Advanced Warfare's multiplayer revealed at Gamescom
Sledgehammer's Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey were on stage in Cologne to kick off Gamescom with the worldwide reveal of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare's multiplayer.
The pair explained how the exoskeletons coming to the next CoD game "fundamentally changes the way you play multiplayer". New moves such as boost slam (an air to ground melee attack), and boost dodge and boost dash (new movement abilities) were confirmed.
The futuristic suits will make players "faster, stronger, more tactical than ever," according to Schofield and Condrey. There'll be new perks based on your suit, and balanced abilities for parity on the battlefield, and a brand new weapon loot system where players will be able customise their weapons (from over 350 out of the box) with add-ons. Supply drops will also allow for increased customisation, and "the more you play, the more you'll receive".
Reinforcements will be one-time items that players can use in battle. Of course XP will be given for time played and from challenges, and will form the backbone of the progression system. Score streaks are back, and in Pick 13 (inspired by Black Ops 2's Pick 10 system) you'll be able to customise your loadout, even abandon your streak slots and use the space to bring other gear to battle.
Exo Shield - A quick-deploy shield attached to your exo's arm
Exo Overclock - Increased footspeed
Exo Stim - Temporary health regeneration beyond normal levels
Exo Cloak - Short duration visual concealment
Exo Hover - Short duration hovering in place
Exo Ping - Shows enemy movement and weapon fire in the HUD
Exo Trophy System - Destroys incoming grenades and rockets for a limited period of time
Exo abilities such as cloak, shield, and overclock were shown in particular detail, and so was the exo launcher (with different grenades on show). Exo perks can be added via the Pick 13 slot system.
Players will be able to use these abilities until the suit's battery has depleted. We got to see the new virtual firing range, where players will be able to experiment with new loadouts. Create-an-operator is a new mode where players can build their character. and the virtual lobby is where your character and its loadout will be on display for all to see.
We also saw some of the new maps; Biolab, Riot, Ascend and Defender were all showcased (the latter of which has a tsunami interrupt the battle). Here's the official details from Activision:
Biolab - Part of a snowy secret base, this map features both close quarters indoor combat along with long range outdoor terrain with added verticality for quick and fast-paced action. Use your Exo boost to take the action to the rooftops.
Riot - Set in a bombed out prison after a devastating riot, this penitentiary still has some defense mechanisms active. Crafted to utilize a classic 3-lane approach, this map offers two large open areas on both sides of the map along with a large cell block right in the center for an all-comers shoot-out that thrusts players right into the action.
Ascend - Taking place in a futuristic Space Elevator terminal, this location features a map-based score streak that allows players to call in the turret defenses. Ascend also was designed with clean 3-Lane format and a verticality that is tailor made for exoskeleton abilities.
Defender - In the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, an abandoned bunker that's features open gameplay and is a perfect showcase for the new exoskeleton abilities. An added aspect to this map is the dynamic event. A tsunami hits with strategic regularity and changes a good portion of the map.
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Two new modes were discussed alongside returning favourites ("Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Hardpoint, Search & Destroy, Domination and Team Domination"). Descriptions of both Uplink and Momentum are as follows:
Uplink - Uplink has been built with teamwork in mind, and to promote fast and frantic competitive gameplay. Both teams fight for control of a satellite drone, and must race - with it in hand - to the opponent's uplink.
Momentum - Based on the War game mode originally found in Call of Duty: World at War, Momentum is the Call of Duty version of tug of war. Five consecutive capture points exist on the map, but only one is active at a time. The more kills and captures your team gets, the faster you are able to capture additional points. Once the other team captures on you, the momentum meter gets reset, so your team needs to be at its best the whole game.
Finally, they closed the show with details of the Day Zero Edition, whereby pre-orders and those who grab a collector's edition will get the game on November 3, along with 24 hours of double XP, two bonus weapons, and the Advanced Arsenal ("that features a custom bullet brass exoskeleton and bonus directed energy weapon, the Quantum EM1. Day Zero Edition quantities limited, availability subject to demand and inventory at retailer locations"). More details on that here.
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