Call of Duty is back, because of course it is. The franchise that has been lobbing grenades into the autumn release schedule since 2003 returns with Modern Warfare 4, and it's carrying the weight of a disappointed publisher and a nervous fanbase on its digital shoulders. Last year's Black Ops 7 underperformed, prompting a semi-apology from Activision - because nothing says 'we care' like a corporate mea culpa. Now the stakes are higher: there's a plucky new indie shooter called Wardogs nipping at its heels, promising a blend of classic CoD and Battlefield vibes, and looming ominously in the rearview mirror is Grand Theft Auto 6, likely to steal all the attention (and cash) come mid-November.

But fear not, soldiers of fortune. Based on the early access beta that ran over the penultimate August weekend, players will get exactly what they expect: quasi-authentic boots-on-the-ground military action with a slight tactical edge. The guns feel good - really good. The default assault rifle, the Han 86, is a dependable starter with decent fire rate and handling. The Nightshade SMG sprays bullets with reckless abandon, while the KG-7 Vulcan sniper rifle is absolutely lethal, provided you can hit anything. There's enough balance to encourage experimentation with offbeat options like the burst-fire Hyeon AR and the possibly overpowered Mar-9 marksman rifle. So yes, it's Call of Duty. But what's with all the distractions? The game seems to be shouting 'look at me!' with every new gadget and gimmick, which is either a welcome evolution or a desperate cry for attention. Only time - and the November release - will tell.