Gamers across the globe rushed into shops on Tuesday to get their hands on the latest release from the blockbusting "Call of Duty" video game franchise. Ghosts puts gamers in 2023 and the US lies in ruins after an attack by a space weapons system. In the single-player campaign, players take part in a military unit attempting to lead a fight-back against a new South American superpower.

Gamers are able to alter the landscape, changing available pathways and sightlines. The game is also offering new multiplayer Squads modes, which allow players to create a customised team of soldiers that can be pitched against other groups of human and computer-controlled characters. last but not least, gamers have the chance to play as a German-shepherd dog.

The game will be initially released for play on PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii U and Windows PCs. Versions of the game will later be available for users of PS4 and Xbox One.

To encourage early take-up, publisher Activision was offering purchasers of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games discounted copies of the Xbox One and PS4 editions if they upgraded within a time limit.

Gameplay in both the current and next-generation console editions is similar, although the latter promises superior graphics and the ability to have more people involved in multi-player battles.

However, only the PlayStation 4 version renders Ghosts in full 1080p high-definition video. The "weaker" Xbox One and Nintendo's Wii U consoles will deliver 720p graphics despite the fact they can support the higher-quality format.

A new "Call of Duty" app will also allow smartphone and tablet players to update characters and squads, organise team matches and boast about their achievements on social networking websites Facebook and Twitter.