Coming to the rescue is the multiplayer component, which takes the overall experience found from the previous game in the series and builds on it. The multiplayer gameplay comes in the form of many modes, from playing the single player campaign cooperatively with up to four players to fighting with up to sixteen total players in a variety of adversarial modes. You can elect to either play in one of the many core modes, or can step up to the hardcore set which cherry picks a few of the core modes and makes combatants fight with increased weapon damage, a minimalist HUD, and other tweaks to make the gameplay a bit more realistic.

As you play in the multiplayer you gain experience, and by gaining enough of it you increase in level which unlocks new weapons and perks. You can create your own class by selecting your primary weapon, sidearm, and grenade type as well as your three perks. Perks such as stopping power which increases your weapon damage and camouflage hides you from recon planes are little different from the previous game, while other perks have been carried over after being changed or are simply new additions entirely.

You won’t find flash-bangs or night vision goggles available due to the era of the weaponry, though similar equipment and tactics are available. Throwing a signal flare hampers the vision of a nearby enemy and canisters of Tabun gas disorient and slow anyone caught in their effects. Bouncing Betties are an explosive charge that when approached pops into the air and explodes at waist level, similar to a claymore mine but in a 360 degree radius of death. Also new to the series is vehicle perks, which allow you to operate tanks more effectively such as a faster turret rotation speed or faster movement. Tanks are driven and gunned by one player though a second can tag along in the MG position, and while they are incredibly powerful they are also easily destroyed using sticky bombs, satchel charges, and bazookas.

The game is not without some extensive polish, both in its overall presentation and especially in the multiplayer in which its relatively small flaws are drowned out with the gunfire you are sure to exchange with your opponent. The same cannot be said for the single player campaign, and while the graphics are capable of a lot of foliage it is not enough to hide the fact that the game leans heavily on trigger points and scripted events to mask the terrible AI on both sides of the fighting. The multiplayer is as solid the series has seen yet and is capable of carrying the game, but it is disappointing to see the single player campaign waste so much potential.

Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you .