Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare - 9 Reasons It's The Best COD In Years

6. Visceral New Modes

Speaking of things borrowed from the competition, let's break the biggest ones down:

- Ground War: A 32 on 32 game of Domination, claiming five points across one of two extremely large, intricate maps. Both are loaded with labyrinthine buildings and access ways, vertical elements like rooftops and vantage points, and vehicles to clear out checkpoints fast. Ground War is unlike anything COD has tried in the past, and although it requires a rethink of your approach, the result is fantastic.

- Gunfight: The complete opposite, drilling down and distilling COD combat into ludicrously intense 2v2 bouts. Set on a series of tiny maps that force players together, if you haven't taken each other out in a couple of minutes, a small flag spawns in the centre. The first player to stand in its vicinity for a few more seconds wins the match regardless.

Gunfight is everything you think of when your mind's eye imagines a duel between players in COD, and it's an exemplary execution on pure FPS engagement.

- Realism: Removing the HUD and all other on-screen markers from your display, Realism is literally you and your senses vs. every other player. You'll need to hunker down, listen for footsteps and audial cues, then make your move when all doubt is removed.

It's a whole new way to play and experience trademark COD gameplay, and one I think they'll only build on going forward.