Call of Duty Ghosts - Onslaught DLC Review

Developer: Infinity Ward Publisher : Activision Format: Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4

Onslaught kicks off the first downloadable content for Call of Duty Ghosts. Unlike previous downloadable content, Onslaught provides one of the most creative and varied DLC offerings the series has seen for quite some time. With it, comes four new multiplayer maps, BayView, Fog, Containment and Ignition. Then there's Nightfall, the first episode to the new four-part series, Extinction. If that wasn't enough, your also presented with a new weapon, called the Maverick. This is an high powered assault rife, with the ability to transform into a sniper rifle, known as the Maverick-A-2.

Let's begin with the new map variants. BayView is likely to be one of the most memorable and attractive maps the package has to offer. It's a small-sized map, taking place along a marina boardwalk in sunny California. It's a rather compact environment, great for producing frantic fire-fights. Whilst most of the action will take place outside, there are some nicely structured buildings to pass through or lay low in. There's a restraunt, small gift shop and aquarium. Moving back and forth along the pier side is a small tram. It can be boarded at any given time, great for providing moving cover. More creatively, you can place a defence turret on it, then leave it to pick off enemies as it moves along.

Bullet to ride.

Next up is Fog, which is easily the darkest map of them all. It's a far more spacious environment, taking place in a creepy woodland swamp, surrounded by cabins and caves. A slight fog coats the environment, providing a spooky vibe, along with sounds of howling wolfs in the distance. There's lots of twisting paths, along with plenty of opportunities to flank your enemies. Fog is most popular due to it's unique care package, which can turn one lucky person into Mike Myers. In one life, you can creep around as the masked murderer, slashing your axe at anyone you see in sight. It's great fun, and the Halloween theme tune plays in the background, which is a nice touch.

Ignition is a rehash to a fan favourite from Modern Warfare 2, Scrapyard. This time, the environment is transformed into a derelict launch facility. Those who run around the original map will see it's resemblance. It's pretty much the same, but it still feels unique in it's own way. There's a few destructible segments here, which can change the appearance of the overall map. A missile stands tall in the background, which is automatic launched after a few minutes of game time. It then blow-ups up, sending large particles smacking into the centre map, altering's paths. Players can also trigger a missile to roast nearby enemies. So overall, it's an interesting map that provides some nostalgia and interaction.

The last map is Containment. Set in a derelict Mexican town, this is a medium sized environment, surrounded by a dry riverbed, graffiti and abandoned army trucks. Around the centre lies a bridge, with a radioactive truck parked nearby. This blocks any players in-game map if stood near the radiation.  Yet, the area is also used in a dynamic event. The bridge can be completely destroyed if someone completes a random field order. This triggers a mortar strike, turning the bridge into rubble and altering the centre routes.

Nightfall is the strongest part of the entire content. It's the first episode to a four part series, which opens in snowy Alaska. With three other co-op partners, you'll fight your way through hordes of alien infected, similar to Trayark's Zombies. Yet, Nightfall sets itself apart, mostly due to it's backstory and objective. Hives must be destroying using a drill, which has to be carried. It's much tougher than zombies, as the aliens are a lot faster on their feet. Your also faced with some huge Boss battles as the stages progress. Perks can be chosen to aid you, however, along with the option to purchase new weapons and upgrades.

Onslaught is a bit of a mixed bag. Only two of the maps are memorable, but the dynamic events are a fun and unique touch. The Maverick weapon is a great and powerful new addition to your arsenal. But Onslaught is mostly worth purchasing for Nightfall. It's a great introduction to the episodic series, and may shape up to be as popular as Trayark's Zombies.