Videogamers battle villain Kevin Spacey in new 'Call of Duty' version

[DefJam]

Videogamers battle villain Kevin Spacey in new 'Call of Duty' version

PUBLISHED : Monday, 03 November, 2014, 4:31am
UPDATED : Monday, 03 November, 2014, 4:31am

Agence France-Presse in San Francisco

The latest Call of Duty game starring Kevin Spacey hits the streets tomorrow. Photo: SCMP Pictures

The newest instalment to blockbuster video game Call of Duty is released for sale tomorrow, pitting soldiers of the future against a Machiavellian villain played by actor Kevin Spacey.

Activision Publishing set out to reload the multibillion-dollar franchise, bringing in studio Sledgehammer Games to put its spin on the title and taking advantage of advanced capabilities in new-generation PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles.

"We've really approached this game differently," said Activision chief executive Eric Hirshberg.

"We're shaking up the formula in several ways."

Sledgehammer modified the mechanics of playing the military shooter game by adding "exoskeleton suits" that give characters super-soldier abilities.

A "riveting new story" was woven into the game, along with "an iconic new character" played by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey.

Special gear was used to capture Spacey's movements, expressions and more to create a realistic virtual version of him playing the part of Jonathan Irons, a private military contractor intent on ruling the world.

"It's been a lot of fun working with the team to bring Jonathan Irons to life," the Academy Award-winning actor said in a release. "The technology is truly remarkable and unlike anything I've done before. I'm excited to see where this goes."

The game is set in the year 2054, when a private military corporation run by Spacey's character is the dominant power.

Players take on the roles of soldiers with advance combat abilities due to exoskeleton suits.

"From the endless research and thousands of production designs, to our incredible focus on the narrative and amazing attention to detail - we're taking nothing for granted," said Sledgehammer co-founder and game director Glen Schofield.

" Call of Duty connects with the fans on such a deep level, and crafting a new vision for the next generation has been so inspiring for us."

Copies of the game, which go on sale for US$60 each, have been tailored for the latest Sony and Microsoft consoles as well as for personal computers powered by Windows software.

Those who pre-ordered "Day Zero" editions get to start playing the game a day early, and enjoy some digital perks.

Stories in the Call of Duty franchise are inspired by historical events, according to Activision.

A California judge recently shot down a lawsuit filed by former Panama dictator Manuel Noriega after his likeness appeared in one of the Call of Duty games.

Instalments have also featured Fidel Castro and John F. Kennedy.

Hordes of excited gamers descended on shops across the globe a year ago for the launch of the previous instalment of the game, Call of Duty: Ghosts.

The franchise has moved more than 100 million units since the original version was released in late 2003.