematic, action-driven experience. You controlled black ops soldier Jack Kellar as he blasted his way through forests, military bases, and third world cities. "Black" contained other features similar to the core mechanics popularized by "Modern Warfare": the ability to zoom for a closer look with every weapon, or to kneel or go prone for stealth or accuracy purposes.
This is not to say that "Black" was a wholly original, revolutionary game that nobody paid attention to. It sold well -- even garnering "Greatest Hits" status on the PS2 -- and received high critical praise. "Black" had no multiplayer component, and its campaign was relatively short. And, like all other shooters from that time period, it borrowed a great deal from another noteworthy series at that time -- the "Halo" franchise -- with two weapons at a time, regenerating healthpacks, and the ability to throw grenades without having to switch guns.
Still, it's interesting to trace the origins of the modern first-person shooter, to see when new ideas were introduced and how long it took to perfect them. As a genre that's currently enjoying its golden age, the first-person shooter clearly offers an immersive experience that many people find irresistible -- and by looking toward past titles, developers can hone the details and re-introduce elements that will help the species grow and flourish.
