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<div style="float: left; padding: 3px;"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/mw2boxart.jpg" border="0"></div>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC)
Release Date: November 10, 2009
Reviewed On: PC
Also Available On: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Developer: Infinity Ward
Publisher: Activision
ESRB Rating: Mature - Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Language
PEGI Rating: 18 - Violence and Bad Language
OFLC Rating: MA 15+ - Strong Violence
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 picks up five years after the carnage that happens in the first Modern Warfare. You play as Gary "Roach" Sanderson for Task Force 141 and follow now Captain MacTavish to stop Makarov, the new Russian terrorist taking the place of Imran Zakhaev, from fulfilling his own agenda. To do so, Task Force 141 has to travel the globe in search of scarce information.
Many changes have happened since the release of Modern Warfare 2 as far as storyline and multiplayer options go. Twists and turns abound in this FPS sequel, both in the game and in news coverage up to the release date. Soap is now leading Task Force 141 and taking the mantle from Captain Price while the Americans are having some problems of their own. Feuds and gun battles erupt and the fun ensues.
Story:
While the Ultranationalists now have control of Russia, despite the attempts the SAS did to prevent it, Makarov has already put pieces of his plan into play. This draws the United States into the game and forces them to take action. The warfare for the US is heating up while Task Force 141 rushes to try to stop the fire that is rapidly spreading.
As you work your way through the campaign new twists and plots open up. Throughout the game most of your answers to those questions that keep nagging you are answered, but some of the biggest ones are left unexplained. The story has a cold war era feel to it complete with espionage.
Gameplay:
Playing the campaign of Modern Warfare 2 still has that feel of all the other Call of Duty titles. Enemies spawn constantly and getting to your checkpoints are very important. The single player is well scripted and forces you to look in the right direction to see that pivotal moment when you accomplish your objective and are about to move on to the next stage of the game.
Players should be pleased with how the maps have more cover and color than other Call of Duty titles. What really stood out was how the action was not on one or two planes of the map, but up to a third level. Instead of seeing everyone on the ground or the second story window, you would see people also on the very top roofs or patios. The AI was even positioned at flanks and behind instead of simply in front of you.
The controls were almost identical to Call of Duty:4. You could not, however, lean in the game and Infinity Ward made one of the lean keys the key that throws your stun/flash grenades, causing you to go blind every time you tried to lean to the left, for those used to the old gameplay. A few key remaps in the options menu is recommended to ensure those old habits will not continue to frustrate and ruin the game.
Graphics:
Infinity Ward have tweaked the IW engine on Modern Warfare 2 so as to bring better detail to the maps. Textures and lighting are very well done where everyone can cast shadows. Modeling was very detailed from equipment being carried by a soldier, to the vehicles taking you to your destinations. The reload animations were nicely done and did not feel rushed or incorrect for the weapon at hand. Seeing the reactions people had to weapons when fired was a nice addition as the soldiers would flinch. Another nice touch was the way that bodies reacted to injuries. For instance, headshots cause people to simply fall backwards or slump, while shots to the throat cause people to grab at their neck as they go down.
Audio:
Hans Zimmer composed the music throughout Modern Warfare 2 and it shows. Hans Zimmer has composed a large number of Hollywood titles such as The Lion King, Gladiator, and the newest of the Batman movies. The music is very dramatic and full of suspense, but does not give away upcoming crucial sections while playing. The music really brings the action together. All of the voice acting is very well done as well and feels believable, not stilted. The sense of urgency thruoughout the missions as well as the commentary during the cut-scenes tie in fantastically. The character Nikolai is still a bit strange and his voice continues to change some throughout the game, which makes him not fit quite right. Gunshots and explosions are still weak; albeit in comparison to other Call of Duty titles, they are much improved and have far more distinctive sounds.
Multiplayer:
The Co-Op game modes for Modern Warfare 2 are very fun and definitely has replay value. With the tie-in to Steam and the game, inviting a friend to join you is easy through the invite system that Steam features. The maps are a mix of timed versus as well as supportive rolls, mixing up the action with your friends and enemies. Many of the maps are locked until you collect a certain number of stars. The harder you play the level, the more stars you get. One other great thing about the game is if your friends are offline, you can play solo on most maps and gain stars for yourself so that you can unlock future missions. The multiplayer maps are based on the single player campaign.
Multiplayer mode has some great maps to play on which feature good cover that allows you to jump from building to building or scale over walls. Weather elements are also improved which brings the maps to life. There are many times more weapons and perks to unlock, upgrade, and customize. Customization can be daunting at times due to all the options you have as well as the challenges you want to achieve. Game modes are unlocked at different levels, whereas in titles prior to this one, they were all available for play. Player size is a lot smaller in Modern Warfare 2, however, the way the maps are set up the action starts quickly and good battles occur.
Getting into a game and into the action works well overall with IWnet , the point to point system built specifically for this title, but there are a number of items lacking that detract some quality from the game. A player is able to create party groups to stay together in a game and even be on the same side while playing. The matchmaking system can take some time to set up a game and then will often quickly switch you to another lobby just seconds before a game starts, causing the wait to start over. IWnet is supposed to match you with other people of similar ping so the game does not lag, but this is not the case a good part of the time. Lag and delay can really make playing the game difficult and the best option is to exit the game and restart the process. Host transfer was set up so if the person hosting the game disconnects, the game will then move over to the next person within a few seconds and fighting can resume. This does not work most the time and this can cause the player to be dumped back to the lobby to start over, or simply leave a much smaller group behind. As if that is not enough, you cannot select which map you will play and can be stuck playing the same ones over and over as hosts change. There is a vote to skip option, but getting people to vote for the change is next to impossible.
Summary:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is, overall, a great game. The story continues to draw you in and the visuals on the game are much improved from the sandy brown of the last Infinity Ward game. The audio and visual effects are also much improved from dramatic music, explosions, and gun fire. There is a lot to do in Special-Ops and multiplayer as well with all the weapons, attachments, and perks to choose from. The integration in Steam makes finding your friends easier for a game or two as well as being able to play it without any disk in the DVD drive.
The problems with IWnet tend to hurt the experience and can get very frustrating and annoying. Not being able to select maps, change teams, or play with a good connection takes the game very far back when comparing it to the previous Call of Duty title. If IWnet had these options and given some filters to do these things, it would be much improved.
For the friends and clan members or the casual gamer, Modern Warfare 2 will be fun and just as addictive as the other games, regardless of the issues with IWnet. For the hardcore multiplayer or competitor that wants many different options in selecting a game or having the features to be competitive, this game will not be for you as those features are not there.
~Reviewed by CptainCrunch
Release Date: November 10, 2009
Reviewed On: PC
Also Available On: Xbox 360, Playstation 3
Developer: Infinity Ward
Publisher: Activision
ESRB Rating: Mature - Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Language
PEGI Rating: 18 - Violence and Bad Language
OFLC Rating: MA 15+ - Strong Violence
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 picks up five years after the carnage that happens in the first Modern Warfare. You play as Gary "Roach" Sanderson for Task Force 141 and follow now Captain MacTavish to stop Makarov, the new Russian terrorist taking the place of Imran Zakhaev, from fulfilling his own agenda. To do so, Task Force 141 has to travel the globe in search of scarce information.
Many changes have happened since the release of Modern Warfare 2 as far as storyline and multiplayer options go. Twists and turns abound in this FPS sequel, both in the game and in news coverage up to the release date. Soap is now leading Task Force 141 and taking the mantle from Captain Price while the Americans are having some problems of their own. Feuds and gun battles erupt and the fun ensues.
Story:
While the Ultranationalists now have control of Russia, despite the attempts the SAS did to prevent it, Makarov has already put pieces of his plan into play. This draws the United States into the game and forces them to take action. The warfare for the US is heating up while Task Force 141 rushes to try to stop the fire that is rapidly spreading.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/bridgemw2.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_bridgemw2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
Can you PLEASE hurry up?!
Can you PLEASE hurry up?!
As you work your way through the campaign new twists and plots open up. Throughout the game most of your answers to those questions that keep nagging you are answered, but some of the biggest ones are left unexplained. The story has a cold war era feel to it complete with espionage.
Gameplay:
Playing the campaign of Modern Warfare 2 still has that feel of all the other Call of Duty titles. Enemies spawn constantly and getting to your checkpoints are very important. The single player is well scripted and forces you to look in the right direction to see that pivotal moment when you accomplish your objective and are about to move on to the next stage of the game.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/civs.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_civs.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
Nothing to see here, please move along!
Nothing to see here, please move along!
Players should be pleased with how the maps have more cover and color than other Call of Duty titles. What really stood out was how the action was not on one or two planes of the map, but up to a third level. Instead of seeing everyone on the ground or the second story window, you would see people also on the very top roofs or patios. The AI was even positioned at flanks and behind instead of simply in front of you.
The controls were almost identical to Call of Duty:4. You could not, however, lean in the game and Infinity Ward made one of the lean keys the key that throws your stun/flash grenades, causing you to go blind every time you tried to lean to the left, for those used to the old gameplay. A few key remaps in the options menu is recommended to ensure those old habits will not continue to frustrate and ruin the game.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/heatmw2.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_heatmw2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
There's movement all over the place!
There's movement all over the place!
Graphics:
Infinity Ward have tweaked the IW engine on Modern Warfare 2 so as to bring better detail to the maps. Textures and lighting are very well done where everyone can cast shadows. Modeling was very detailed from equipment being carried by a soldier, to the vehicles taking you to your destinations. The reload animations were nicely done and did not feel rushed or incorrect for the weapon at hand. Seeing the reactions people had to weapons when fired was a nice addition as the soldiers would flinch. Another nice touch was the way that bodies reacted to injuries. For instance, headshots cause people to simply fall backwards or slump, while shots to the throat cause people to grab at their neck as they go down.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/breach.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_breach.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
Shadows, lighting, hostages. Its all good.
Shadows, lighting, hostages. Its all good.
Audio:
Hans Zimmer composed the music throughout Modern Warfare 2 and it shows. Hans Zimmer has composed a large number of Hollywood titles such as The Lion King, Gladiator, and the newest of the Batman movies. The music is very dramatic and full of suspense, but does not give away upcoming crucial sections while playing. The music really brings the action together. All of the voice acting is very well done as well and feels believable, not stilted. The sense of urgency thruoughout the missions as well as the commentary during the cut-scenes tie in fantastically. The character Nikolai is still a bit strange and his voice continues to change some throughout the game, which makes him not fit quite right. Gunshots and explosions are still weak; albeit in comparison to other Call of Duty titles, they are much improved and have far more distinctive sounds.
Multiplayer:
The Co-Op game modes for Modern Warfare 2 are very fun and definitely has replay value. With the tie-in to Steam and the game, inviting a friend to join you is easy through the invite system that Steam features. The maps are a mix of timed versus as well as supportive rolls, mixing up the action with your friends and enemies. Many of the maps are locked until you collect a certain number of stars. The harder you play the level, the more stars you get. One other great thing about the game is if your friends are offline, you can play solo on most maps and gain stars for yourself so that you can unlock future missions. The multiplayer maps are based on the single player campaign.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/wgccoop.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_wgccoop.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
WE'VE GOT COMPANY!
WE'VE GOT COMPANY!
Multiplayer mode has some great maps to play on which feature good cover that allows you to jump from building to building or scale over walls. Weather elements are also improved which brings the maps to life. There are many times more weapons and perks to unlock, upgrade, and customize. Customization can be daunting at times due to all the options you have as well as the challenges you want to achieve. Game modes are unlocked at different levels, whereas in titles prior to this one, they were all available for play. Player size is a lot smaller in Modern Warfare 2, however, the way the maps are set up the action starts quickly and good battles occur.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/haxmw2.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_haxmw2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
Hax! No, just the thermal scope for MP!
Hax! No, just the thermal scope for MP!
Getting into a game and into the action works well overall with IWnet , the point to point system built specifically for this title, but there are a number of items lacking that detract some quality from the game. A player is able to create party groups to stay together in a game and even be on the same side while playing. The matchmaking system can take some time to set up a game and then will often quickly switch you to another lobby just seconds before a game starts, causing the wait to start over. IWnet is supposed to match you with other people of similar ping so the game does not lag, but this is not the case a good part of the time. Lag and delay can really make playing the game difficult and the best option is to exit the game and restart the process. Host transfer was set up so if the person hosting the game disconnects, the game will then move over to the next person within a few seconds and fighting can resume. This does not work most the time and this can cause the player to be dumped back to the lobby to start over, or simply leave a much smaller group behind. As if that is not enough, you cannot select which map you will play and can be stuck playing the same ones over and over as hosts change. There is a vote to skip option, but getting people to vote for the change is next to impossible.
<a href="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/IWnet.jpg"><img src="http://images.totalgamingnetwork.com/images/thumb_IWnet.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>
The IWnet Lobby. Where all the magic happens.
The IWnet Lobby. Where all the magic happens.
Summary:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is, overall, a great game. The story continues to draw you in and the visuals on the game are much improved from the sandy brown of the last Infinity Ward game. The audio and visual effects are also much improved from dramatic music, explosions, and gun fire. There is a lot to do in Special-Ops and multiplayer as well with all the weapons, attachments, and perks to choose from. The integration in Steam makes finding your friends easier for a game or two as well as being able to play it without any disk in the DVD drive.
The problems with IWnet tend to hurt the experience and can get very frustrating and annoying. Not being able to select maps, change teams, or play with a good connection takes the game very far back when comparing it to the previous Call of Duty title. If IWnet had these options and given some filters to do these things, it would be much improved.
For the friends and clan members or the casual gamer, Modern Warfare 2 will be fun and just as addictive as the other games, regardless of the issues with IWnet. For the hardcore multiplayer or competitor that wants many different options in selecting a game or having the features to be competitive, this game will not be for you as those features are not there.
Story: 8.5/10
Gameplay: 9.0/10
Graphics: 9.0/10
Audio: 9.5/10
Multiplayer: 6.0/10
Total Gaming Network Rating: 7.5/10
Gameplay: 9.0/10
Graphics: 9.0/10
Audio: 9.5/10
Multiplayer: 6.0/10
Total Gaming Network Rating: 7.5/10
~Reviewed by CptainCrunch
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