In a move that almost defines the opposite of surprise, Activision has released a trailer for the next installment in the venerable Call of Duty franchise. In a move that almost defines the very concept of surprise, this trailer features Kevin Spacey and is … almost unquestionably awesome.
Sledgehammer Games, a development studio most identifiable as the house behind the workmanlike but unquestionably middle-of-the-road Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is responsible for this title, and for a wonder … well, they’ve obviously outdone themselves.
The trailer itself primarily features an exceptional monologue by Mr. Spacey, inter-cut with game-play sequences that are somewhat less captivating, but the notable theme is a tone of a nature that is best defined as incredibly meta. The trailer directly attacks ‘American Democracy,’ the Rand-esque economic Imperialistic concept, the extremist Christian-right, the American military methodology and perhaps most satisfyingly the cloyingly identical approach of the preceding Call of Duty titles.
This is, in all ways, the best of all possible moves for a franchise that has unequivocally painted itself into the most confining of corners: Point out your flaws. Target yourself. Identify your weaknesses. Then add a hefty dose of Kevin Spacey.
I say this with reluctance, and with full awareness of all of the criticism I have ever levied the direction of Activision and Call of Duty: Excellent work, Activision. Excellent work.
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