Does a mix of covert ops and controversy constitute the year’s best shooter?
Format: PS3 (version played), Xbox 360, PC Dev: Infinity Ward Pub: Activision
Out: 10/11/09 Players: 1-4, 2-18 online
Possibly the most anticipated sequel of all time is finally here. Ever since the 2007 release of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare – which set the standard for first-person shooters this generation, raising the bar not only for intense single-player action but for fast and furious multiplayer mayhem – all eyes were on the developers, Infinity Ward, to deliver the sequel.
Its original announcement from Activision set the gaming world on fire. Rumours and speculations bounced around the internet like a beach ball at Glastonbury. Now the waiting is over, finally Modern Warfare 2 is in the hands of eager gamers all over the world.
For newcomers to the series the setup goes a little like this: Modern Warfare 2 is set in a fictional yet realistic future where the world is engulfed in war and terrorism. Most of the story is told between missions via mission briefings. But the real gut-punch of the storytelling comes from the absolutely stunning set pieces and scripted events, which only get more impressive as the story goes on. The game thrusts you into action packed situations that you could only dream of before – panic stricken battlefields, snowmobile chases, covert military operations just waiting to go wrong.
Modern Warfare 2 is a thrilling action experience like no other that easily rivals the intensity of a summer blockbuster. There’s barely any time to catch your breath as you experience the twists, turns and downright shocks throughout the single-player campaign. As with the previous instalments in the series, it isn’t the longest campaign, clocking in at around five hours. However, the experience is just so satisfying it makes up for it. Not to mention the intel hidden throughout the levels, Achievements, Trophies and the various difficulty settings. On top of all that, this is one game that you will want to play through again and again.
Now if you thought that was enough, the single-player is just a fraction of what this title has to offer. After the revolution that was COD4’s multiplayer the challenge is on for Modern Warfare 2 to top it. The evolution of that experience is here with perhaps the biggest new feature being customisable kill streaks: Harrier jets, attack helicopters and AC130 gunships are all at your disposal to wreak havoc online. Add to that even more customisation through your call sign.
Your call sign, made up of a title and an emblem, accompanies your gamer tag for your enemies and allies to witness. These are unlocked via different actions and challenges. For example, you could have a shuriken, helicopter, skull or a missile as your emblem and ‘Boom Headshot’ with blood splatter as your title. There are literally dozens of different options to unlock and choose from to set yourself aside from the competition.
Perks are also back and have evolved. You can now level up your perks. For instance, if you’re using ‘Sleight of Hand’ for faster reloading, and you get a certain amount of kills using that perk you will gain the ‘Sleight of Hand Pro’ perk which offers even faster reloading. Plus, there’s the brand new ‘Death Streak’. As the name implies this is pretty much the opposite of the kill streak. If you die a certain amount of times in a row without getting any kills, you can gain extra health or copy your killer’s perks loadout to even the playing field.
All these seemingly subtle changes vastly affect the landscape in online multiplayer whilst maintaining the finely tuned balance. Don’t get me wrong though, newcomers are definitely going to die… a lot. But those with enough free time are sure to get many, many hours out of this game.
Shockingly that still isn’t it. What really sets Modern Warfare 2 apart from its predecessors is the brand new co-op mode, Spec Ops. It allows two players – online or offline – to work together to complete various objectives, like protecting your partner on the ground while you give air support from an AC130 gunship. Each level is acutely designed for two players. Communication is a must, so if you’re going to jump online make sure you have a headset. The missions range from stealth, to assault, to wave defence and even a race on snowmobiles. Modern Warfare 2 captures the essence of co-op gaming perfectly amid everything else it manages to achieve.
So, Modern Warfare 2 lives up to the hype (as if there was ever any doubt). Established, solid shooting mechanics, monolithic set piece events, an engaging single-player campaign, massively deep online multiplayer and thrilling co-op objectives. If you’re a Call of Duty fan or even a fan of action games in general you need this game… right away.
Stuart Kent
Tags: activision, call of duty, modern warfare, shooter
