This new and improved Call of Duty is many things, but easy isn't one of them, and NVG mode amps this difficulty up to an extreme maximum. Ground War and Gunfight may be one thing, but try relying on a green laser, no mounting, and zero HUD.
Night Vision Goggles is one wild, interesting, and extremely frustrating ride, yet it's worth it. Once players get the hang of the gameplay mechanics, understand not only the maps, but also the ways in which they can use their guns to the best of their abilities, then NVG not only becomes a breeze, but a blast as well.
Become One With The Darkness
NVG mode takes away a lot of the features that most gamers rely upon, such as mounting guns on surfaces and utilizing either the compass or minimap. On Halloween, no less, Infinity Ward released a well-worded "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" blog post dedicated to tips and tricks on how to navigate the new NVG mode. Though players can take off their night vision goggles mid-game (by simply holding down the respective reload button) the near-total darkness of these variant multiplayer maps makes it literally unplayable without them.
As the blog post reads:
"While wearing Night Vision Goggles, the world will be seen as tints of green, as the technology within the goggles amplifies light – including invisible infrared light – to give the wearer enough light to see in the dark."
It may not sound all-too daunting now, but in practice, NVG has an extreme learning curve to it. Without your normal HUD, players must rely on sounds, opponents' laser sights, and simple wit to win. Even your kills aren't displayed, making for a simultaneously nerve-racking and focused playthrough.
Lasered To Death
Though the overall game has an array of weapons customization options, NVG mode displaces all of that with its mandatory laser sights. There's no point using a gun with a scope attachment on the NVG battlefield, for when wearing night-vision goggles, scopes are obsolete. On top of this, when ADS, players' laser sights are readily identifiable to opponents, making your job of survival all the more difficult. And, when together with your teammates, being cautious and knowing when to ADS strategically is critical, otherwise you may end up giving away not only your own position, but also your allies.
Yet, there are some players who find that NVG mode still needs work, specifically citing the necessity for an option to switch the laser sight out with thermal optics, the addition of flares, and NVG mode-specific maps. There are some fundamental issues that make the mode a bit too daunting, especially for newcomers, mainly the ability to turn on certain lights in buildings and complexes on the map. This adds a layer of tactical strategy that many players often either ignore or don't even have a clue about. As the blog itself reads:
"Turning on the lights while someone is wearing Night Vision Goggles is like shining a giant flashbulb in their face; the goggles will amplify the new light source, practically blinding the wearer."
When used correctly, without giving away your position, turning on the lights in a building can be the difference between life and death. It also adds an deeper layer to the mode that makes the ability to take off the night vision goggles all-the-more necessary. You see, it's not always about living and breathing in the darkness; players just need to learn how to navigate maps tactically and soundlessly in order to win.
As Realistic As It Gets
While some gamers may just not appreciate the mode, I find it to be one of the best things about the new Call of Duty. It works well and adds a certain flavor to what Infinity Ward and Activision are attempting to capture with the game: immersive and tactical realism. It's also a neat callback to one of the greatest missions in the campaign (and probably in the entire franchise thus far), accurately codenamed "Going Dark." Realism mode has its own valued hijinks, but NVG is on a whole different level and is best played at night in a dark room. This is as close to horror as Call of Duty can get, and it works fantastically.
NVG may be difficult, but it's likewise a stunning experience that I highly recommend trying at least once. This is how Call of Duty was meant to be played.