Ghosts is the most balanced and difficult Call of Duty ever made.
Bang, i said it. And for this it deserves high praise as this is no easy feat. I feel like they have observed and learnt from the previous games which elements were over the top. It also seems like a successful attempt to reinvent and increase the difficulty of playing somewhat, but still managing to allow for all styles of play from rushing to defensive (We're oviously witnessing alot of defensive play since moving around aggressively has the increased hazard of multiple attack points vs the more A and B layout of previous games).
The weapon balance imo is fantastically well done. Every class of weapon seems to fit in well and does its job with no overlapping or overreach into the next class (MTAR could use a touch of range drop). Look at the move to patch the MSBS, it seems like they are really on the ball.
Also i feel like the weapons have individual character more akin to COD4, are not laser weapons like other titles and when you look at the weapon stats such as dmg drop-off you can see how each weapon could be useful in different scenarios and maps and not neccesarily the 'always dominant' weapon.
For me, there isn't a poor assault rifle, although i need to spend more time with the SA-805. With the SMGs i started with the MTAR, then fell in love with the COD4 MP5 vibe of the K7, destroyed close range with the Bizon and have now fallen slap bang in the middle with the Vepr which im finding to be the best do-it-all even over the MTAR as i i find the TTK more preferable on the Vepr.
I like the killstreaks. They are just not over the top or match destroying. Even the Helo-Pilot takes some work to manoeuvre and is not an insane reap machine. I.M.S is crazy fun to lay down, not difficult to counter (once bitten, twice shy). People complain about the dog but i think its simply amazing, doesn't get that many kills (except it eats corner campers - good boy) and if you're -not- lagging is actually easy to kill, unless you're approached or encountered from an awkward angle. Maniac is just entertaining, again, easily countered and sure to drop soon enough
Oh and SATCOMs, what a difference it has made to playstyle not having dots to chase down constantly on the map. Even when there are simultaneous SATCOMs up, which in pub games will be brief, you can be sure there are alot of players running stealth.
I could go on about other well considered 'touches' put into this game that make it great but i'll spare you the boredom for the moment. Outside of COD4 (minus martyrdom and op M16), this game technically feels close to that balanced and challenging nirvana that i've always wanted COD to be.
Although, there is a downside to this balance and difficulty and that is.. boredom. After so much praise its a really negative thing to say about the game but this was my initial impression. The map layouts perhaps being the biggest contributer to the boring feel. But i think that now i know the maps well, as well as experimentation with weapons and perks -(which are superb and none op (Amplify discuss)), the upcoming maps and as more players become as familiar with the game, i think its a really good COD, constantly something to get my teeth into and believe it or not hilarious at times.
If i could change anything i would decrease dieing speed (although good for competitive) so that perhaps a large portion of players wouldn't be so scared and slow down the game speed significantly in response. Besides, with the lag etc, its just too fast, i often can't distinguish the difference between being one shot with a sniper rifle or shot with an assault rifle. Also, bring back Headquarters. Are you serious ! Where is it !
p.s. Some walls need to allow bullet penetration, specifically the notorious camper spots which one can park in for the entire match, and grind everything to a halt. Lets start with the map Warhawk cough.