A deep, addicting multiplayer along with a compelling campaign turns the series back in the right direction.
Usually, FPS and any game for that matter either have a great campaign or a great multiplayer. Call of Duty 4 is the exception as it boasts a rewarding online mode as well. Online contains all of your regular deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag, and other types of modes, and allows parties of friends to play together on each mode. Full of rankings and statistics, the replay value of the online is enormous. The level system is fairly unique and is reason enough to play the hell out of the various online modes. Different weapons and skills (some cool, others annoying) can be obtained as the player levels up, and then player is allowed to Prestige up after achieving the highest level. The online fighting is intense, with fast-paced action and aerial attacks being called in. The assortment of maps is balanced for every type of player. Some are great for short-range and melee, while others are ideal for sniping. Talking trash for hours with friends during a tough fight is a great experience that few other games can offer.
CoD4's graphics were splendid, with lush environments and top-notch character models. Great particle effects and shading add greatly to the realistic appearances of the areas. The characters and most soldiers look very unique and impressive. The detail in the environments of Eastern Europe and the Middle East are breath-taking; as you infiltrate houses you can see an almost perfectly realistic look of houses in war-torn areas. Many soldiers and fast-paced action are held on-screen at one time, making for larger, more life-like battles. The physics are fine as you won't really notice the way the enemies fall (as in they fall realistically enough). Explosions and lighting effects are brilliant and look much more life-like than most games. The environments are a little destructible in areas, but since you infiltrate buildings far more often then see them blow up, it doesn't make a difference. The voice-acting is solid throughout, unlike most games, also adding some realism. The music is solid and mildly enjoyable, but matches the levels well, especially during the sniper missions. Every positive when it comes to the graphics and sounds of CoD4 adds together to make the game more enjoyable in every way.
With a deep multiplayer surrounding an intense campaign, there is no way anyone should skip up CoD4. Many missions and a great leveling system add enormously to the replayability. Not only does CoD4 do all the big things right, it is simply great in every way, making itself a must-own on every system.