"Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare" is a first-person shooter video game developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision. Released in 2014, it represents a significant leap forward in the Call of Duty franchise, introducing a futuristic setting with advanced technology, exoskeleton-powered soldiers, and a gripping narrative featuring a star-studded cast. The game is set in the year 2054, where a private military corporation, Atlas, rises to power amidst global chaos. With an innovative movement system, engaging single-player campaign, and fast-paced multiplayer modes, "Advanced Warfare" brought fresh dynamics to the franchise, earning praise for its mechanics and storyline.
Gameplay – A Revolutionary Shift in Movement
“Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare” introduced a fundamental change in gameplay mechanics with the addition of the Exoskeleton (Exo) Suit. This feature provided players with advanced movement capabilities such as:
- Boost Jump: Allows players to leap higher than ever before, changing vertical combat dynamics.
- Boost Dodge: Quick evasive maneuvers to escape enemy fire.
- Boost Slide: Enables fluid motion across the battlefield, allowing for rapid repositioning.
- Boost Slam: A powerful aerial attack that can eliminate opponents upon landing.
These additions significantly altered traditional Call of Duty gameplay, making combat more fast-paced and requiring new strategies.
Single-Player Campaign – A Gripping Narrative
The campaign mode in “Advanced Warfare” features a futuristic storyline set in a world destabilized by a global terrorist attack. The protagonist, Private Jack Mitchell, joins Atlas, a powerful private military contractor led by Jonathan Irons (voiced by Kevin Spacey). The narrative explores themes of military privatization, technological warfare, and global politics.
Key Highlights of the Campaign
- Cinematic Storytelling: High-quality visuals and performances from Hollywood actors enhance immersion.
- Futuristic Weaponry: Advanced weapons and gadgets, including energy-based firearms and smart grenades.
- Varied Missions: A mix of traditional combat, high-tech stealth, and intense vehicle sequences.
- Moral Dilemmas: The campaign delves into ethical concerns regarding corporate military power.
Multiplayer – Fast-Paced Action with Advanced Mechanics
The multiplayer mode in “Advanced Warfare” capitalized on the Exo Suit mechanics, bringing unprecedented verticality and speed to combat. With customizable loadouts and futuristic weaponry, multiplayer offered a fresh experience for long-time fans of the series.
Popular Multiplayer Features
- Exo Abilities: Players can equip special abilities such as cloaking, health regeneration boosts, and temporary speed enhancements.
- Pick 13 System: An evolution of the Pick 10 system from “Black Ops II,” allowing greater customization of perks, weapons, and scorestreaks.
- Supply Drops: Randomized loot system providing unique gear and weapon variants.
- Ranked Play: Competitive matchmaking based on skill levels.
Exo Zombies – A Futuristic Take on a Fan-Favorite Mode
“Advanced Warfare” introduced “Exo Zombies,” a new iteration of the popular Zombies mode. Featuring a star-studded cast including John Malkovich and Bill Paxton, Exo Zombies combined fast-paced action with survival-based gameplay.
Key Features of Exo Zombies
- Exo-Enhanced Undead: Zombies equipped with Exo Suits, making them faster and more lethal.
- Co-op Gameplay: Teams of up to four players fight against waves of zombies.
- Unlockable Weapons: Advanced weaponry and upgrades scattered across the maps.
- Expanding Storyline: Each DLC map added new layers to the Exo Zombies narrative.
Call of Duty Advanced Warfare – Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare” about?
The game is set in 2054, where players take on the role of a soldier working for a private military corporation called Atlas, which rises to power following global terrorist attacks.
What platforms is “Advanced Warfare” available on?
The game was released for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC.
What makes “Advanced Warfare” different from other Call of Duty games?
The introduction of the Exo Suit fundamentally changed gameplay, offering enhanced movement abilities such as boost jumps, dodging, and slamming.
Is “Advanced Warfare” a single-player or multiplayer game?
It includes both a story-driven single-player campaign and an extensive multiplayer mode.
What is the Pick 13 system?
The Pick 13 system allows players to customize their loadouts by allocating points to weapons, perks, and scorestreaks.
Does “Advanced Warfare” have a Zombies mode?
Yes, Exo Zombies mode features futuristic, fast-moving zombies with enhanced abilities.
Are there different editions of “Advanced Warfare”?
Yes, the game was released in several editions, including Standard, Digital Pro, Atlas Limited, and Atlas Pro Editions.
Can I play “Advanced Warfare” on modern consoles?
While it is not natively available on newer consoles, backward compatibility may allow play on some systems.
What are some of the best weapons in “Advanced Warfare”?
Popular weapons include the BAL-27, ASM1, and the EM1 energy weapon.
Does “Advanced Warfare” have esports support?
Yes, the game featured Ranked Play and was part of professional Call of Duty esports tournaments.