Call of Duty: Ghosts Invasion DLC Review

Ghost pirates! Clearly the only logical way to trump the inclusion of Mike Myers and the Predator in previous DLC for Call of Duty: Ghosts. The novel Field Order rewards that have so far headlined the packs continue in the latest and third instalment, “Invasion”. But can spectres of buccaneers continue to draw the crowds?

Besides the next part of the episodic Extinction story mode, dubbed “Awakening”, Infinity Ward’s new downloadable content boasts four more multiplayer maps: Favela – a remake of an old favourite from Modern Warfare 2, Departed and Mutiny.

Favela is perhaps the highlight, a rejuvenated version of the classic map set in Brazil that we played to death in the previous game years ago. Fortunately, its return is forgivable as it’s a cracker. It feels instantly familiar but refreshing at the same time, providing the opportunity to rack up the kills while roaming deserted buildings, narrow streets and rooftops.

"Mutiny is set on a dock in the Caribbean and is home to the aforementioned ghost pirates, which will accompany you on your killing rampage when activated. The darkest of the maps feels fairly open in places and it’s all too easy to get gunned down without even seeing your aggressors."

This multi-level shantytown is great fun and certainly my pick of the bunch; great for close quarters combat or settling down with a sniper rifle and picking off opponents from afar. Infinity Ward stuck with the traditional on this map regarding the Field Order perk – providing a Y-8 Gunship to help you pick off opponents from above. It’s topical too in the midst of the FIFA World Cup – you can settle down and watch a football match on the television if you can find one!

Mutiny is set on a dock in the Caribbean and is home to the aforementioned ghost pirates, which will accompany you on your killing rampage when activated. The darkest of the maps feels fairly open in places and it’s all too easy to get gunned down without even seeing your aggressors. The centrepiece to this pirate stronghold is the galleon, which looks great but its decks don’t provide much cover. You’re probably better off leaving the ship and heading to the streets, negotiating the narrow pathways and staircases. Oh, and you could always request some help from a passing pirate ship that will happily broadside the docks with devastating results.

Initially, Departed seemed quite similar to Favela in style but the sombre Mexican town is in fact hosting the aptly-named Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations. This decent-sized map is set over various levels and it proves fairly easy to rack up the kills – there are plenty of hiding places and you’ll quickly learn the best vantage points. The Death Mariachi Field Order unleashes a trained killer on the battlefield – complete with gruesome skull mask – to roam the streets armed with dual-wielding pistols. In a cool twist, players change their allegiance when killed to fight with you on the battlefield.

"And last but not least, the DLC comes complete with the latest chapter of the Extinction campaign. No spoilers here but the third episode takes you underground and deep into the Ancestors’ realm."

Of the four, my least favourite map was the one which takes place on an archaeological site drenched in sand. The traditional setting is fairly drab and a haven for campers who want to hide amongst the debris. It’s a fairly large map, however, that hides plenty of surprises – from rotating torches and hidden rooms, to a horde of hungry scarab beetles. Unlock the Field Order and you’ll be treated to the Blessing of Anubis, which bestows all available perks to the holder and will stay with you even after a few deaths. It’s a great way to rack up your score and make use of perks otherwise unobtainable to those who can’t muster high enough kill streaks.

And last but not least, the DLC comes complete with the latest chapter of the Extinction campaign. No spoilers here but the third episode takes you underground and deep into the Ancestors’ realm. There are a few new beasts to contend with on your perilous journey too – and a pretty cool ARK attachment that adds some enhanced firepower to your arsenal.

So there you have it. A few decent maps, another episode of the ongoing Extinction saga and some cool secrets to find. There are no new guns and one of the maps isn’t so new. Overall, it’s a decent selection – but not one of the better DLC packs.

This game was reviewed on Xbox One.