According to Nintendo Gamer, the next entry in Activision’s blockbuster Call of Duty series will find a home on Nintendo’s upcoming console. Although the franchise might seem an unlikely fit for Nintendo’s audience, this is far from the first Call of Duty to grace a Nintendo console, as both the original Modern Warfare and the first Black Ops saw relatively successful Wii releases.
Unlike other Wii Call of Duty games, however, the visuals as seen in the leaked Nintendo Gamer scans which broke the news seem on par with the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. I just hope Treyarch can also put the GamePad to good use, seeing a superior version of Call of Duty with unique, platform-specific mechanics running on a Nintendo machine is sure to liven up comment sections and forums.
Call of Duty’s History with Nintendo
The Call of Duty series has had a varied history with Nintendo consoles. The original Modern Warfare and Black Ops games were adapted for the Wii, albeit with some compromises in graphics and performance due to the hardware limitations of the console. Despite these limitations, the games were well-received by the Nintendo community, proving that there is a market for first-person shooters on Nintendo platforms. The Wii versions included motion controls, which added a unique twist to the gameplay experience, making it more immersive for players.
Potential for Innovation with the GamePad
The upcoming Nintendo console, rumored to be the Wii U, offers new opportunities for innovation with its GamePad. The GamePad’s touchscreen could be used for various in-game functions such as map navigation, inventory management, and even as a secondary display for multiplayer modes. This could provide a more intuitive and engaging experience for players. For instance, the touchscreen could allow for quick weapon swaps or real-time strategy adjustments without pausing the game, keeping the action fluid and uninterrupted.
Moreover, the GamePad’s motion controls could be utilized for aiming and shooting, similar to the Wii’s motion controls but with greater precision. This could make the gameplay more dynamic and responsive, appealing to both casual and hardcore gamers. The potential for local multiplayer is also exciting, as the GamePad could serve as a private screen for one player while the main action unfolds on the TV, offering a split-screen experience without actually splitting the screen.
Community and Online Play
Another aspect to consider is the online multiplayer component, which has always been a significant part of the Call of Duty experience. Nintendo’s online infrastructure has historically lagged behind that of Sony and Microsoft, but there have been indications that the company is making strides to improve it. A robust online system would be crucial for the success of Call of Duty on the new Nintendo console, allowing players to engage in competitive multiplayer matches, co-op missions, and community events seamlessly.
The integration of voice chat, friend lists, and matchmaking systems would be essential to replicate the full Call of Duty experience. If Nintendo can deliver a stable and feature-rich online environment, it could attract a broader audience and encourage more third-party developers to bring their games to the platform.
The arrival of Call of Duty on Nintendo’s upcoming console is an exciting development for both fans of the franchise and Nintendo enthusiasts. The potential for enhanced graphics, innovative use of the GamePad, and improved online capabilities could make this version of Call of Duty stand out. While there are challenges to overcome, such as ensuring a robust online infrastructure and effectively utilizing the GamePad’s features, the possibilities are promising. This move could signify a new era for first-person shooters on Nintendo consoles, attracting a diverse audience and enriching the gaming landscape.
Source Eurogamer
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