Modern Warfare 2 is a game that, even before its inception, bore the burden of unabated anticipation, scornful defamation and varying controversies that were, on the whole, unjustly affixed to something that was only designed to entertain. And, knowing so, Activision still decided to release MW2 on the day of Armistice, which it also postulated would be the biggest launch in entertainment history. Their ability to garner reproach is unwitting at times.

But all of that is dead and gone, as the game has finally been birthed, like the chosen child of a prophecy. Let get to the Modern Warfare 2 review.

Modern Warfare 2 is, without a doubt, a complete package. For sixty US dollars, you’ll take into your possession a game which stands tall on the three cruxes of any modern shooter: Campaign, multiplayer, and that sweet spot in the middle. With graphics unique in that they are unequivocal, gameplay so familiar and true that it has nearly become antiquated, and storytelling that’ll leave players absolutely astounded, it finally brings to fruition what Infinity Ward has long dreamt of crafting.

Its campaign is the first front that will be attacked. Five years following Call of Duty 4, Modern Warfare 2’s storyline has been done up with the usual sequel trimmings: bigger, tougher obstacles; more locales around the globe; and a plot that makes its predecessor look like a mere documentary in comparison. Soap MacTavish has been promoted to Captain, and Task Force 141 has been rounded out with some new squad members. Players will, as usual, take control of a character within this squad (PFC. Allen) and a US Marine (PFC Ramirez).

When relying only on its fast-paced action, countless moments of awe and impactful delivery at every twist of the plot, Campaign Mode is absolutely flawless. But the many detractors from its excellence sap its strength so successfully that its dazzle and shine may be lost on any player that has respectably high standards when it comes to stories. Without giving away too much of the game’s happenings, take me at my word that, given some thought, most of the plot falls apart before it even begins. Like with Metal Gear Solid, much disbelief will require suspension.

Other than its nonsensicality, the campaign’s gameplay hits a few of the same pitfalls its predecessors fell through. Though it is hidden cleverly, there are still some areas where enemies respawn indefinitely in Modern Warfare 2. Teammates will chant, “Push forward; I’ll cover you!” to keep your mind off of it, usually successfully, but that it is there has not changed, and it can really ruin the experience. It does so in conjunction with the AI’s intellectual boost. Now enemies will flank on all sides, chuck grenades when you’re cornered and aim for your head. Those two factors alongside their ungodly numbers will, on numerous occasions, definitely make gunfights epic, as well as completely unfair.

What results from this punishing gameplay may be the development of some innate resentment toward actually playing MW2 at times.

The final few nails in the campaign’s coffin are its unacceptable length and lack of replay value. Unless simply out for achievements, it’s hard to imagine that players will find five hours long enough for any videogame’s story to last, especially one as enjoyable as this. It’s a strange predicament for a game to be in; Modern Warfare 2 is so fun to experience that its short length is doubly offensive. As well, each mission’s ability to wow is tested by being played through a second time, upon which players will be wholly numbed to the shock of ending up in such a vastly different locale than the last, with a completely unexpected goal in mind.

The second crux of the game is its Multiplayer Mode, which, in some ways, trumps that of its predecessors, but in others will renew appreciation for World at War and the first Modern Warfare. The beloved weapons of CoD 4 have either been removed outright or made harder to obtain, eschewed by lesser weapons with which players will have to struggle. This is most notable in the change from an M16 to a FAMAS as a starting burst-fire weapon. Both the FAMAS’s accuracy and power are significantly lower than that of the M16, effectively making it nearly unusable for players who’ve built their skills on CoD 4’s most popular weapon.

Moreover, any given player’s love for MW2’s maps could go either way. Most of the maps have a single building or structure through which the dreaded campers find a wondrous haven. You could spend a good five minutes running around searching for an enemy, only to be quickly annihilated by the bullet of a foe in hiding that you accidentally stumbled upon. But that wouldn’t only result from each map’s innumerable hiding spots. Almost all of the maps are incredibly large, which isn’t fitting considering most matches end up being eight on eight or less.

But once you do find a squad of enemies, it’s on. That satisfactory number near the top of the screen which confirms a kill has made a return, and this time points are in higher supply. One hundred points are earned for each normal kill, but 150 may be awarded for the assassination of a foe that has previously killed you. Or 300 points may be afforded you If the kill is following a drought, in which you found nothing but death for a remarkable period of time. The new reward system is without a doubt satisfying, and can make up for some frustrations players may build up throughout any given match.

Each point earned will go towards leveling up and completing challenges. In previous Call of Duty games, challenges were plentiful, but so difficult to complete that a player might knock off a bunch in their first few hours of playing and never  finish another for weeks. Now, challenges are abundant, feasible goals for each match. Even perks now have challenges which, upon completion, unlock upgrades, increasing their effectiveness in battle. The same points also go toward unlocking new online gameplay modes and bonuses for kill streaks, which have been made customizable.

Those worrying about third person mode shouldn’t—it’s sluggish, pointless, and doesn’t at all work well. Luckily, it’s only mandatory in Cage Match.

The final leg on which Modern Warfare 2 stands is its Special Ops mode. Most likely derived from Cod 4’s Arcade Mode and “Mile High Club” mission, it is a masterful blend of campaign and multiplayer. With its simple goals and special levels, it’s a surprisingly addictive and worthwhile endeavor. But, players who find no interest in the various missions of the campaign that are centered more around objectives, like racing to an evac on a snowmobile, won’t have any reason to play it at all, making it, like the rest of Modern Warfare 2, something to either love or hate.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 does many things. It shocks, spurs controversy, and draws attention to the industry, both needed and unneeded. But, above all, it will more than likely prove to polarize. Like it or dislike it; hate it or love it. It’s complete up to you. But whatever you do, don’t take the chance of missing out on a game that could change your perspective on first person shooters more so than any other.

Score: 8.5/10

• Pros:
  • Astounding graphics
  • Awe-inspiring campaign
  • Addictive Special Ops mode
• Cons:
  • Gameplay hasn’t changed from last two games
  • Infinitely respawning enemies can ruin the fun
  • Multiplayer maps are camper paradise
• Random Fact:
  • A huge controversy exploded weeks before MW2’s release regarding a level in its campaign in which people at an airport are slaughtered
  
  
  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 was developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision on November 11th, 2009