Modern Combat "Cliche's," Level Design and Shit Ya' Just Can't Stand Anymore

Hey Bloggers. Let's mix up the pot a little and talk about the overall design of everyone's favorite FPS'. I'd like to kick off the discussion with an interesting graphic I stumbled upon, courtesy of Cracked.com

 

Now, after a welcoming chuckle, the first thought that ran through my mind after picking through this satirical compilation was: "Hey, Cracked may be the epitome of 'we did it for teh lolz,' but they've got a damn good point." As of late, most titles in the FPS genre all seem to be forged (moreover, recycled) from the same, basic mold. While the era, events and characters all may differ, the plot structure seems to be something we've tasted many a time before. Reaching into the cookie jar may always produce a fleeting sense of excitement and "I wonder what I'll get" type of adventure, but wouldn't you grow tired of always pulling out a choclocate-chip cookie? For some, the answer may be: "Love 'em the way they are and forever will," but others may complain, "I want something different.

In terms of recent level design - you may have my e-head for this - but I believe MW2 played all of the right cards. Remember the White House level? It's not in every FPS you're tasked to tactically (or not) shoot your way through a staple in American culture. Remember navigating suburban neighborhoods and what could be your local "Burger-Joint," all the while under fire from Russian combatants? It's dropping the player in familiar, almost every-day settings and scenes that truly deliver the "Wow..." factor to the gamer while playing through a single player campaign. However, spawning in these well-known locations isn't the only method by which to blow the players mind. Personally, the level scenarios I have pictured below fulfilled me with a genuine sense of awe, a wonder that can only be bestowed by an innovative game developer's imagination; which is thus imparted to the player.

 

I don't  know about you, but I'd never taken a personal tour through the inner depths of the Pentagon. Captivated me.

Another, in my opinion, absolutely amazing sequence.

There's certainly a lot to be said regarding today's genre of FPS', but is it all a matter of opinion? What we do know: sales don't lie folks. Some people may purchase COD installments solely for their multi-player components, but I sure has hell hoped for a rewarding single player experience and got just that. I know I'm not alone in that respect either. All I hope for is a D-Day beach landing to be created on a fantastic scale. But, I ask you, fellow gamer, what made older maps, such as "Chateau," so memorable?