Call of Duty Ghosts Nemesis DLC Review

It’s a real shame that the final DLC for Call of Duty Ghosts wasn’t one of the first packs released; Infinity Ward has definitely saved the best ‘til last and sadly it probably won’t get the playtime it deserves given that Advanced Warfighter is coming out soon. Of all the DLC released over the course of the year, Nemesis is definitely the most fun, most varied and the best looking.

Once again, there are four action-packed maps on offer and the conclusion to the episodic alien-based story, Extinction. As ever, there’s a healthy dose of frenetic close-quarter firefights on offer, set amongst various picturesque environments.

"Of all the maps, Goldrush is definitely my pick of the bunch, set in a deserted mine spread over several levels. There’s a nice blend of open playspace as well as a smattering of winding corridors and blind turns, perfect for catching opponents offguard."

Of all the maps, Goldrush is definitely my pick of the bunch, set in a deserted mine spread over several levels. There’s a nice blend of open playspace as well as a smattering of winding corridors and blind turns, perfect for catching opponents offguard. It’s good looking too. Most players will no doubt make a beeline for one of the vacant mine carts, leap in and take pot-shots at nearby enemies as you rumble along the tracks. Their inclusion adds a whole new dimension to the play area; not only are they useful for getting about the place quickly but they provide decent protection and can run over people too. Then there’s the huge lift, which raises and lowers, adding another interesting dimension to the proceedings. Oh, and watch out for the wolves!

Showtime is a small map with plenty going on and no time to hang round or camp. Based on the Shipment map in Call of Duty 4, this is an absolute fragfest that’s like something out of The Running Man. Styled like a gameshow, it’s fast, exciting and deadly – reminding me a little of the Terror Is Reality show that features Chuck Greene in Dead Rising 2!

Perfect for close quarters combat, this map is small with limited cover; there’s nowhere to hide and you’re pretty much guaranteed to come face to face with an enemy at each and every turn. It’s virtually guaranteed that the kills will stack up in no time – which has its good and bad points. Sure, it’s exciting but you never really feel like you get a proper handle on the map – it’s kind of too busy with almost constant respawns.

"The Chinese village setting of Dynasty is an altogether more sedate option and undoubtedly one of the most picturesque of this or any of the previous DLC offerings… in many ways though it feels a little similar to some of the other maps we’ve seen over the past few months."

The Chinese village setting of Dynasty is an altogether more sedate option and undoubtedly one of the most picturesque of this or any of the previous DLC offerings… in many ways though it feels a little similar to some of the other maps we’ve seen over the past few months – with plenty of twisting paths and buildings like those in the recent Mexican Day of the Dead-themed Departed, or the Brazilian Favela maps  – but that’s no bad thing. It’s a good-sized map and you never feel like you’re on top of other players or about to get blown away all the time. It’s nicely spread out and even with maximum players, it never feels too crowded. Just don’t spend too long gawping at the scenery.

The final map, Subzero, sees the carnage takes place in a Canadian submarine base, which provides an equally big playspace to rack up the kills. Visually, it’s certainly good looking with snowflakes and gusts of chilled air complementing the bleak landscape. There are loads of routes to take, both inside the deserted research buildings and out in the wilderness. I wouldn’t hang around outside too long though… opponents getting the field order unleash one hell of a storm, which frosts up your screen and sees you savaged by a weird red-eyed snow beast!

"Nemesis concludes the glut of DLC that has hit our screens this past year and overall, it’s been a pretty good offering."

And last but not least is the final episode of the Extinction saga – Exodus – where you once again get to take on aliens – Ghosts’ zombie equivalent – in a bid to save the world! You’ll get to face off against the fabled Ancestors and all those other alien critters as you try to ensure the safe passage of survivors away from the infestation. No spoilers here but suffice to say, it’s a strong conclusion to the series and the perfect remedy for those not simply wanting a quick fix with the multiplayer maps.

Phew. So that’s it. Nemesis concludes the glut of DLC that has hit our screens this past year and overall, it’s been a pretty good offering. In my mind, however, the latest pack is the best of the bunch. Well worth getting and a worthy send off to Ghosts!

This game was reviewed on Xbox One.