From the menu screen of the console versions, Modern Warfare 2 is split into three different modes the single-player campaign, multiplayer and the all-new mode known as Spec Ops. To begin with, the campaign kicks off in the years following the original Modern Warfare. The influence of old enemies is spreading from the grave, and it's once again up to players to save the world from destruction. The single-player campaign takes you to numerous jaw-dropping locations, including an icy Soviet airbase, a labyrinth of caves in Afghanistan and the front lawn of the White House. Level design is amazing, with epic set-pieces and a huge variety of environments to experience. Levels do sometimes feel a little confined, but you are usually to busy dodging bullets and grenades to notice.
Modern Warfare 2 is still a first-person shooter as its heart, but as with previous iterations, there are several new gameplay elements to keep things fresh and entertaining. Players can partake in a high-speed snow-mobile chase, rain death from the sky with Predator missiles, snipe at enemies with thermal vision and breach rooms in slow motion. There aren't really any single 'wow' moments in Modern Warfare 2, such as the sniping and AC-130 levels in Call of Duty 4. A certain level that has been mentioned in the press of late is extremely eye-opening, and while it is staged excellently, players are left with more of an overall impression from the campaign. To put it bluntly, Modern Warfare 2 falls into the same boat as World at War. While the single-player campaign has fantastic production values and is one hell of a ride while its lasts, it just isn't the spectacle many of us were expecting.
The Modern Warfare PR team go to new depths to get the word out.
Infinity Ward has produced a list of epic locations, but worried about integrating them into some sort of story later. Not only does the script lack any sort of cohesiveness, it's always difficult to comprehend what's happening. Despite the story being a tangled mess and having more holes than a donut shop, the invasion of America is staged fantastically and it's always a welcome addition to see the return of several familiar allies.
Also, be warned that a standard play-through of the campaign only takes around five or so hours on the lower difficulty. Ramping things up to hardened or veteran extends playtime significantly, and is highly recommended for series' regulars. The short single-player experience may be off-putting for anyone playing solely offline, but when you factor in the new Spec Ops mode, the overall Modern Warfare 2 package certainly proves its worth.
Spec Ops takes its cue from the highly memorable Mile High Club mission in Call of Duty 4. Over the course of 23 levels, players are given a range of tasks to complete, such as defusing bombs in a marketplace, battling across a heavily defended bridge and defending a location from waves of enemies to name a few. Some missions replicate scenarios from the single-player campaign, such as the snow-mobile chase sequences, whereas others can't be found anywhere else, such as a level where you have to protect a buddy from the sky in an AC-130 gunship. Spec Ops is unique in that all these are one-off missions done without any checkpoints. If you die, the entire level has to be replayed from the start. Thankfully, Spec Ops can be played in co-op unlike the campaign to increase your chances of success. The other benefit of playing with a friend is that you can be revived if downed by enemy fire (similarly to World at War's Nazi Zombies).
The new Spec Ops mode is deeply challenging, and beating any of the levels which get much harder as you progress gives you a true sense of achievement (and bragging rights). Indeed, Spec Ops could be called the Nazi Zombies of Modern Warfare 2. While it is frustrating to get all the way to the end of a level only to be shot in the back by a concealed sniper, Spec Ops is highly addictive and some of the best fun we've had playing games of late.
PC gamers take aim...
Of course, where would a Call of Duty game be without the multiplayer? The good news is Infinity Ward is once again at their prime with Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer, which is just as well-built and entertaining as its predecessor. Games come think and fast, and as before, players build points and gain levels by winning matches and killing enemies. As you gain points, you can unlock new guns and perks. There are many new choices when it comes to weapons, and you are no longer limited to carrying a primary weapon with a sidearm. For example, players can now pack an assault rifle and shotgun, or a SMG and a fully-automatic pistol. A riot shield is also among the list of possible options, giving protection for both you and a buddy. New equipment also includes a tactical insertion flare, which allows you to mark the next respawn area. This can be extremely usual tool in matches where the location of the enemy or an objective is important.
The perk system has also been given a drastic redesign. Over time, perks can be upgraded to grant an added benefit. For example, upgrading the perk that allows faster reloading will let you to aim down the sights quicker. Modern Warfare 2 also adds 'death streak' perks, which take effect after you die a few times without getting any kills. Death streak perks include painkiller, which gives you increased health, and copycat, which gives you the same weapons and perks of the last player that killed you. These perks are especially useful for players who find themselves being dominated. As an added touch, players can also add some personality to their account by customising their title and emblem.
Finally, the much-touted customizable kill streak rewards round out the list of significant new additions. Unlike the first Modern Warfare, upon gaining a certain level, players can choose rewards for achieving a set number of kills. On the lower end of the scale, rewards include UAVs, but if you get a high number of kills, there are some very powerful aids such gunships, Predator missiles and even a tactical nuke. Players can choose a maximum of three killstreak rewards, and skilled players will have a massive amount of fun choosing between the various options.
Did we mention how awesome Spec Ops is?
The new additions to Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer mean players can now approach the battlefield more strategically than ever before. The matches we have played so far feel much different, no longer focusing on the same running-and-gunning tactics. That said, the action is still as entertaining as before. However, the one downside of the new killstreak system may be that the not-so-good players will find themselves constantly dying. The end result may then be that the elite will continue dominating, while new players may become disenchanted. It is also disappointing that the option from World at War to play only against local players has been removed.
Modern Warfare 2 builds on the technology established by its predecessor. The same graphics engine is used this time around, with a number of now new tweaks and additions. The character models and animations are as fantastic as ever, and unlike a significant portion of other games, environments are created with high attention to detail. Importantly, the level of overall immersion in Modern Warfare 2 is maintained. Lighting has been bumped up a notch or two for the consoles, and new weather effects are pulled off brilliantly. Great care has also gone into the soundtrack, which seldom seems out of place in the midst of battle. Voicework is authentic and believable, though underscored by the poor narrative. Finally, sound design is superb as ever. As bullets fly past, helicopters hover in the air and mortars go off all around, you could be forgiven for thinking you were really in the middle of a raging firefight.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 is undoubtedly one of the best games in the series. Maintaining the technical prowess they are known for, Infinity Ward has pulled out all the stops to create an action-packed first-person shooter. While suffering from a weak narrative, the single-player is an edge-of your-seat experience, and Spec Ops will have players up til dawn for many weeks to come. The multiplayer also is back with a vengeance, adding new features to the already solid foundations. Overall, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a fantastic game, but it just isn't the same jaw-dropping experience that hooked us into the original. Nonetheless, we'll still be answering this latest call for some time to come.
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