Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3)

Infinity Ward has made the Call of Duty series their own, successfully moving the franchise into the current era with Modern Warfare. The original managed to offer a captivating and dramatic storyline with a scintillating online multiplayer mode. This was an experience that challenged and stood firm against other genre heavyweights such as Halo Combat Evolved and Gears of War. For the sequel Infinity Ward haven’t shredded the winning formula, instead redeploying this title with a few tweaks and new modes to keep us entertained. Several new weapons are included, some specific to multiplayer and the option to dual-wield small firearms. Most fun of all is the Predator Drone control rig that rains down missiles on helpless opponents, although Gamestyle did enjoy using the riot shield as a battering ram.

It’s all to easy to jump straight into the online mode, ignoring the main story or Special Ops selections. While these two lesser inclusions are often overshadowed by the online mayhem that will ensue 24/7 across the world, they are worthy experiences in their own right. This is especially true of the main storyline that twists and turns more than a government minister, and just like the original Modern Warfare, keeps you guessing as to where the plot is heading next. The brief in game manual does not provide any clues as to what to expect and even the excellent guide, which we reviewed here, keeps spoilers to a minimum.

No don’t worry; Gamestyle isn’t about to start dropping bombshells about specific causalities of war, or the iconic environments you’ll find yourself crouching in. These are not your everyday drab locations that we often have to endure in other releases. Infinity Ward’s confidence is obvious, as the varied eighteen levels test your ability not only through combat but also terrain and weather conditions. Their skill to execute a blockbuster set piece is what sets these storylines apart from so many rivals. You’re never too sure what is lying in wait around the next corner and despite overwhelming odds at times, it’s very hard to walk away from the experience in frustration.

We’ve often criticised such story driven first person releases for their invisible walls, linear routes and the need to perform a certain action to facilitate the next event. These dynamics return once again, yet its fair to say they are far less conspicuous due to the grunt of the PlayStation 3. More than any other title we can recall, with the exclusion of Halo, this feels like you are in the middle of a battlefield. There is so much going on around you backed by a terrific soundtrack that the limitations become camouflaged. A key element of the experience is the AI that will attempt to hunt you down or limit your options for manoeuvre. The Hardened and Veteran settings will test players but in a way that keeps you coming back for more to saviour the experience and joy of victory. Yes, few games manage this nowadays and we’ve mentioned the finest example twice already.

A new inclusion is the Special Ops mode and while we’ve seen similar experiences in Metal Gear Solid for example, it feels immediately worthwhile. Taking many of the environments from the main storyline, it pits the player against specific challenges, with restrictions in place. Only available on the three higher difficulty settings, Gamestyle is already pursuing and savouring each of the Stars when awarded. New challenges are unlocked as you progress, testing your skill across a wide range of scenarios. Going for three stars is extremely difficult and its worthwhile using the co-operative function to seek out assistance from a friend, or online.

So we’ve saved the best till last and that can only mean the multiplayer mode. To their credit Infinity Ward have listened to the community and made several new additions. You can expect the debut of settings such as the classic Capture the Flag and Demolition, where you have to plant two bombs for victory. A wide range of weaponry, perks, classes, rewards and equipment is available all wrapped up in the irresistible package that is multiplayer.

Gamestyle is fortunate enough to have experienced both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of this release, including the online functions. Quite often the PS3 edition is the poor relation in the scheme of things. Whether it’s the poor online uptake, support or online connection, we’re never too sure. Modern Warfare 2 is the best example of an online mode for the system to date. Already in place is fantastic community support, meaning you’re never left stranded online waiting for players to appear. Having played this mode over the opening weekend at various times we were extremely surprised by how fluid the experience was, even when all eighteen player slots were taken.   

Online communication amongst players is basic with many favouring running around like headless chickens in team-based events, but this doesn’t spoil your enjoyment. The only critical aspects are that some maps do not feel suited to particular game modes and that the spawn points at times can be extremely badly chosen. Still, put these minor quibbles into context as this is a great online experience that will continue to challenge and grow for months and years to come.

Successful titles often spawn restrained and by-the-numbers sequels. Modern Warfare 2 offers you more of the same, but with enough new content and options to demonstrate just what a firm foundation Infinity Ward has built. In terms of size, lifespan and revenue this is the Godfather of all sequels. Yet we’re fairly pleased with the risks the developer has taken when it could have been so easy to churn out another carbon copy. The end result is a mighty experience full of shock and awe.

Rating: 9 / 10

Words by Jason Julier