Critical Ops

Since the first-person shooter genre sparked to life when Call of Duty revitalised a tired tradition of world war epics and traditional gunplay, there has been a real push to offer new and impressive FPS experiences. This is particularly true on mobile platforms as by and large, the platform has delivered titles that are at their finest, average at best. So Critical Ops, a FPS mobile title released in 2015, would aim to change that.

This game plays like a number of modern-day FPS titles for PC and console, with its closest comparison being Counterstrike: Global Offensive. This is due to both it’s setting and art style, plus it’s terrorists versus soldiers approach. This game delivers familiar gameplay and allows you to play on the go too.

A faithful rehash

This game doesn’t stray too far from the tried and tested format of recent FPS titles and due to the lack of games doing it well, this game gets away with this uninspired approach. The game features online matchmaking, customisable load-outs, weapon skins and custom options for players to visually express themselves on the battlefield. Plus, it has the ability to join clans, host private matches and acts as a social hub for you and your pals to hang out.

The weapon ranges, while limited is well handled and gives enough tactical variety for players to get their heads around and master. You can be a sniper, close-quarters shotgun wielder, a soldier that relies on grenades or your standard assault rifle user. Again, it doesn’t rock the boat in this respect but it didn’t really have to.

The maps on offer are small in size but rather well constructed and designed. Plus the visuals, while not outstanding, are certainly admirable for the platform. This is inconsistent in some areas, such as character model textures to name a prime example. Though holistically, it looks good and feels good to play.

Fails to meet potential

Where this title really falls short is its content. Developers seem to have a little plan on how to make this one stand out and for this reason, seem to have left this one to die. As an experience now, it is still maintained and is as good as it has been but is unlikely to ever get better than it is now. Which at this moment, is a fair but generally underwhelming FPS experience.

Not to mention, this game is not single player-friendly and you will need to be online to engage in battle. That means that this one will really eat away at your data plan if you let it. So just be mindful before you invest time into this game when on your wifi connection. Another Average FPS For The Pile