That Special Ops is one of three equally prominent parts, the others being story and traditional multiplayer, says a lot. Infinity Ward doesn’t do ‘extras’, it seems, just more. So whether you’re fighting in the foothills or racing on the pistes (while fighting), nothing feels underdeveloped. In fact, with solo, split-screen and online play supported across the board, it’s clearly determined that if it raises expectations in one area, it should meet them everywhere else. A fine philosophy, especially when you consider how far things have come since Call Of Duty 2.
The snowmobiles, then. Played as a singleplayer time trial, there’s enough shaving of seconds, skimming of tree trunks and Evel Knievel stunt jumps to keep you entertained. Play it competitively, though, and it’s more about shunting and shooting, a headshot bloodying the victim’s POV. In something of a running theme there’s surprising scope for accidents and exploits, creative strategist Robert Bowling finishing his run with a stupendous, near-disastrous mid-air banking manoeuvre across a ravine.
Special Ops is more a party pack than a set of uniform game types. Scan up from the racing and there’s a bomb disposal mission, a co-op survival mode, and a second promising ‘predator drones, favela gangs, sniper rifles and stealth’.