Modern Warfare 2

The most highly anticipated game ever? Maybe. Though if records are anything to go buy Modern Warfare 2 is already one of the most successful games in the entire history of pixelated entertainment. Modern Warfare 2 follows on directly from the events of its predecessor and pursues the paths of Ramirez; a US Ranger, and ‘Roach’ of Special Task Force 141 (much akin the previous Call of Duty games with two stories occuring simultaneously).

The single player campaign is EPIC. There are many moments in the game which I will not spoil where you cannot help but smile and enjoy – so much so when you die, you can only celebrate because you get to do it again. The plot itself is quite mad but it can be accepted in the realm it is presented – it’s just brilliant. Seasoned players will want to know that Veteran has had a real overhaul, it’s much easier. Gone are the infinitely spawning enemies and horrifically random checkpoints replaced with a limited number of enemies and more structure – it’s more realistic in ‘some’ senses as people to not keep coming, you can kill them all just by camping. The campaign is still rewarding but you do not feel you deserve a medal for completing it this time round (it’s probably best for your controller that the game has calmed down, and your rage!). The game isn’t easy, but if you completed CoD 4 and WaW, you will have no trouble at all.

Call of Duty 4 had nothing wrong with the multiplayer apart from host connections and host end games. Both have been fixed and perks a plenty have been added. New additions such as kill and death streak choices. You also have a customisable insignia which can be unlocked from killing certain enemies to getting kill streaks and triple kills. There is always something else to unlock. Prestige still exists and you do not lose your call signs and symbols though your guns and perks are reset as usual. MW2 plays much like previous CoD multiplayers and it is still just as good.

New this time around is the Special Ops mode which contains specific missions with objectives such as, don’t be seen or kill 100 enemies. The requirements raise with difficulty and you will need a partner to help you complete the later missions if you want to get all the games achievements. Every mission in Special Ops is has co-op potential and some require two players, local and online. Infinity Ward have stated there is room for downloadable missions in Special Ops which means guaranteed DLC in the future.

I don’t feel there is a great deal I can say in this review that isn’t already know. This game should be owned by every 360 owner whether they play online or not, it just means you get way more for you money if you get involved with the multiplayer. There will always be issues with lag and some guns/perks will make your blood boil but when it is all said and done you will still be playing this game in two years time because it is just so damn good. The campaign is solid, special ops is a great addition and the multiplayer is one of the most extensive modes seen in online gaming. The only let down of this game is its hype, which is a bizarre thing to say but I hope some people understand me. Because you expected it to be so good, it’s less shocking when it turns out to be amazing. Modern Warfare 2 is good – but you didn’t need this review to find that out.

9.2/10

Achievements:

Infinity Ward keep to their ‘offline achievement list’ – just! You can get the majority of achievements from playing the campaign with veteran specific achievements. There are a few that come from doing things like ‘kill two enemies with one bullet’ and alike. The other half comes from getting at 69 stars on Special Ops, which is no mean feat. Get a partner who can play on veteran and commit to each other because you are going to get sick trying some of these alone. This doesn’t need to be done online, you have split-screen as an option which gets around the offline list point. Anyone who is used to getting all achievements on CoD games should expect to pick them all up here too.