Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Havoc DLC Review (Xbox One)

very good
key review info
  • Game: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Havoc
  • Platform: Xbox One
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  • Reviewed on:
Havoc DLC review on Xbox One

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare delivered a much-needed breath of fresh air to the franchise last November, when it appeared across many different platforms, delighting millions of fans with its vision of futuristic combat.

The game has since received quite a lot of updates to refine its mechanics, not to mention balance tweaks and other improvements that fueled the passion of fans.

Now, its first major expansion, Havoc, is live across the Xbox One and Xbox 360 platforms, offering owners of the game on the Microsoft consoles four impressive competitive multiplayer maps but also an all-new Exo Zombies cooperative survival mode. Throw in extra things like the AE4 directed energy assault rifle, and the add-on looks to be an impressive one.

Does it warrant an investment or should Advanced Warfare fans stick to the vanilla experience? Let's find out.

Cooperative multiplayer

The Havoc DLC has two major components, one for the competitive multiplayer and one for the cooperative one.

First up, let's talk about the bigger of the two, in the form of the all-new Exo Zombies survival co-op mode. The experience, like previous Zombies modes from the franchise, includes a star-studded cast, in the form of major Hollywood actors like John Malkovich (or "Red" or "Being John Malkovich" fame), Bill Paxton ("Aliens," "Edge of Tomorrow"), Rose McGowan ("Grindhouse," "Charmed"), and Jon Bernthal ("The Walking Dead," "The Wolf of Wall Street").

They all lend their voices and likenesses to a group of Atlas Corporation employees that must survive after an experiment to create a DNA bioweapon goes wrong. Inevitably, a new species of zombies appears and the four survivors must endure for as long as possible while roaming the facility in search of weapons and gear.

The whole experience is quite fun, just like previous Zombies modes from Call of Duty games, but what really elevates the whole thing is the AI powering the brain-hungry creatures.

It's much smarter this time around, so you won't be able to kite the undead around the facility while you pick them off one at a time.

What's more, the whole experience is basically endless, and as you progress the zombies become bigger, have more health, and spawn upgraded variants that can explode or even wear exosuits. In case you're taken down, the revive system is a bit faster, and if you don't get decontaminated after you've been bitten by special zombies, you have a limited time until you die.

Fortunately, you have plenty of tools and weapons at your disposal to eliminate them and ensure your survival, at least until things get very hectic. Nearly all the weapons from the multiplayer mode are present in the co-op one, and the new AE4 energy rifle is particularly good at dispatching of the undead.

As the rounds progress, you also get your hands on exosuits for you and your comrades, not to mention bombs that can wipe all the zombies in the vicinity.

Weapons are acquired from special dispensers around the environment and the mystery box is now a 3D printer that can manufacture random items or weapons.

Overall, while the Exo Survival mode is still decent, the new Exo Zombies mode is even more fun and provides a great change of pace for those who get tired of the competitive multiplayer mode.

Play as four great characters
Play as four great characters

Competitive multiplayer

Speaking of the regular competitive online mode, the Havoc DLC brings forth four new maps called Core, Urban, Sideshow, and Drift. They're all quite large and provide different zones for different types of players.

Core is set in a ruined nuclear fusion plant in the middle of the Gobi desert. Those who prefer sniping from long range can take advantage of the long sightlines amidst the wreckage, while those who favor getting up close with their enemies can wage war in the tunnels near the turbine. The map's special scorestreak enables players to take control of the decontamination drones and tasks them with eliminating their foes.

Teamwork is crucial on this map, as players need to cover each other and ensure that they're not taken by surprise by enemies. Snipers and close-quarters specialists should try to work together, as it can often prove to be the deciding factor in winning or losing a match.

Urban, like its name suggests, takes place in a futuristic city concept that forces players to use their exoskeleton to the best of their abilities. Periodically, the blast doors open and close, thereby altering the layout of the map, so stay on your toes at all times.

Here you might want to favor close-range weapons, such as shotguns or SMGs, as there are plenty of twisted building interiors and enemies can come from a wide array of directions. Pay close attention to the opening and closing of the blast doors, as they can cut off escape paths or create new avenues for enemies to take you by surprise.

Sideshow is by far the most intriguing one, as it takes place in an abandoned "clown inn" and its scorestreak reward allows players to activate the lights and music, while raining down cannonballs that leave in their wake rainbow smoke.

This map caters specifically to snipers and long-range players, as there are plenty of elevated zones that can be reached using your exo's boosters. The special event also causes enough chaos to ensure that your movements can't be spotted that easily but the overall clown theme might mess with heads of those who aren't fond of the circus characters.

Last but not least, there's Drift, which is set in a sky resort. It features an array of highly popular zones, such as the glass observation deck, but players need to be careful as periodic avalanches can quickly turn the tide.

By far the most important zone in the level is the center carousel, as players who hold it can constantly suppress the main streets while it's rotating, guaranteeing an easier road to victory. The various stores and the mini mall are also ripe for ambushes.

All maps are quite varied and offer a breath of fresh air for those who've gotten tired of the regular rotation in the multiplayer experience. Some cater to particular modes more than others, but as they're available across different game types in two playlists, for team deathmatch and mosh pit, you can see for yourself where they shine.

Attack from above
Attack from above

Visuals and sound

Both the Exo Zombies experience and the new maps look pretty good and manage to keep things interesting throughout their different areas. The zombies in particular are quite varied and will keep you on your toes.

The soundtrack doesn't stand out all that much but there is quite a lot of banter between the characters in Exo Zombies. Some of the effects, like the creepy clown voice on Sideshow, are also well done.


The Good

  • Exo Zombies is quite fun
  • Great character banter in Exo Zombies
  • New maps have varied zones
  • AE4 weapon is versatile

The Bad

  • Sideshow is a bit too open
  • Exo Zombies' map can be quite confusing at first
  • Urban or Drift are similar to existing levels

Conclusion

The Havoc add-on for Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare offers a pretty compelling package to fans of the shooter. While the competitive maps are interesting and varied, by far the most impressive aspect is the Exo Zombies mode that makes the investment more than worth it for co-op fans.
story 7
gameplay 8
concept 8
graphics 8
audio 8
multiplayer 9
final rating 8
Editor's review
very good
 

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Havoc DLC (18 Images)

Havoc DLC review on Xbox OnePlay as four great charactersJump into Exo ZombiesThe map layoutGather air drops
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