Gaming

Does Cold War call attention to problems with Call of Duty?

Looking to rekindle COD memories? Might wanna look elsewhere

Published

December 10, 2020

GadgetMatch

They say there are two types of people, the people who play the Call of Duty series for the story or the people who only play the multiplayer. I’m definitely the latter. When it comes to picking up the latest title, it has always been about rekindling with the competitive multiplayer action from previous games.

Here’s the thing…

I used to play the game competitively between the releases of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare roughly up until Black Ops 2. I wasn’t amazing, the enjoyment came from competing with my friends back home and seeing how we matched up against others.

Jumping into an all-or-nothing decider in Search and Destroy or a sudden spark of great teamwork to turn a match around in an intense game of Hardpoint or Domination was everything. It was always something I ended up missing after a while. There was always something missing.

That’s where last year’s release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare came in. It was the grand ‘welcome home’ party that I needed. A reboot of the game that brought me into the series. It brought in re-imagined maps but with updated gameplay and newer game modes thrown in.

With the addition of the free-to-play battle royale Warzone, it gave the series new life. There was so much on offer, but that’s why the announcement of Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War seemed incredibly badly timed. And that’s my inherent problem with the series.

The good, the bad, the forced

This is the 17^th installment in the main series of Call of Duty, and they have released annually without fail for the last 15 years. Just like a FIFA or NBA 2K title, everything moves on the moment the new title gets released. The community moves on, the pro scene moves on and the loyal restart with whatever the developers have created. Essentially, the livelihood of each game ends immediately.

And that was my problem with the announcement of Cold War. The trailer for the new release looked interesting, implementing historical moments into the series is great.

But Modern Warfare felt like it would have thrived with another year if the publishers had decided to give it more time to grow. Immediately we’re forced into holding the new release up to its predecessor and that is an unavoidable aspect of this review.

What its got

As usual, with rotating between the different developers, there are different game modes. Aside from the main story mode, Zombies make a return for their sixth appearance in the series if you ever needed hundreds of zombies chasing after you. In replacement of the vast battles of Modern Warfare’s Ground War is Combined Arms, a much smaller version but still with vehicles such as tanks and gunships.

Warzone is an option on the main menu, but if you want to play it you’ll have to install Modern Warfare and play through that client. With Call of Duty’s recent gigantic installation sizes that could be a bit of a problem.

Just installing Warzone alone is a 72GB install on top of the 140GB you’ve already installed for Cold War. Which is fine if, you know, you don’t play any other games.

Location, location, location

When it comes to multiplayer maps there are no huge hitters and there aren’t many options, with only 11 playable at release. Without relying on the classic maps from the past, bar one, a lot of the maps are forgettable. (Yes, Nuketown has returned with an obnoxious 80’s theme. Yep, this is the fifth time the map has appeared in the main series).

When playing the standard matchmaking, most of the maps feel like they’re a little too large, but they are beautiful. The game brings back a lot of color that was missing from Modern Warfare’s dreary war-torn brown and gray hues.

A lot of the maps incorporate verticality more than the usual. Climbing boxes, rocks or leaping through windows feels like forcing a parkour feature into a game that doesn’t feel suited to it. When you’re starting out, you’ll feel a little hard done by knowing that not only you have to learn corners that people camp in, but now they’ll be lurking above you too.

There will be moments where you’ll be shooting someone, just for them to full vault through a window like an Olympic athlete on steroids. Have you ever vaulted on top of a bus stop without issue? Cold War gives you superhuman ability without reason. With the parkour aspect, you’ll find that the most optimal way of movement is a janky version of a bunny hop that looks like an excited seal running forward.

The balance between maps and game modes seem a little rushed as well. Some maps seem better suited for others for particular game modes. While you’re already forced to deal with having to traverse such a huge map like Armada Strike, the developers throw a hardpoint off of the main ship and without cover with your opponent staring down at you.

If you’re a gun nut, you’ll love that the heavy customization for each gun continues into this game with five attachments per gun, or up to 8 with the addition of the gunfighter wild card. However, if you’re that enthusiastic, the drop of quality from Modern Warfare is noticeable.

You don’t know what you have until it’s gone, the near-obsessive detail in gun models, animations and sound design had to end somewhere. And don’t get me started on the state of the diamond camouflage.

Is this your GameMatch?

If you’re looking to rekindle your Call of Duty memories, this probably won’t be game you’re after. Everything feels like a predecessor to Modern Warfare, not the other way around. And with Warzone remaining as part of the previous title the playability here might not keep you going through the year.

However, it is Call of Duty. The me modes will always be slick and there is enjoyment that can be found there. But everything comes off a little mismatched, rushed and uninspired in places. Do we need a new Call of Duty every year? This is another emphatic rejection. Keep your eyes open for Season 1 comes out later this month, maybe there will be something a little more substantial to play with.

This game was reviewed by Richard Hibbert. Starting off his esports career with DOTA 2 coverages, he now heads production for multiple tournaments and events. Richard likes to play everything from quirky indie games to MOBAs and everything in between.

Related Topics:Call of Duty Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Features

Why choose the MSI Claw?

Is it the gaming handheld for you?

Published

April 18, 2024

GadgetMatch

The MSI Claw is the latest gaming handheld from a major PC and laptop brand. The competition in this emerging gadget segment is tighter than ever. So, what is it about the MSI Claw that can scratch your gaming itch? Here’s a quick list.

Best grip in the game

One quick glance and it’s hard not to compare the claw with another popular gaming handheld. But a closer look and actually holding the thing will reveal that its grip easily feels better.

It has a slightly deeper groove that makes it easier to hold. So, MSI’s “Grip and Game” tagline isn’t all talk. Its design truly does provide one of the better feeling handles among its competition.

The overall design makes sure it’s made for extended gameplay sessions. The buttons are where you expect them to be. That includes the four mini buttons on the upper edges of the screen. These are the View, MSI Center M, Menu, and Quick Settings buttons.

In addition, the face buttons and d-pad all feel great. The face buttons, in particular, feel comparable to those of regular console controllers.

The rest of the buttons and triggers have a very satisfying tactile feel. It also uses Hall Effect technology to get rid of any stick drift issues.

Up top, you’ll find the power button, MicroSD Card slot, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, audio jack, and the volume buttons. These are intuitively placed and just makes sense given the overall design approach.

As cliché as it sounds, you’ll really think you got your money’s worth once you hold, touch, press, and grip the MSI Claw.

Dragon Vision

Now, MSI isn’t really calling it that but I thought it sounds pretty cool. A big part of the whole gaming experience is the display. Balancing resolution and frame rates is always tricky but the MSI Claw does it convincingly.

With this gaming handheld, you get a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Looks great on paper and it’s even better in real life. It’s the sweet spot in terms of both size and performance. There’s enough here to immerse you all while delivering a satisfying level of crisp and smoothness.

It’s comfortable to view whether you’re on the couch, on a desk table, or lying down getting a quick game in before you get some shut-eye.

Battery Life

At 53Whr, the MSI Claw has a 36% larger battery capacity than its contemporaries and promises 50% more play time.

MSI claims “elevated performance with extended endurance” using the Claw with faster charging capabilities.

These percentages are hard to measure in real life usage. What we can say for certain is that you get the expected performance and playtime typical of a handheld. That’s a little under two hours for graphically demanding titles, and close to four hours on less demanding ones.

The charging claim is legitimate. The MSI Claw juices up faster than most other handhelds, going from 20% to 100% in about a little over a K-Drama episode (roughly a little over an hour).

MSI Center M

Any self-respecting gaming handheld has its own software to make navigating the thing more manageable. While its direct competitors have an armoury crate and a space, MSI went with Center M.

The best part about MSI Center M is it puts your installed games front and center. Right when it launches, you get immediate access to the titles you have available on your machine.

MSI Afterburner is already the most commonly used app for taking a look at how your machine is performing while you play. That functionality is built-in to the MSI Claw. You can access it view the Quick Settings buttons.

Layout and functionality-wise, the MSI Center M is certainly one of the better Gaming Handheld softwares available right now.

Competitive Performance

A defining trait of the MSI Claw is that It’s the first gaming handheld to be powered by Intel Core Ultra. With it comes Intel XeSS tech. What it does is leverage AI upscaling to boost the fps of select titles.

As of launch, 50 notable games are supported. That number will certainly grow throughout the device’s lifespan. Some of the titles include Hi-Fi Rush, Dying Light 2, Forza Horizon 5, Call of Duty Warzone 2.0, Returnal, and many, many more.

Naturally, results will vary depending on the game mode you’re using. But in general, AAA games get anywhere between 10% to 45% better frame rate performance with Intel XeSS.

For our part we played TEKKEN 8 and the recently launched Horizon Forbidden West. Both graphically demanding games played relatively well on the MSI Claw. Frame rate performance on TEKKEN 8 is crucial and we got a relatively consistent fps, never dropping below 40.

Horizon Forbidden West is a much more graphically demanding game. We were able to run it in Medium Settings and while it doesn’t look as incredible, it still played relatively well with a frame rate surprising for a gaming handheld.

Extras

MSI made sure that if you wanted to, you could get some extra stuff with the MSI Claw. Its separately sold accessory set includes the Claw Travel Case, Nest Docking Station, Claw Lanyard, and Claw Keychain.

On paper, the MSI Claw lists its ergonomic design, AI Engine, and App Player as distinct advantages over its competition.

Whether it’s the Gaming Handheld that matches your needs is still ultimately up to you. If you have the opportunity to test drive the device, we suggest you do so. That might just solidify your purchase decision.

Price and availability in the Philippines

The MSI Claw will be available in three configurations in the Philippines. There are priced as follows:

MSI Claw A1M-075PH (PhP 45, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor 135H
512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Claw A1M-076PH (PhP 50, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
512GB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Claw A1M-077PH (PhP 53, 995).

Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor 155H
1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4x4
LPDDR5 16GB, dual channel
Intel® Arc™ Graphics

Ongoing Promotion

You can still get your own MSI Claw with exclusive bundled freebies 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃 until 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

This feature article is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and MSI Philippines.

Deals

Play Assassin’s Creed Mirage for FREE

For a limited time

Published

April 17, 2024

GadgetMatch

If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to try Assassin’s Creed Mirage, that opportunity has come. The game is available for free trial on the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Ubisoft Store, and the Epic Games Store. The promotion will be available from April 17 to 30.

During the Free Trial, players will have access to the first two (2) hours of the. Progression will carry over if they purchase the game.

Players streaming will be able to get and offer to their viewers an exclusive reward: Basim Valhalla Sword, if they stream during the Free Trial period. This unique sword is Basim’s weapon from his later years in England.

Discounts will also be available on PC via Ubisoft Connect only. From April 17t to 24 , Assassin’s Creed Mirage Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition will be 40% off.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage spins a tale centered around an already established character, rather than a blank slate like Valhalla’s Eivor. It follows Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Valhalla. Taking place before the events of the previous game, Mirage has the assassin root out the Order in 9^th-century Baghdad, a setting familiar to those who played the original title in 2007.

Gaming

New PUMA collection lets you wear PlayStation’s iconic symbols

PUMA x PlayStation collaboration

Published

April 16, 2024

GadgetMatch

PUMA and Sony Interactive Entertainment have joined forces to deliver what should be a hit collaboration for gamers and sneakerheads alike. The PUMA x PlayStation collection will be available starting April 18, allowing fans to wear the iconic PlayStation elements through PUMA’s famous Suede and RS-X sneakers.

As reported by Sole Retriever, both PUMA shoe models come in PlayStation’s signature colors: blue, grey, white, and black. The Suedes will be available in black and grey, although the latter looks more like it’s dirty white. Stamped down throughout the upper body are the PlayStation’s triangle, circle, X, and square symbols. The sole sports mostly a blue color, which transitions smoothly either to black or white with a dynamic gradient effect. Speaking of, you will see even larger versions of the elements underneath the shoe.

For those who love bulkier and high-cut shoes, the RS-X also adopts dominant black and dirty white colorways. The four symbols are distinctively visible on both the toe cap and tongue. Various parts of the shoes are colored differently, making up for a unique blend. Special hangtags featuring the symbols also accompany each pair.

There are just a lot of details on both shoes to adore. Especially if you have some personal connection with either the footwear and apparel brand or PlayStation itself. Per Sneaker Files, the Suede will retail for US$ 100 while the RS-X at US$ 120. The collection will be available from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected retailers.

Aside from the shoes, there are also various apparel choices like hoodies, tops, caps, and shorts, all emblazoned with the symbols. These go perfectly along with the shoes, with their white and light blue colorways. For now, it looks like the collection will only be available in North America. But who knows, may it’s just a matter of time before Southeast Asia and other regions get theirs, too.