Throw a grenade back to the enemy and then run like hell!
Now the words 'fumbled with the controller' may suggest that it was difficult to control my soldier, but it was actually the unpredictability of that particular scenario, when I had to react swiftly to the situation, that caused me to panic. The truth is that the controls in Call of Duty 3 will be familiar to anyone that has played the game or almost any other recent first person shooter. The controls worked well enough in the last version so why change them and in Call of Duty 3 they are still extremely responsive. However, Activision have added a new element to the control system, by adding hand-to hand combat situations where you'll need to react quickly to the flashing icons in order to overpower the enemy.
As I entered a battered building in the Cross-Roads level an enemy lunged at me with a knife and as he attacked I had to alternate between the left and right triggers to hold him off and push him back. Once I had pushed him back far enough an icon flashed on the screen indicating which button to press, I pushed the button and kicked him back out of harm's way. The action repeated itself as the soldier attacked once more; I frantically pressed the left and right triggers, pushed the appropriate button once more and eventually sent the soldier to his death as I shot him and he fell out of the window of the building. These hand-to-hand combat scenarios are animated sequences which you actually have very little control over. I actually played this mission twice and when I reached the sequence it played out in exactly the same way meaning that I had to press exactly the same buttons as before. Unfortunately these fighting scenarios only happen at set times during the game and despite being taken by surprise from the attack, it was a fairly easy battle to win. I don't want to take anything away from this new addition to the gameplay because for all intent and purpose it was still extremely satisfying wrestling with the enemy at such close quarters.
Click for larger imageThese scripted movements are seen throughout Call of Duty 3 and not just in the animated sequences. The AI has been improved and they run for cover or will charge without warning, but there is still plenty of action where the NPCS will always stay in the exact position. On a number of occasions, when I had died and started the segment again, I could be pretty much guess exactly where the enemy would be hiding, but it still didn't make the action less enjoyable and there is far more unpredictable behaviour than previous games. Although you'll experience some linear routes in some missions there are plenty of levels where there are branching mission paths, providing multiple attack routes that let players decide how to confront the enemy; and whether you want to settle down in a sniping position, plant some explosives (following on screen prompts) jump on a mounted machine gun or run from building to building all-guns blazing, Call of Duty 3 offers enough variety to the gameplay to satisfy any adrenaline junkie.
Click for larger image
Click for larger imageIn Call of Duty 3 there is also an excellent new addition where you can throw back any grenades that may land at your feet. A grenade icon will flash on the screen warning you that a grenade has just landed and if you have the time and the balls you can pick it up and lob it back towards the group or even through a window, smashing the glass in the process and taking down anyone who may be inside. Unfortunately, I was caught out by the exploding grenade on too many occasions to make it worth attempting, so I opted for running like hell to safety.