Modern art

But talk all you want about the price, Activison has bent over backwards to make sure there is plenty of incentive for people to buy it.

This has been key since its existence was teased out through a strict PR campaign guided by the developer behind the game. Right through to things like night vision goggles and special hardware bundles, it has become clear there are plenty of ways this is a rewarding release whether you are a retailer, format-holder, peripherals firm, the specialist press, Activision itself or a consumer.

In fact, the game’s almost in a genre of its
own; so expect rival publishers to try to turn their own ‘average’ franchises into mega-hits for retail in 2010 and beyond.

Maybe there’s some hope for the High Street yet.