Gaming Generations :: Modern Warfare 2 Review

DeuceGG · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:14 pm Post subject:

Alright boys and girls, its been a long, long time since I've done a review, and I figured the launch of the ridiculously popular Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 would be a good place to pick up where I left off. Its my guess that by the time I am writing this, 90% of the population of Earth will have picked up this game. Now obviously, that is a gross exaggeration, but 4.7 million copies sold IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS should say something. That's right, this game should have shipped in one of those stupid red boxes on launch, since it obliterated every other launch in history. That said, is it really all that good? In a word: yes. For this review I am going to use the established format, but will add things as I see fit (and I do see fit...)

--Graphics-- 8.5
In a day and age where graphics are put on the forefront of gaming, MW2 looks good and pays attention to the details that differentiates good from great. The IW 4.0 engine can definitely kick out the pixels, but it would have been nice to see some love given to sharpening some of the textures. The PC version of the game looks the best, thanks to a much more integrated lighting engine (and the lack of bloom), with the PS3 and the 360 versions looking about the same, save for a few differences here and there. I personally like story over graphics, so this category is a bit meh for me, but if you need something purdy to look at, MW2 isn't going to disappoint you.

*Edit: Here is a gametrailers comparison, so you can see what Im talking about.
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--Story-- 8*
I threw an asterisk in there because this game could have scored much higher. Why you ask? Oh I don't know, its probably the fact that I beat the single player on the standard difficulty in 4 hours. Im about halfway through the game on Veteran now (as I am a trophy whore), and I have put in another hour or so in that respect. The game does have a great story, rife with betrayal, action and mixed locations that feels fresh in a stale, over saturated market. But that makes it hurt so much more. When the game ended, I sat there staring blankly at the screen as the credits rolled. I was expecting some sort of closure, and the game did not deliver on that front. Oh, and to get the most out of the game, a play through of the first Modern Warfare is advised so the characters and scenario make sense.

--Gameplay-- 9.5
This is where the game soars. For FPS fans, this game is crack cocaine, and for lesser casual gamers, this is the game that will command almost, if not all, of your play time for the foreseeable future. Aside from single player campaign, there is a co-op mode called Spec-Ops, which consists of missions based in the game world revolving around killing VIPs, securing objectives, etc. Its quite fun, and since there is no co-op in the single player part of the game, its nice to be able to achieve something with a friend that isn't online multiplayer. And speaking of, the multiplayer game that was great in the first game is back, and has been made better. Class progression remains the same, leveling based on points earned in challenges/matches to unlock weapons, attachments and (for the first time) killstreaks. This time around, you get to pick what killstreaks are active, and unlock everything up from supply drops to a tactical nuke that will end the game. Its all very well thought out, but can be a bit cheap (I will explain this at the end). Game types are varied, and games are quick to start, with in-match host migration, meaning if you get a host that quits mid game, the round will stop, find a new host, and count down to keep the round going, instead of booting everyone out. It is a trend that I want to see repeated in every online multiplayer game from now on.

--Overall-- 9.0
Modern Warfare 2 is awesome, and I had to put my gripes on the single player story aside when giving it a final mark. The first time I played the online multiplayer, I played for 5 hours straight. It is the kind of game that wraps you up and keeps you saying "just one more round and Im out", delivering on all the hype (at least in my eyes) that surrounded the launch. It isn't without its flaws, one of which involves the new unlock system I just touted. If used correctly, the AC 130 killstreak can be used to unlock the Tactical Nuke in about 30 seconds, which is unacceptable. I had a guy hit us with the nuke 3 games in a row, until the group collectively set him straight (he had used the nuke 14 times that day). The short single player is also a downside but not a dealbreaker, as most people aren't likely buying the game to play by themselves. Pick this one up early, and play often; its going to be here for awhile and you might as well get good at it.

PSNID: Sbongard15
Clan Tag [CTW]
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