Call of Duty: Ghosts

56%
Game Brain Score Based on 11,360 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Call of Duty: Ghosts Game Cover
Starting at $34.99Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store

In "Call of Duty: Ghosts," players fight in a futuristic war as part of a squad of special forces known as the Ghosts. The game features a single-player campaign with dramatic plot twists and a variety of environments, as well as competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes. The game also includes a dynamic map system that allows for environmental destruction and alteration during matches.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Wii
  • Wii U
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

56%
Audience ScoreBased on 11,360 reviews
story810 positive mentions
optimization366 negative mentions
  • story2,362 mentions

    The story of "Call of Duty: Ghosts" has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its engaging and action-packed narrative, while others criticize it for being predictable and clichéd. Many enjoyed the unique missions, including space and underwater segments, but found the overall plot lacking depth and coherence, often feeling like a rehash of previous titles. The campaign ends on a cliffhanger, leaving players wanting more, but technical issues and bugs have marred the experience for some.

    • “The campaign has a great story, multiplayer at launch was kind of mid cause of large maps and fast TTK, but the DLCs that came after really gave us the maps we needed.”
    • “Set in a dystopian future where the United States has been devastated by a powerful enemy known as the Federation, Ghosts introduces a gripping storyline centered around a group of elite soldiers known as the Ghosts.”
    • “The story, missions, and characters of the game are very good.”
    • “The plot twist sucked.”
    • “It was good until the plot twist, and that just ruined the entire experience.”
    • “The campaign story is as cliched and cringe as you can imagine, but the action makes up for it.”
  • graphics1,350 mentions

    The graphics of "Call of Duty: Ghosts" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the visuals as impressive for a 2013 title, particularly in single-player mode, while others criticize them as outdated and poorly optimized. Players noted that the game can look stunning on high settings, but often suffers from performance issues, including lag and graphical glitches, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, while some find the graphics to enhance immersion, others feel they fall short compared to contemporary titles, leading to a divided opinion on their quality.

    • “Visually, Ghosts delivers impressive graphics that enhance immersion.”
    • “This is really an outstanding game....the sound and graphics, considering COD Ghosts was released in 2013, are superb and both are highly detailed.”
    • “The graphics are captivating and detailed.”
    • “Deserves to be rated poorly, runs awful, poor graphics, bad balancing.”
    • “The graphics are not for a AAA game.”
    • “The graphics are terrible even on the highest settings.”
  • gameplay968 mentions

    The gameplay of "Call of Duty: Ghosts" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the classic fast-paced mechanics and new features like dog control and dynamic maps, which add strategic depth. However, numerous criticisms highlight issues such as poor optimization, repetitive mechanics, and a lack of innovation compared to previous titles, leading to a frustrating experience for some. Overall, while the game offers engaging moments and solid shooting mechanics, it struggles with technical problems and a generic feel that may disappoint long-time fans of the franchise.

    • “Call of Duty: Ghosts, developed by Infinity Ward, marks another installment in the acclaimed Call of Duty franchise, offering a mix of familiar gameplay mechanics with new twists and innovations.”
    • “The addition of new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to control attack dogs and utilize dynamic maps that change during gameplay, adds layers of strategy and unpredictability to the experience.”
    • “Gameplay in Call of Duty: Ghosts maintains the series' signature fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action.”
    • “First off, the campaign is riddled with issues in terms of gameplay, bugs, and writing.”
    • “Gameplay is lacking, it's poorly optimized and can be frustrating.”
    • “The gameplay becomes repetitive and boring.”
  • optimization702 mentions

    The optimization of "Call of Duty: Ghosts" has been widely criticized, with many players reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, lag, and inconsistent frame rates, even on high-end systems. Despite some users experiencing stable performance, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for PC, leading to frustration and disappointment among players who expected a smoother experience. Many reviews suggest that the game feels more like a console port, lacking the necessary adjustments for PC hardware, and recommend avoiding it unless significant patches are released.

    • “The game runs smoothly at 60 fps with all settings at high/ultra in both single player and multiplayer.”
    • “I had no performance issues; stable 60 fps.”
    • “Very well optimized for low spec PCs.”
    • “Unplayable on PC due to optimization and control issues.”
    • “This game is the worst optimized Call of Duty to date.”
    • “The game is horrendously optimized with issues in nearly every field.”
  • stability250 mentions

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and game-breaking glitches that hinder gameplay. While some users experienced minimal issues, the overwhelming consensus is that the game is plagued by technical problems, making it frustrating and often unplayable, particularly in multiplayer modes. Overall, many reviewers recommend avoiding the game until significant patches are released to address these stability concerns.

    • “This title is from 2013 and still looks great and runs great 9 years later.”
    • “I have had no glitches in this game whatsoever, unlike all the older COD games and the BF games especially.”
    • “Good graphics, no freezing, no blurring... looks and runs great.”
    • “It's a crying shame that 8 years later, the game is still a buggy mess.”
    • “Numerous glitches and bugs keep you from completing anything in the campaign.”
    • “The multiplayer is a horrible broken mess (mechanically and buggy) that will only end in frustration.”
  • music92 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the dynamic sound design that enhances gameplay tension, while others find the soundtrack largely forgettable and lacking in variety. Notably, the inclusion of an Eminem song during the credits has sparked both intrigue and criticism, with players expressing frustration over limited audio options and the inability to adjust music volume separately from other sounds. Overall, while there are moments of quality, many feel the music does not live up to the standards set by previous titles in the series.

    • “Sound design in Ghosts is another standout feature, with realistic weapon sounds, environmental effects, and dynamic music that heighten the tension during gameplay.”
    • “Some of the tracks sound like you are literally fighting to save the world, and in other levels, the music sounds like it was composed to accompany Batman trying to defeat the Joker in a go-kart race through an Acme factory.”
    • “I loved the music direction, and I think the composer who worked on Ghosts' music is far more suitable for an action FPS game than the new composer Infinity Ward keeps hiring for their newer games.”
    • “The music is a mix between some of the better melodies, despite being utterly forgettable after the initial experience and some cookie-cutter, 1 dollar McDonald's McBurger bullshit that your brain actively tries to erase and replace with more pleasant memories.”
    • “Music is non-existent.”
    • “The audio options are one slider, no separate options for music, game, voices, etc.”
  • replayability56 mentions

    Overall, "Call of Duty: Ghosts" offers limited replayability, particularly in its campaign, which many players find enjoyable but not worth revisiting due to its predictable story. While new multiplayer modes and maps provide some variety and keep the online community engaged, the game's overall replay value is hindered by a lack of engaging content and a dwindling player base. Many reviews suggest that aside from the multiplayer experience, the game does not offer significant replay incentives.

    • “The introduction of new multiplayer modes and maps adds variety and replayability, keeping the online community engaged and competitive.”
    • “I see it as mindless, bloody fun with plenty of replay value.”
    • “It's a fun time, good sandbox; the campaign is pretty replayable in my opinion.”
    • “There's also the campaign and extinction; the former is okay, kind of like COD4 in terms of gameplay (not as linear as in newer games), but the story isn't that good. The latter is a strange addition to one-up Treyarch's Nazi Zombies, which is pretty fun but is the same every time you play, so it's not really that replayable.”
    • “According to Steam, I beat the game in a ridiculous 6 hours, and unlike previous games in the series, it doesn't seem like there will be much replayability here.”
    • “Less than 8 hours to get through it start to finish, and none of the levels really have any replay value.”
  • humor56 mentions

    The humor in the game is often described as unintentional, stemming from its numerous bugs, absurd plot twists, and janky mechanics, which players find amusing despite the game's shortcomings. Many reviewers highlight the ridiculousness of the story and the comedic moments that arise from glitches and gameplay mishaps, making the experience entertaining in a way that diverges from traditional expectations. Overall, while the game may be flawed, its humor provides a unique charm that some players appreciate, especially at a lower price point.

    • “I experienced a few buggy but funny things (Riley and Hesh refusing to wait for me to get out of the door, so they both try to go through and Riley starts to glitch around; me falling off the train in the last mission, reloading the checkpoint and I'm stuck in a loop of falling and reloading my gun, managed to fix that by switching my weapon and jumping/moving away from the edge).”
    • “The story/writing is just laughable, the 'plot twists' you see coming from a mile away, and the ending made me laugh too.”
    • “Watching the deathcam replays even shows in slow motion how janky the hit detection is - it is pretty damn funny.”
    • “This game needs so much help it's not funny.”
  • emotional50 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a mixed response from players, with some praising its heartfelt story and memorable characters that evoke strong feelings, leading to moments of genuine tears. However, others criticize the narrative for lacking depth and failing to create lasting emotional connections, often resorting to forced moments that do not resonate. Overall, while some players found the emotional journey impactful, many felt it fell short compared to previous installments in the franchise.

    • “I cried like three separate times 8/10 (mainly for the ending - otherwise 10/10)”
    • “Great heartfelt story and all the characters are very memorable. I don't think I've ever finished a game and had it leave such an impact on me before.”
    • “Deep emotional connection with the characters, including Riley the K-9 dog.”
    • “Poorly optimized, bad balancing, boring story, and just a lackluster effort altogether.”
    • “Kinda boring story.”
  • grinding38 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often requiring excessive time investment to progress, particularly in modes like Extinction. While some enjoy the mechanics and scripted challenges, many express frustration with the lack of engaging content and the monotonous nature of grinding for upgrades and story progression. The campaign and online modes are noted for their potential fun but ultimately fall into a grind-heavy experience that can detract from enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Extinction is fairly interesting in concept but in practice it's tedious, grindy, and downright impossible to play solo at times.”
    • “Anything beyond that, like earning the hundreds of teeth needed to unlock more just turns into a harshly grinding repetition.”
    • “The story line is so boring... omg... grinding through it...”
  • monetization22 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been heavily criticized, with players feeling that it relies on excessive microtransactions and high-priced DLCs, detracting from the overall experience. Many reviewers express frustration over the presence of ads and perceive the game as a cash grab rather than a quality product, leading to disappointment among long-time fans of the franchise. Overall, the sentiment is that the focus on monetization has compromised the game's quality and enjoyment.

    • “Last gripe are all the microtransactions and high premium for DLC they expect you to pay, while offering very little cool features and customization in-game.”
    • “This game is just another cash grab, and I feel ashamed that I have given so much money to these people.”
    • “Stop dishing out money on stupid live-action advertisements with big-name actors; start using the money to make more quality games.”
  • character development16 mentions

    Character development in the game has been widely criticized, with many reviewers noting a lack of depth and engagement. Players feel that the main characters are introduced too quickly, leaving little room for meaningful growth, and any development that does occur is relegated to separate intel rather than integrated into the gameplay. Overall, the character arcs are seen as disappointing and uninteresting, detracting from the overall experience.

    • “Impressive character designs, especially the main cast which includes our beloved dog Riley.”
    • “Character development is hit and miss, and dialogue ranges from average to downright awful.”
    • “Well, sadly, I have to say that character development is actually the most disappointing part of this game.”
    • “The player is only given a few seconds to meet the two main characters and then is pretty much instantly thrown into action without any real time for character development.”
    • “In fact, the most character development you get is from intel that you collect throughout the campaign, but it's viewed separately in the main menu.”
  • atmosphere16 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, with many players highlighting the impressive graphical design and the variety of both multiplayer and single-player environments. However, some critiques suggest that despite the strong atmospheric elements, the overall experience can feel incomplete or reminiscent of a filler title in the Call of Duty franchise. Overall, the atmosphere contributes significantly to the enjoyment of the gameplay, even if the narrative itself is seen as mediocre.

    • “Following on from Call of Duty: Black Ops II, this tenth installment in the Call of Duty franchise bursts to life right from the start in a destruction-orgy that would make Roland Emmerich green with envy, quickly followed by a surprisingly atmospheric and exciting space mission in which you portray an astronaut on the ISS being taken over by baddies.”
    • “Amazing atmosphere, amazing story.”
    • “Graphically, this game is quite nice, and the levels can be quite atmospheric.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game just makes it feel like it's half done or just a random Call of Duty game Infinity Ward has created to fill in their queue for the year's Call of Duty.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Call of Duty: Ghosts

Play time

8hMedian play time
66hAverage play time
6hMain story
13hCompletionist
5-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 46 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News