Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has now launched with the classic small map "Shipment" and opened the "Shipment 24/7" playlist. Most game modes are available on this currently smallest map in the game, with intense firefights providing a faster pace for grinding the master camouflage "Orion Reforged."
Windows Central believes that Shipment offers a change of pace for players after the first multiplayer weekend. Its compact layout and frequent firefights are better suited for straightforward run-and-gun gameplay, but the author also notes that the overall performance of the launch maps is merely acceptable, with high matchmaking intensity making regular matches feel like league finals.
The map's return hasn't alleviated foreign media's concerns about the multiplayer mode. Outlets point out that the current time-to-kill remains too long on Shipment, and some weapon balances are less than ideal, with adjustments likely waiting until Season 1 starts next week. Multiplayer is less fun compared to the beta earlier this year; the issue isn't slower movement speed, but rather the overall clunky feel, making entering and exiting gunfights feel laborious.
Windows Central affirmed the game's core shooting mechanics and found enjoyment in the maps Mumbai and Cachette. The campaign received high praise, and the overall experience of DMZ's debut was positive, although campers at extraction points remain a nuisance.
Foreign media outlet PC Gamer highly praises the DMZ mode:
Detailed Reports from Foreign Media
It's not easy to get me excited about playing "Shipment" again in Call of Duty, but here we are, as this map, originally famous for its simple and chaotic gameplay, has now been added to Modern Warfare 4.
The main reason for my excitement is that the first weekend after multiplayer launch was truly grueling. The launch maps were at best just okay, and the matchmaking made every match feel as intense as a Call of Duty League Grand Final. The whole process felt more like hard labor, which shouldn't be the case when playing video games.
IW surely has ways to fix these issues. But at this stage, it's better to return to "Shipment" and experience some old-school, mindless run-and-gun action. This map will definitely be popular among players grinding for mastery camos, speeding up the process slightly.
The official statement reads: "You know what to do, 'Shipment' is now live in Modern Warfare 4."
However, "Shipment" isn't perfect either. I feel the current time-to-kill is too long for this map, and weapon balance clearly needs tweaking. But relevant changes probably won't arrive until Season 1 begins next week.
Whether you're feeling nostalgic or were beaten badly during the launch weekend, you can now jump into "Shipment 24/7." Most game modes will rotate on this map. It is currently the smallest map in Modern Warfare 4.
The campaign in Modern Warfare 4 is excellent, and the "DMZ" mode makes its debut in this installment, proving to be enjoyable most of the time. Of course, players who camp at extraction points to ambush others are an exception. In contrast, the multiplayer performance is quite inconsistent. Compared to the beta earlier this year, the full release just isn't as fun.
The launch maps certainly aren't among the best in the Call of Duty series. However, I particularly enjoyed Mumbai, and Cachette was quite interesting. I also think the movement system needs adjustment. Slower movement speed itself isn't the problem, but it currently feels too clunky, making it difficult to engage in and disengage from firefights.
On the positive side, the gunplay feels just as excellent as in the beta. However, I still feel the time-to-kill is too long. Of course, the real issue might lie in weapon balance. Some weapons feel weak and almost ineffective even on small maps like "Shipment."
If you're grinding for camos, keep going. To earn "Reforged Orion," feel free to run and gun repeatedly in "Shipment." Hopefully, those containers will make your grinding process more efficient and rewarding.
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