(Written and originally posted 05.16.08)

I've been spending the last few nights trying to get into the COD4 multiplayer on Xbox Live. Kind of a steep learning curve.

There's no doubt that COD4 is one of the most well-rounded multiplayer shooters out there, the core gameplay elements are outstanding and the presentation is excellent. But getting into a shooter on Live six months after everyone else, especially a shooter that requires a high number of kills before you have access to the top class weapons that everyone is kicking your ass with. All the time. Just the thought that I'm going to have to spend three more solid nights online before I unlock the ability to plant claymores, just may be enough to turn me off completely.

I just bought my 360 in December, and I haven't really played much online since the days of Unreal Tournament on the PC. I might be dating myself here, but I can't seem to remember being called f****t ass n***er b*tch twenty times a night back then. Charming.

The gameplay's got me hooked, though - and I haven't played anything other than team deathmatch yet, so I might stick around a few more nights to check out some of the other modes. Still, getting cursed out and not having the skills or equipment to respond on the battlefield kinda sucks.