Call of Duty: Ghosts
Click Here to Learn More About our Reviews
Call of Duty has grown to be a household name. Almost everyone has heard of it, and the game is played by veteran gamers and 12 year olds alike. Activision, the publisher of the game, makes an upwards of a $500 million profit in day one sales alone. Unfortunately, the franchise has gone stale, and has become repetitive. Call of Duty saturates the market with crummy knock-offs, and pushes aside better games, because it has the marketing resources it needs. This year, however, Infinity Ward, the development team behind the finest of the Call of Duty games, promised that their newest instalment would be the best one to date.
Call of Duty 4, one of the earlier games, was the game that helped revolutionize fast-paced, modern day shooters. COD4 is still deemed the best Call of Duty to date, and the series started going downhill, despite the writers. There would be the occasional thing the series did, but as a whole, it was repetitive, and underwhelming. Last year, when Ghosts was announced, gamers were given hope, as a new Academy Award winning writer was chosen to create the new story. Many had hope that Ghosts would be the best Call of Duty since COD4.
The premise of the game is that America is no longer the super power it once was. Unlike most modern war First Person Shooters, Ghosts no longer has the typical Muslim/Russian/Middle-Eastern-Extremist enemies. Now, South America begins its expansion, and tries to take over the world. They manage to take control of quite a bit of territory, and for once, someone is able to defeat us. America is bombed, and life as we know it today is radically changed. America holds the line, but as the game starts, South America pushes forward yet again. The player plays as a Special Operations soldier, who is looking for a way to change the tide of the war. He and his teammates are hopelessly outnumbered, and have “inferior” technology, but they must find a way to stop the enemy. Along the way, they encounter the Ghosts, a team more elite than the famed Seal Team 6 and Delta Force, these guys are near invincible. As the story unfolds, the person leading the South American assault is none other than an ex-Ghost, who was forced to turn on his country.
The story definitely has some flaws, but it takes on new story ideas, and mechanics, not seen in the previous games. Ghosts does contain quite a bit of mature content, and it does have an M rating for a reason.
What Parents Need to Know:
Violence:
The entire game is pretty violent. There is no way to beat the game without laying waste to nary 1,000 enemy combatants. Most of this fighting is at close range, and has the player shooting the enemy with various small arms weapons, that range from a pistol, to a machine gun, to a rocket launcher. When an enemy gets shot, there will be little poofs of blood that erupt from their body. When the player gets shot, mildly gory redness will begin to cover the screen. If an enemy gets shot in the head, there will be a poof of blood behind them, and all dead enemies will have blood pool on the floor. The game also features a knife attack, which shows the player either stabbing an enemy (usually in the heart), or slitting his throat. The game also shows death during cut-scenes, but is very different than the actual gameplay. All cut-scenes are pretty black and white, and humans are either made of crystal formations, or a liquid, or smoke, only bearing resemblance to humans, rather than actually being them. During an opening cut-scene, a liquid human is gunned down by a slew of bullets, and throughout the game, scenes like that happen from time to time. The player also gains control of a variety of vehicles, from fighter jets to helicopters, which are able to fight other vehicles and infantrymen. However, there is almost no blood shown during this time, but explosions are displayed instead.
Ghosts added the new mechanic of having a military dog fight with you. The dog is incredibly lethal, sometimes even more so than the player. Most of the dog’s kills will involve the dog jumping up and tearing out an enemy’s throat, though not much gore is shown, and there is no hole in the neck if the player examines the body. The more kills the dog has, the more red will appear along his teeth and mouth.
There are some brief scenes of torture. You see at a distance a teammate getting slapped around, and later, he is found to be severely beaten. A character is shot at close range about a foot away from the player, and the player can see the hole in the body, and see the blood pooling up around him.
Language:
Every major cuss word in the English language, although there are no slang and no sexual cuss words. The F-word is used prominently once, while DA**, Bi***, Sh** are used quite often. There are a few times when the Lord’s Name is taken in vain.
Call of Duty is mostly known for its multiplayer, and that is where 95% of all players go. However, most players that have microphones are not the friendliest people. There will be the occasional friendly teammate, but most interactions involve a large string of cuss words, strung together with sexually explicit slang. If a child is to play online, the mute function is a must, as there is no limit to what other players can say.
Sexual Content:
None.
Spirituality:
None.
Misc:
The game is supposed to feel thematically intense, and is designed to give the player a constant adrenaline rush. The way the creators do that is they keep upping the stakes with every mission, and each mission is designed to be unique. So players will quickly go from rappelling face down a skyscraper, to playing the ultimate game of hide and seek with enemy combatants in a jungle. On top of that, there are a few moments were a “surprise” happens, or something that jumps at the player, and may give them a second of adrenaline-laced panic.
In a few of the previous Call of Duty games, there was a zombie mode, where the player killed zombies to his heart’s content. Now, there is an alien gametype. The aliens are not very frightening, but, when shot, they do spray yellow goo. They can also be set on fire, and can shoot acid out.
A Child’s Perspective: I have a cousin who has been playing this franchise since around 10 years old, and this series is the main game he plays. The game is very entertaining to play, and for most, it is their first introduction to shooting games, and is the premier game to play. Most of the younger players I know are not put off by the language, or the occasional scary scene (some Call of Duties have a Zombie mode, but not this one), and quickly lose tens of hours to the game.
Reviewer Thoughts:
Despite having an award-winning author, Call of Duty continues on with the same old formula it is used to. Despite being the “underdogs” the Ghosts have access to advanced equipment, and always feel like they are more prepared than anyone else. The story was underwhelming, but at this point I expected that. It did have the best opening scene of the series, and the ending came as a (good) surprise. Infinity Ward did try to do a lot different mechanically in the story, so that is the one thing new about the game.
The multiplayer mode has undergone the most change since Call of Duty 4. They completely overhauled the customization system, and added a few new mechanics to the game. A new alien mode was added, and is pretty fun, especially with three of your friends, but it is very hard. It is fresh and fast paced; it has a chaotic feel to it.
I would recommend that parents play the game before they let their children play it. When I first wanted to play Call of Duty (as all my friends my age were playing it), I sat down with my dad, and we played multiplayer together. He then deemed I was mature enough to play it.
I equate this game to a PG-13 movie, but one that is targeted for those in the upper teens, rather than those who have just become teenagers. If a child is mature enough to handle an action-packed PG-13 movie, and understands the difference between what happens in a game, and what happens outside the game, then they are probably mature enough to play COD. 13-15 years is around the age I would deem appropriate to play this game, but that really depends on their maturity level and the level of understanding that child possesses… and of course this is up to the parents’ discretion.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for parents on his website TheSource4Parents.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.
Recommended To You
Jeromesic
March 21, 2025 at 9:44 am789alo: alo789 chinh th?c – 789alo
MonteMap
March 24, 2025 at 12:24 amnorthern pharmacy canada legitimate canadian pharmacies online canadian 24 hour pharmacy
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 1:38 amcanadian pharmacy com: certified canada pharmacy online – ed meds online canada
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 4:26 amhttps://interpharmonline.com/# canada cloud pharmacy
best mail order pharmacy canada
WillisLutle
March 24, 2025 at 6:56 amhttps://interpharmonline.shop/# pharmacy canadian superstore
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 8:09 amreliable mexican pharmacies: buying from online mexican pharmacy – Mexican Pharm Inter
MonteMap
March 24, 2025 at 9:17 amMexican Pharm Inter mexican drug stores online MexicanPharmInter
Jamesjiz
March 24, 2025 at 9:34 amreliable mexican pharmacies: reliable mexican pharmacies – mexican pharmacy online store
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 9:55 amhttps://interpharmonline.com/# canadian pharmacy
canadian pharmacy 24h com safe
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 2:40 pmindia pharmacy without prescription: india pharmacy without prescription – cheapest online pharmacy india
Jamesjiz
March 24, 2025 at 3:13 pmcheapest online pharmacy india: IndiaMedFast.com – india online pharmacy store
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 3:29 pmhttps://indiamedfast.com/# online medicine shopping in india
canada drugs online reviews
MonteMap
March 24, 2025 at 6:21 pmlowest prescription prices online india cheapest online pharmacy india online medicine shopping in india
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 9:30 pmhttps://indiamedfast.shop/# India Med Fast
canadian online pharmacy
Jamesjiz
March 24, 2025 at 9:31 pmlegitimate canadian mail order pharmacy: legitimate canadian pharmacies online – ed meds online canada
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 10:04 pmcanadian pharmacy uk delivery: Cheapest online pharmacy – canadian pharmacy prices
WillisLutle
March 25, 2025 at 1:04 amhttps://mexicanpharminter.shop/# mexican pharmacy online order
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 4:05 amhttp://interpharmonline.com/# canadian pharmacy
safe reliable canadian pharmacy
Jamesjiz
March 25, 2025 at 4:58 ammexican pharmacy online order: reliable mexican pharmacies – MexicanPharmInter
MonteMap
March 25, 2025 at 5:55 amIndiaMedFast.com india online pharmacy store cheapest online pharmacy india
Howardslutt
March 25, 2025 at 9:21 amcanada pharmacy reviews: canadian drugstore online no prescription – legitimate canadian pharmacy online
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 10:41 amhttps://interpharmonline.com/# legal canadian pharmacy online
best online canadian pharmacy
Jamesjiz
March 25, 2025 at 12:34 pmonline medicine shopping in india: cheapest online pharmacy india – IndiaMedFast
WillisLutle
March 25, 2025 at 2:36 pmhttps://indiamedfast.com/# IndiaMedFast
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 5:34 pmhttp://indiamedfast.com/# lowest prescription prices online india
legit canadian pharmacy online
MonteMap
March 25, 2025 at 5:52 pmbuying from online mexican pharmacy Mexican Pharm Inter buying from online mexican pharmacy
Howardslutt
March 25, 2025 at 6:45 pmcanadian drugs: Cheapest online pharmacy – best canadian online pharmacy
Jamesjiz
March 25, 2025 at 8:32 pmonline medicine shopping in india: IndiaMedFast.com – india pharmacy without prescription
WillisLutle
March 25, 2025 at 9:40 pmhttp://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican pharmacy online store
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 3:15 amhttps://tadalafileasybuy.shop/# Tadalafil Tablet
Williamben
March 26, 2025 at 3:43 amTadalafil Easy Buy: cialis without a doctor prescription – TadalafilEasyBuy.com
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 5:02 amcialis without a doctor prescription: Cialis 20mg price in USA – Tadalafil Easy Buy
DwayneLah
March 26, 2025 at 5:11 amTadalafil Easy Buy Buy Tadalafil 10mg TadalafilEasyBuy.com
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 5:44 amhttps://generic100mgeasy.shop/# Buy Viagra online cheap
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 9:14 amhttps://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic 100mg Easy
Williamben
March 26, 2025 at 10:51 amOfficiele Kamagra van Nederland: KamagraKopen.pro – kamagra kopen nederland
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 11:02 amKamagra Kopen Online: Officiele Kamagra van Nederland – Kamagra Kopen
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 11:32 amhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
DwayneLah
March 26, 2025 at 2:47 pmOfficiele Kamagra van Nederland Officiele Kamagra van Nederland kamagra pillen kopen
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 3:11 pmhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 5:02 pmkamagra kopen nederland: kamagra jelly kopen – Kamagra Kopen Online
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 5:23 pmhttps://generic100mgeasy.shop/# buy generic 100mg viagra online
Williamben
March 26, 2025 at 6:03 pmkamagra gel kopen: kamagra gel kopen – kamagra gel kopen
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 9:24 pmhttps://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 11:58 pmhttp://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic Viagra online
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 12:02 amCialis over the counter: Tadalafil Easy Buy – cialis without a doctor prescription
Williamben
March 27, 2025 at 1:07 amBuy Viagra online cheap: Generic 100mg Easy – Viagra without a doctor prescription Canada
DwayneLah
March 27, 2025 at 1:22 amkamagra jelly kopen Officiele Kamagra van Nederland KamagraKopen.pro
TerryErose
March 27, 2025 at 4:26 amhttp://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic100mgEasy
KennethLus
March 27, 2025 at 7:11 amhttp://generic100mgeasy.com/# Viagra online price
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 7:58 amcialis without a doctor prescription: Tadalafil Easy Buy – Tadalafil Easy Buy
TerryErose
March 27, 2025 at 11:17 amhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra kopen nederland
DwayneLah
March 27, 2025 at 1:10 pmcialis without a doctor prescription Tadalafil Easy Buy TadalafilEasyBuy.com
KennethLus
March 27, 2025 at 1:45 pmhttp://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 3:10 pmBuy Cialis online: Buy Tadalafil 20mg – cialis without a doctor prescription
TerryErose
March 27, 2025 at 5:43 pmhttp://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com
KennethLus
March 27, 2025 at 8:12 pmhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra jelly kopen
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 10:23 pmGeneric 100mg Easy: cheap viagra – buy generic 100mg viagra online
DwayneLah
March 28, 2025 at 12:37 ambuy generic 100mg viagra online Generic100mgEasy Generic 100mg Easy
KennethLus
March 28, 2025 at 2:37 amhttps://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Tadalafil Easy Buy
Williamben
March 28, 2025 at 5:07 ambuy generic 100mg viagra online: Generic 100mg Easy – buy generic 100mg viagra online
GregoryAnter
March 28, 2025 at 5:25 amOfficiele Kamagra van Nederland: Kamagra Kopen Online – Kamagra Kopen
TerryErose
March 28, 2025 at 6:22 amhttps://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription
KennethLus
March 28, 2025 at 8:49 amhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra Kopen Online
DwayneLah
March 28, 2025 at 11:58 ambuy generic 100mg viagra online Generic 100mg Easy Generic 100mg Easy
GregoryAnter
March 28, 2025 at 12:15 pmGeneric100mgEasy: Generic100mgEasy – Generic 100mg Easy
Williamben
March 28, 2025 at 12:59 pmkamagra jelly kopen: kamagra pillen kopen – KamagraKopen.pro
KennethLus
March 28, 2025 at 2:55 pmhttps://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic100mgEasy
GregoryAnter
March 28, 2025 at 7:01 pmKamagra Kopen: Kamagra – kamagra gel kopen
Williamben
March 28, 2025 at 8:38 pmGeneric100mgEasy: Generic Viagra online – Generic 100mg Easy
DwayneLah
March 29, 2025 at 12:00 amViagra online price Generic100mgEasy buy Viagra online
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 12:07 amпин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап вход
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 1:28 amпин ап зеркало: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 2:24 ampinup 2025 – пин ап
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 6:09 amпин ап казино зеркало – пин ап
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 8:04 amпин ап казино: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 8:47 amпин ап казино – пин ап казино зеркало
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 2:47 pmпин ап: https://pinupkz.life/
DwayneLah
March 29, 2025 at 2:54 pmGeneric100mgEasy buy generic 100mg viagra online buy generic 100mg viagra online
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 3:13 pmпин ап казино зеркало – пин ап казино зеркало
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 6:32 pmпин ап зеркало – pinup 2025
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 9:28 pmпинап казино: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 9:40 pmпин ап казино официальный сайт – pinup 2025
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 12:30 amпин ап – пин ап
DwayneLah
March 30, 2025 at 3:09 amOfficiele Kamagra van Nederland Kamagra Kopen Online kamagra 100mg kopen
Jamesmig
March 30, 2025 at 3:59 amпинап казино – пин ап вход
Jessedib
March 30, 2025 at 4:00 amпин ап вход: https://pinupkz.life/
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 6:46 ampinup 2025 – пин ап вход
Jamesmig
March 30, 2025 at 10:32 amпин ап – пинап казино
Jessedib
March 30, 2025 at 10:55 amпин ап: https://pinupkz.life/
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 1:14 pmpinup 2025 – пин ап
DwayneLah
March 30, 2025 at 2:33 pmkamagra gel kopen Kamagra Kamagra Kopen Online
Jamesmig
March 30, 2025 at 4:55 pmпин ап – пин ап зеркало
Jessedib
March 30, 2025 at 5:55 pmpinup 2025: https://pinupkz.life/