by Joshua Minton
The more videologically astute of my readers have already noticed that I began playing Call of Duty 2 on the Veteran level.Playing this game has been difficult for me to write about, because I tend to get all slack-eyed and silly when it comes to veterans fighting in wars. Once under the spell of sentimentalism and respect, my writing tends to drift into the cliche and sappy. But the sentiment and respect for the citizen in armor, defending all that's right and good with their community, tends to make me very bleary-eyed like I've had a couple shots of shine.
So, I'm not going to talk about sacrifice right now--I'll start blubbering. But what I can say about this game is that it has changed the way my brain reacts to stress. Playing this game on the Veteran level has sharpened my expectations and risk assessment skills to a point where I am actually beginning to anticipate the next moves of those around me.
I'm starting to asses, prioritize, and strategize without thinking about it, just like I imagine soldiers in real wars have to. Of course, there is a world of difference between playing a video game in your warm living room and sniping out German soldiers in white parkas in the heart of Stalingrad or defending a hilltop bunker in the mountains of France.
I haven't even unlocked the achievement for the Eastern war, but I can tell you that I've earned every kill and paid for it with many fake lives.
This is the best war video game ever made and playing online adds a whole new dimension. When you start getting teams of people speaking to each other in real-time simulations, taking tactical command and defeating an aggressive and entrenched enemy, you've got something special there.
Trust me, you want to play this at least once--go to Best Buy and spend about ten minutes playing it at the kiosk--you won't regret it.
LINKS:
A Eulogy for Honor: To the Veterans of the Second World War by Joshua Minton
The Funniest XBOX 360 Ad You'll Never See (Hat tip to Major Nelson)
TAGS:
Call of Duty 2, XBOX 360, Veterans, World War II
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