The very first mission we were shown was the raid on Makin. Before each mission, a briefing treats you to historical facts and images courtesy of the London-based company Spov, who provided the briefings for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. The opening cinematic starts with you tied in a chair being interrogated by a Japanese soldier. To the left is a fellow American soldier, knelt down with his hands tied behind him. The Japanese soldier soon concentrates his attention to him and promptly burns one of his eyes out with his cigar. Already this is something new to the Call of Duty franchise. We have not experience this type of brutality in any of the games yet. However, it only gets worse as the Japanese soldier slits his throat sending blood splatter everywhere. As the soldier moves toward you, American soldiers raid the camp and promptly dispose of him.

As the footage ceased, Mark Lamia, Treyarch's studio head, stepped in and explained to us what they were aiming for in the game. He explained that this is "not just another WWII game," but a new thrilling and exhilarating experience altogether. He went on to say that, "It doesn't matter if it is World War II or a science-fiction setting. If it is a great game, people will play it." His comments are right on. Though the WWII market may seem to be oversaturated with titles, only about 10% of the war has been explored.

The one outstanding "thing" that surprised me the most was the level of eeriness in the game. As you creep through the dark jungles, there really is no soundtrack of any sort. Just the ambient sounds of bugs, birds, and wind. As Lamia explained, it is almost a mix between an action and horror movie. You never know when someone is going to jump out of the foliage. This gives an entire new dimension to the game, as you will not be hastily running and gunning through the jungle. The Japanese were masters of the ambush and it was captured effectively in the game. As you exit the forest, you arrive at a small stream shrouded in darkness with a glimpse of moonlight.