Fans of Activision's Call of Duty games are accustomed to fighting Nazis and other Axis threats throughout the 1940s, but the fourth in the series trades the World War II backdrop for 21st century conflicts. After the mandatory training exercises, which familiarize you with weapons-handling and soldier movement, you and your squadmates find yourself in any number of hostile environments, from Middle Eastern towns to rural Russian areas to a sinking cargo ship containing nuclear secrets. In order to confront and stop a fundamentalist faction threatening world stability, you can play as both a U.S. Marine and a British S.A.S. soldier, with access to more than 70 authentic weapons -- from handguns, AK47s and uzis to grenades, bombs and missiles -- as well as accessories like night-vision goggles, special suits and other cool military gear.

Played from an immersive first-person perspective, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare boasts some of the best graphics and animation we've seen, adding to the important suspension of disbelief. The sound effects, voice talent and music soundtrack are also extraordinary. Most of the cinematic action takes place on foot, as you use your surroundings as cover, but you can also ride in helicopters, tanks and other vehicles. Along with the single-player campaign, multiple online modes will keep the war alive in cyberspace. Even WWII nuts won't be disappointed with Infinity Ward's amazing modern-day war simulation that will keep you glued to the screen for hours on end.