Formats: Xbox 360 (tested), PS3, PC
Developer: Infinity Ward
Publisher: Activision
Released: 11 November 2009
Score: 10/10
So here it is at last; the biggest game of 2009. The sequel to one of the most successful first person shooter (FPS) titles of all time. The most anticipated video game release of the year. The title which looks set to break international sales records in spite of the fact that its publisher has decided to charge £10 more than the standard price for a new release. The game that may yet reanimate the recently (and hopefully still) laid-to-rest debate on video game violence. The first video game of this year to receive its own premiere in Leicester Square. While it arrives creaking under the weight of its own hype, the press accolades and advertising campaign that herald its arrival make Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 sound like the entertainment revelation the whole world has been waiting for; it swaggers into retail outlets with all the confidence of a rock star taking the stage in front of its most committed fans. But can it possibly hope to live up to the ludicrous expectations heaped upon it?
In a word, yes, and however irksome the submit-or-die nature of the publicity swirling around its release may be, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 really is one of the best video games released all year. Naysayers may point out at this stage that 2009 hasn't exactly been a banner year for the gaming industry. But consider the obstacles Modern Warfare 2 has to conquer; not only does it have to satisfy the demands of one of largest and the most fanatical fan bases in gaming, it has to go one better than Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, a game that is still selling very respectably a year and a half on from its release (largely thanks to its incredible multiplayer mode). It's a testament to abilities of Infinity Ward's talented pool of developers that Modern Warfare 2 doesn't just surpass the quality of its predecessor, it flies past it like a ski-jumper.
This is largely due to the fact that Infinity Ward has managed to craft a game which perfectly balances the inclusion of some fantastic new features with the maintenance of everything that worked in the first Modern Warfare instalment (COD4) in terms of its core gameplay experience. The control system is smooth and intuitively mapped to the controllers. The visuals have been given a polish and the frame rate is excellent. The sound effects remain largely unchanged from COD4, but this is by no means a bad thing when one considers how integral to the in-game experience they are. The weapons feel weighty and give a satisfying kick depending on their size. Overall, the experience of playing Modern Warfare 2 is very similar to COD4; Infinity Ward hurl everything at the player including the kitchen sink and the result is a white-knuckled, visceral shooter which hits the player at gut-level throughout its entire duration. The sense of a world that exists outside the game is obliterated by the firefights onscreen. The player is both thrilled and disorientated by the constant pace of the action which comes so thick and fast that the player really does feel that death (or at least game over) could come at any second. It's in this way that Modern Warfare 2, more than any other shooter in the market, both challenges the player's reflexes and accuracy while at the same time engaging their primal need for survival. It all adds up to some of the best shooter action money can buy.
Modern Warfare 2 contains three main modes: campaign, multiplayer and special ops. The first two are fairly self-explanatory, while the third is a new feature. Modern Warfare 2's campaign kicks off with a couple of brief tutorials to familiarise players with the controls. It then plunges them headlong into the game's story, which, without giving too many plot details away, takes the ingredients from COD4's campaign (overlapping narratives and missions being undertaken by US armed forces and the British SAS), adds more twists and turns than a spaghetti junction and then ramps up the testosterone to unimaginable levels. It should pointed out at this stage that, when considered from a reasonable, real-world perspective, the story of Modern Warfare 2 is utterly ridiculous and its plot has more holes in it than a hunk of swiss cheese. But then, the game's story exists merely as an excuse to hang action set pieces on, and in this regard it's an unqualified success, mainly because Infinity Ward's level design is peerless
Aside from the aforementioned excellent gameplay, the developers pack the missions with epic set pieces, breakneck tension, scenes which garner reactions of shock and awe and more than a few moments which will that prompt audible gasps from anyone watching or playing the game. There simply isn't a mission that goes by which doesn't succeed in nailing the player's jaw to the floor. There are, it has to be said, more than a few of scenes of disturbing violence which have the power to unsettle players – the footage that has already been leaked is probably the most obvious (but not the last) example of this. But these scenes are meant to have this effect within the context of the plot. Despite the silly extremes of certain plot developments, there is a serious undercurrent to the campaign's story which not only takes a hard unblinking look at the destabilising effects of armed conflict but also the fact that some of the people who operate within that environment exhibit a fish-eyed pragmatism which belies their brutal nature. The extremes to which some of the characters – even those with less questionable motives – go in order to accomplish their goals would mark them out as sociopaths in any other context. Modern Warfare 2 may toss a large chunk of reality into the rubbish skip in terms of its story, but it nails the motives of its protagonists to the wall.
Depending on their accuracy, players will probably finish off the campaign in around six to eight hours, and although they'll probably play it through more than once, the game's online multiplayer mode is where its true longevity lies. Once again, Infinity Ward have kept the nuts and bolts of their multiplayer intact, while adding in some new features that are sure to delight the faithful. The RPG/perk reward system remains the same and with players advancing through the ranks depending on their abilities and gaining experience points with each battle. There are new Killstreak rewards which unlock weapons drops and air strikes – which are always handy in a firefight – and players also have the option of customising their Killstreaks, which allows them to unlock more advantages and battle assets. This customisation, however, remains balanced; players aren't able to rain down drone attacks after just a couple of kills. There's also the new Deathstreak feature which helps out the less accurate players (like me) with 'rewards' such as the ability to steel your killer's military class and weapons.
Aside from the new weapons and equipment, players have far more options when it comes to customising how they approach the multiplayer. There are the preloaded classes such as Ranger and Overwatch, as well as some unlockable classes such as Riot Control. Players can also unlock the option to create their own classes, which in itself opens up a plethora of new ways to enjoy this mode – fancy tackling foes with just a riot shield and a rocket launcher? Help yourself. Another handy addition to online multiplayer, is in-game host migration. If a match host (usually on the losing side) decides to leave the game, the mode won't reset to the main lobby as in COD4, but will instead select a new host from the remaining players and the game continues. Up to 18 players (9 vs 9) can take part at any time in various match types which include Free-For-All, Search & Destroy, Domination, Team Deathmatch and new Demolition and Capture The Flag. As far as DLC is concerned, Infinity Ward have remained tight-lipped, although Microsoft announced earlier this year at E3 that two of Modern Warfare 2's map expansion packs would be made available to Xbox 360 owners first.
The game's new mode is Special Ops which can be played solo or in co-op, both local and online. It's unlocked by completing the campaign mode, and is essentially a series of mini-missions; their design is similar to the epilogue mission in COD4's campaign mode, "Mile High Club". They're divided into four groups – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta – and are based on sections within the campaign's levels. They include scenarios such as defending a raised platform in a snow-covered shipyard, racing snowmobiles across tundra and taking out guerrillas in a favela in Rio de Janeiro while avoiding civilian casualties. A couple of fan-favourites from COD4 are also included, such as the chilling Death From Above mission in AC-130 Spectre Gunship. Special Ops range from one to three stars in their level of difficulty, and players can use the stars they earn to unlock more challenges. There are 23 missions in all, and a lot of them are highly addictive; the temptation to better one's time in the snowmobile race is particularly compelling.
All told, Modern Warfare 2 crosses into the must-have category of video games effortlessly. It offers an unmatched shooter experience, a compelling story mode, a slick package of mini missions and a multiplayer which is pretty much unparalleled in depth. It's sure to satisfy the demands of its fan base, and anyone who considers themselves a fan of shooters in general should definitely pick up a copy. It may be debatable as to whether Modern Warfare 2 is objectively the best release of 2009, but it's certainly the finest game in its genre, as well one of the truly great games of this or indeed any year.
Time to lock and load, people...
suck it Playstation 3 and PC oowners, u know the 360 is better, best controller, it feels like shooters were custom made for it, best support (patches, ect.) and best games!!!!!! suck it!!!!!!!
We didn't start the flame war!
someone about half way down said if it wasn't for video gmaes there wouldn't be violence. so no-one was murdered or killed or there weren't any fights before videogames?
you sir are thick.
2nd half of paragraph 4: "It should pointed out at this stage that" ... this isn't English, Nick. Now kindly re-insert the negative comment I left yesterday or admit that this article is nothing more than a blatant advert for an overhyped, underdeveloped and unsupported game.
All of you dumbasses who are flaming thoes who complain about pc version, suck it, bitches because half you guys dont have it for ps3 or xbox yet, so yeah STFU, if you did have it, you wouldent be wasting time yelling at them, they are simply expressing thier opinion, and theres nothing you can do, The only reason im here is to find reviews to see if ill buy this game, but I cant because you are not reviewing it, you dumbasses dont know what review means, this is not a chat box, if your not reviewing the fucking game, dont POST! So that means if you dont have the game, GO AWAY! cause obviously if you dont have the game you may not review it. COMMENTS CLOSED! review now. jesus christ, cant you guys read?
I have just got done playing modern warfare 2. and after about 3 hours of playing time i am very unhappy with the game. it definitly did not even come close to my exspectations!!!!!
all everyone does is camp it is set up perfect for everyone who wants to sit in one spot and like the worthless campers they are i think this terrible game should be renamed to CALL OF DUTY 2 MODERN CAMPER
I'm one of the FEW people that have the PC version, only because I don't want to buy a "console" just for games. I have a PC and to surf the 'net, e-mail, program and...of course to play games. I just recently bought COD4-MW1, and was hooked and yes stood in line to get MW2 for the PC at the midnight opening at a GameStop in Santa Monica, CA. Not knocking the xbox360 (can't play Halo3 and forward because it's not made for the PC), but perhaps later on I'll switch over.
The pluses of the PC are shooting like a sniper with the mouse is more accurate.
The minuses are moving around forward, side-to-side with keyboard can be frustrating. Can't wait to play this newest release.
LOL @ people saying even if you think the game is shitty buy it anyway and try it. Yes im going to reward infinity ward for completely ignoring pc users by purchasing their game and showing them I support them... Orrrrrr I can just wait 3 months for dice to finish BF Bad Company 2 and have my cake and eat it too =)
Infinity Ward SHOULD care about what we think, as we're potential customers.
I personally don't care a whole lot about the dedicated server thing, but it's gay that you can't even get the option of hosting your own, like in Team Fortress 2.
This would lead to people buying and hosting their own dedicated servers that would lag much less than a peer to peer game would, and it would get rid of the unfair 0 ping host advantage.
People with PCs, who like PCs, who buy games for the PC, and are good at them on the PC, who don't own consoles, aren't going to switch over to a 360 or PS3, so that's out of the question for most of us PC users.
Secondly, how hard would it have been to allow people to host their own servers, rather than using shitty peer to peer?
They would've made millions more, way more people would've bought it, and the people who already were going to buy it, regardless of connection type, would've had a better experience, but instead they chose to stick it to the PC gamers, the VERY SAME gamers who strengthen the company from the start, as Infinity Ward started out as a PC company. Without PC gamers, there would be no Modern Warfare 2, as there would be no money to make it.
They owe us, and they need to release a patch or a way to host dedicated servers.
Also, getting a faster connection won't make the other person with a connection that would be decent on a non-peer to peer connection, lag less, which means there's still going to be lag if you have a 1tb/s connection =)
Seriously, the decisions these adults at game companies are making are ridiculously stupid, and the profit from adding server support would be exponentially earned back through satisfied customers, as people, who have the PC version aren't going to recommend it to their friends, who will tell their friends not to get it.
Maybe if they took a few dollars out of their advertising campaign to code remote dedicated server compatibility instead, we'd be fine.
I love my 360. It may be true that gaming originated with computers (bullshit) but it is very clear that the main attention is now on consoles. If you have a problem with the pc version get over it. If you like the game and still want it get a 360 or ps3.
P.S this is the first time i have ever agreed with a Ps3 owner.
DUST 514
They're making money so why should IW give a crap about what you think? Its an immense game. Probably the best ive ever played. Sure, its fruatrating at times (people seem to forget that the left thumbstick moves your character, bloody campers...) but that doesnt mean its a bad game. In my opinion, i think pc gamers are giving it bad reviews just because they cant get what they want. So what if it doesnt have dedicated servers? If youre gonna complaim about the lag then either dont play it or get a better connection. Simple. Infinity ward are doing their best to keep you entertained but you keep throwing it back in their faces just because you cant make your own make or mod things. Personally, modding ruins the fun. I played a mod on COD4 where I could change weapon whenever I wanted to and I just got incredibly bored. It just defeats the object of the game. And leaning? Why does it matter? Its a game for a reason. It doesnt have be exactly like real life. If you want a realistic way to lean around cover to shoot then go join the army.
[Points to my name]
WHO CARES?
The release of this game is timed so closely with Remembrance Day in Canada that articles like this were inevitable:
http://thealbatross.ca/2009/11/as-r...s-with-dignity/
whats the point of dismissing a game before you've even played it for all you 'if it has dogs im not buying it' people just buy it try it if you dont like it sell it simple and then you may say well why waste money but who cares as long as you've put your mind to rest and yes to all you PC players who have said your not getting it becuase IW screwed you over stop whining and get a console (PS3 its better) the only difference is slighty worse graphics and a joypad not mouse and keyboard but really if your playing against others with a joypad why does it matter? (it doesnt)just buy it and get it over with!!!
Im Getting It Thursday For Ps3 So Add Me.
Kidd2332
I dont see why there hating on console games because i bought it for both the computer and xbox 360 and it sucked for pc so just shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ha Ha Steam FTW!!!
"Last night, when I was queuing at midnight, I didn't spot a single person with a PC version of the game."
It's called Steam. We don't have to sit outside a store like retards waiting for the game to release on midnight.
We just purchase the game through Steam, pre-download it, then on release, it unlocks and we're playing.
"n8's comment about an average mouse gamer owning someone who plays on a pad made me laugh so much I nearly wee'd myself. I've played some hardcore gamers on 360 and I refuse to believe that someone who is not particularly good at COD would own a master simply by using a mouse; like it's going to turn them into SuperGamer or something. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha........oops."
How good is a console gamer, if every single FPS for the console has aim assist? A mouse simply has higher precision than a pad. It has higher speed than a pad.
Crouching or jumping on a pad. You tend to give up something to be able to do it. Like taking your thumb off an analog stick for a second (so no movement/looking during then) or maybe taking your finger off the trigger.
Then there's the keyboard. I can cycle through multiple weapons faster. I can macro certain mundane tasks like, set Y to open my inventory, use a health pack, then close inventory (just an example for a diff game).
If both players knows the maps 100%. Knows the spawn points 100%. Knows the weapon spawn points 100%. I'd put my money on the average PC gamer, than your super console gamer with aim assist off.
Why do you think they dumb down console games? Aim assist, larger hit boxes, and slower reacting enemies. They have to do something, cause of the limitations of a gamepad.
I'm going to get this game add me on X Box live
-NightlyNomNom
I play a Wii!
Last I checked, console gamers also cheated by using the bugs in the game for their own benefits. Which of course, you have no way to kick someone out of the game for doing that.
How about cheating just to get gamer points, which do absolutely nothing for you.
There's cheating on both sides, PC gamers just want dedicated servers to be able to have mods and admin their own servers. The best servers I've been on for multiplayer have been dedicated servers. The ones where the crew running it is very dedicated to that specific game and will always have a admin on to clean up the place.
Anyways, I'm getting annoyed with MW2 right now. They make it so that all your enemies are pretty much bunkered into place around a corner and of course, all you can do is walk out and get shot. I'm really missing the lean feature.
There isn't infinite respawn of enemies. Instead, there's just an assload of them and very little cover.
They said the AI was suppose to be smarter, but I haven't seen it. All they do is run out, shoot at you, and randomly duck.
Also every gun seems to be able to shoot through brick walls, but not all guns can shoot through wooden doors.
The story moves way fast, so you might as well ignore it.
MW2 is just another present day shooter. I'm thinking it'll win Game of the Year or something. Not cause it's a good game. Just that everything else is really bad.
Consoles have good games, but ever since FPS games went to them. The quality has gone downhill.
i'm going to get this on pc, i don't care if it's 9vs9. thats how much i normally play with, and i dont play with a party. people are giving it 0 out of ten just because of that, adn that is overreacting on a major scale
Best developers, possible but only because of the PC to start with, Consoles jumped onboard later. 9V9 in multiplayer is extremely limiting and no dedicated servers will cause lag city. Its about time consoles used a mouse and keypad, you would actually get proper control then. Gmaepads are fine for some games but not FPS, Racing or flying.
I have to say, it's quite amusing to read the comments as it's turned into a PC vs Console slanging match. I though Darren's comment about PC gamers making COD so big online was brilliant. I could have sworn it was watching this game on the 360 that convinced me to buy the console. Last night, when I was queuing at midnight, I didn't spot a single person with a PC version of the game. n8's comment about an average mouse gamer owning someone who plays on a pad made me laugh so much I nearly wee'd myself. I've played some hardcore gamers on 360 and I refuse to believe that someone who is not particularly good at COD would own a master simply by using a mouse; like it's going to turn them into SuperGamer or something. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha........oops.
Been trying to play the game online with friends all afternoon, it won't connect you to friends, times out and there are huge problems with lag due to connecting you to the furthest player away with the worst possible connection. Result is a poor online game, I imagine the majority of people have bought it for this genre and Infinity Ward have failed to deliver, hasn't hurt their bank balance any though!
quit crying you pc gamers just because you can't have mods and cheating bull crap. go buy a console and stop assaulting one of the best game creaters why don't you go back to world war 2 with treyarch?
I like cheese.
How in God's name did this get past the Telegraph subs?
Shameful. Shoddy. Shambles.
Well, playing the PC version now. 1st annoyance. Can't change the game options, until I go into a campaign and sit through the loading. Then I can press Esc to change my graphic options. At which point, I go back into the loading and sit through the random talking again.
I maxed the options out and the game looks like it was released in 2005.
Multiplayer, don't even bother. They should have sold this game in 2 parts for the PC. $20 for singleplayer and $20 for multiplayer. $60? Ripoff.
This game is a sit and wait til the price drops kind of game. It definitely isn't worth it's current price. It being on Steam didn't bring dedicated servers. There still is none.
For a console gamer, sure. It's worth every penny. Mainly cause it's pretty much about the best they'll get for a console.
If all you have is a console. I'd recommend it. If all you have is a PC, go buy Operation Flashpoint:Dragon Rising and play that while you wait for the price to drop into the $30 range.
IW use to be a good company who use to make good games.
They are not better than EA at listening to the gamers.
(for those people who don't know IW back ground, they made MOHAA before they were bought out by EA, a few of the developers left and formed IW)
I paid $100 AUD for this thinking its a TACTICAL shooter ... got into game and noticed "hmmm wheres the lean key ?!!"
I have read the game is not balanced for lean, come on jeez previous CoD games all had lean! In reality you DONT strafe out of cover, you lean or peak out first!
No lean suits console gaming NOT PC gaming.
I am going back to playing Modern Warfare the original.
"hahaha vey funny. Go and buy a console you nerds... PCs are not for playing games on - about time IW and other publishers took a stand and concentrated on the PS and Xbox. Stick to World of Warcraft or something!"
Listen, if you can't afford a decent gaming PC then that's fair enough but to dismiss the hardware of a PC and comparing it to a console (X1900 Xbox 360 / 7800GTX PS3) is just plain ridiculous.
WoW is a game I'll never play but CoD4 looks and runs MUCH better than ANY console. Same as Grid and the majority of others. The only time the console version of the game will run better is on a terrible port. Consoles are nice and that but they are no match for a mid range PC, never mind a high end lol.
With a 4870 at about �100 which is about 130% faster than the GPU inside both PS3 and Xbox360. I see your comment is nothing but purchase justification RL. Mouse vs gamepad for first person shooters. Of course it was designed for PC and consoles adapted although not very good. (cough sniper kit for 360 cough). There is NO comparison RL, none at all so go play on your great console (lol). Bought a 360 and sold it as my PC destroyed it. I like consoles but they have outdated hardware ;).
I don't see what's with all the console fanboy remarks. PC users don't like the fact that their version of the game is going to be gimped. I can understand that.
Me, I'm a gamer. I have two gaming PCs, 2 PS3s, 2 360s, 2 PS2s, and 1 PSP.
I play on what I like. To be told, if you don't like the PC version, then get a console version. That doesn't even make sense.
Being limited to just a controller. Being limited to just one form of communications. Still no dedicated servers. Worse graphics. Same small PVP amounts.
I picked up the game for PC, after I saw the Steam user agreement. I'm hoping Valve would provide dedicated servers for the game. I'm still installing my two DVDs for the game. Apparently the PC version still has more goodness that it couldn't fit on a single dvd. Well, at least I hope it's more goodness and not two dvds of pure crap.
If it turns out to be a big piece of crap, I'll just go back to Borderlands on my 360.
what the heck do you mean "ludicrous expectations" ???? i think gamers had the expectations of a pc game not a console port. does that sound ludicrous to you??
hahaha vey funny. Go and buy a console you nerds... PCs are not for playing games on - about time IW and other publishers took a stand and concentrated on the PS and Xbox. Stick to World of Warcraft or something!
PC Users were right to be concerned about this game, you suddenly see how much of a console port it is (those who say it is not, need only speak to the devs and insiders)
How console gamers manager with such arcade driven rubbish.
Once you take away the single player heavily scripted and directed game.
You enter the multiplayer which is what most people buy games for these days as it gives you value for money.
You see , so many things that are lacking.
The game is far to easy.
The features missing that one expects of the cod series and is standard in other multiplayer games are all gone.
Cheating using bots is worse than ever, heck VAC is useless more so than Punkbuster.
Unless some heave duty patch comes out , this game will flop for the PC market.
I'm sure the consolers were make do with it as they do not not miss out on any features due to the dumbing down that is done compared to a pc version.
I'd say buy it for a console sure, but pc users should keep there money its not worth 5 quid let alone 50
--
I saw someone moan about cod4 not good with 32 players plus , well thats because of console based size maps, the custom maps that the community made on the whole were awesome.
64 player servers were excellent.
This game is a joke, PC users won't be buying any more cod games after this especially if they have bought MW:2 ,
You only needed to see the pre-order cancellations that were going on for the pc version. Amazon and Steam don't like to mention that do they!
The figures can be obtained freely.
I was actually a little dissapointed with the online game. I haven't played the campaign yet but. It's very Arcadey.
I think you'll find that the 360 does all these things.
"lets not forget to mention that the pc version will be on steam. u console gamers have no idea what this is but steam auto updates the game and tracks achievments."
Keith Vaz should stick to his cushions and feathering his own nests at tax payer's expense than interfering with the pleasure and entertainment of millions of gamers.
Avoid the PC version like the plague. It's bogged down by the forced installation of Steam'ing pile of crap.
I will buy mw2 for pc, i will play mw2 multiplayer for pc, and i will probably have a blast. But Im sure as hell gonna miss my favorited servers list.
I can not understand what all the bitching is about especially when you have not tried the game, and what's all this "if it has dogs in it I'm not buying it" crap? So you're in the park, a dog attacks your 5 year old daughter, what do you do? Cry like a bitch and say "Bad doggie" or kick the thing hard in the nuts then strangle it with your bare hands? Wake up you pussies or get back to your Nitendo DS.
P.S. I have bought the game, played it, it's ace and I play it on my PS3. The PC is for business not games.
that was awesome single player! to be fair i didnt have a clue what was going on most of the time, too busy killing the hoards of enemies to pay attention to the radio chatter, just follow your objective markers and kill everyone along the way. 6-8 hours is very generous, I finished it in 4h 30m, on regular, but to be fair I did die quite a lot, I found it really challenging
Whilst before the release of this game I ranted and raved about there being no dedicated servers, now, I haven't played multiplayer yet but the single player is one hell of a game! Amazing graphics, great gameplay always keeping you "Frosty". I have spoke to one person about multiplayer games and his reply was "Its alright, not as good as MW1 though. cant chose your map, and the host has a huge advantage.. Hit boxes are huge for head to. and the arcade style text pinging up constantly if f*cking irritating. gota hope if you kill someone that you dont get any milestones in weapon/perks or your blind for like 2 seconds!" So multiplayer isn't sounding too great as of yet, will try out myself tomorrow =0)
Ha Ha Ha! An XBox is a PC!
Actually Kakes, it says right on the front of the box "Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2"
i jus got it got home unwrapped and dribbled wow how awsome i got the night vision goggles yep ok for pure perving reasons see some of you in the woods lol lets shoot some peeps high 5 to all the cod fans pow pow pow
Let's pray for silenced snpiers about to go camp I hop no vehicles that will f**k the game up please don't make it like gta jk
call of duty is in the title acctually...
Omfg I caint wait the game is going to be good trust me even better if they had no fucking vehicles... That's my only probaly about to go camp out pray for silenced snipers
Just to say this to the PC people who petitioned to "fix" the matchmaking and removal of dedicated servers. PETITIONS NEVER WORK! Look at L4D2 (Left 4 Dead 2) MW2 and many others! Nothing happens! Developers do what they think is best for THEIR game and they usually are right.
PC gamer is well and alive. It is Infinity Ward that has died.
And to any console collaborators: you'll cry when you have to pay more and more for DLC that should haven been in the game.
lets not forget to mention that the pc version will be on steam. u console gamers have no idea what this is but steam auto updates the game and tracks achievments. that and u can acess your games and progress/achievments on any computer with an internet connection. also no hackers in pc because of VAC (valve anti-cheating). The host player on dedicated servers were always dicks anyways who used console commands to win. games like COD aren't ment for noclip and god mode. thats what CSS and TF2 are for. and btw u ps3 players go throw yourself in front of a semi truck. besides uncharted(2) what ps3 exclusive is as good as xbox 360 exclusives (halo)
And i hope infinity ward was smart and when they do matchmaking the take into account internet connection. I have comcast at 15MBPS so i should play on a server with a similar data rate and against players with similar data rates. and BTW infinity ward will not loose 12 million dollars. Yes thousand cancelled their pre-orders but they will still buy the game later or when its on sale. come on the game is too good to give up just because they don't let 30 year olds who live in their parents basements build maps and mods. and for all those parents who are concered about their kids heres some help: If you raised your kids well and they have moral values and know the difference between a game and real life, and are old enough to understand the concept of war and terrorism then for gosh sake let them play it
PC gamers are just a much gamers as Xbox 360 and PS3 owners. Lets all remember that the 360 and PS3 are both computers just in a fancy case and with an analog stick controller. MW2 was not ported from console to PC, it was built of the IW4 engine from the ground up for all systems. I never did any mods or downloaded maps so i could care less about that, however the player cap at 9v9 did kinda dissapoint me until i remembered that 32 player games were way to hectic unless they were played in battlefield 2. MW2 maps are to small to support more players. The new IWnetwork might allow for cross-platform play (in which case pc gamers would own cause the mouse and keyboard are better). And fyi a PC can have better graphics if it has adequet hardware. and can u watch porn on the xbox or ps3? score for the pc. IM not a fan boy though. I have a 360 and love it. I hate microsoft for wanting me to pay 90 bucks for a wireless adapter and 60 a year for live.
"It should pointed out at this stage that, when considered from a reasonable, real-world perspective, the story of Modern Warfare 2 is utterly ridiculous and its plot has more holes in it than a hunk of swiss cheese. But then, the game's story exists merely as an excuse to hang action set pieces on"
You're the one making excuses. Grow some balls and stand by your criticism. You give the game 10/10, which suggests that it is perfect and can't be improved upon.
Give it 9/10 and suggest that the next game could be improved by having all of the winning features of this current iteration, as well as a believable and compelling narrative.
Does it have those rubbish dogs?
The Xbox is a lousey way to play COD if you are left-handed - almost impossible to run and jump if you are a leftie. The lefty control options just do not work and the last two CODs were very poor for left-handed people.
Did I mention the dogs. If it has dogs in it I will not buy it.
this game sucks!
jk guys. dont take it seriously. the games beast. gamestop's been selling it early for who know's how long. anyways, hope treyarch does vietnam or korean war for a videogame
The game is simply called Modern Warfare 2. There is no Call of Duty reference in the name - Infinity Ward are slowly rebranding the series.
Keith Vaz can try and get it banned; it is a Certificate 18 so he should also start on Kill Bill 1&2, SAW 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. DVDs. That should keep him out of trouble.
Single player this game may well be great, but without proper multiplayer support that success will be short lived.
9V9, removal of dedicated servers and downloadable map mods and map's being very unlikely has alienated the PC community that made IW what it is today, it's a very bad move.
Every PC game put on console has been ruined in an attempt to make it playable on one, in this case IW have made a console game that can also be played on PC but called it a PC game, screwing over the the people that made them and ignoring 180,000 consumers that signed the petition, ignoring consumers is a very bad idea for anyone.
To all those telling the "PC whingers" to play it on a console, no thanks! keyboard & mouse is far superior to a nasty game pad and if this was HALO you'd all be screaming for blood.
PC games....LMFAO
PC games....LMFAO
While I'm sure the single player game will be as good if not better then COD4 I won't be buying it due to the utter lack of a viable multiplayer game. Steam and EA have said they are going to support dedicated servers as its still the best way to run multiplayer games. By ignoring the PC players IW have shot themselves in the foot and lost a lot of money as thousands will have cancelled their order, me included.
I can honestly say I hope they change their minds and release a patch for multiplayer with support for mods, console commands, etc or I hope they fail as a business as it was the PC gamers that made COD4 so big online and they just turn round and slap us in the face.
PC gaming is dead as Dillinger. And that's just a fact.
I deserted PC a couple of years ago, as the online support for XBL far surpasses any command (!) line driven tweaking of a PC multiplayer.
If it weren't for videogames, violence would not exist.
Matt i cant tell if youre serious here because if you are your the dumbest most ignorant person ive ever met.
Matt thats not true theres a reson for the 18+ rateings and if they were so bad parents shouldnt let their kids play the game its that simple
I am a PC gamer, I also own a X360. I will be getting this for my PC regardless of no dedicated servers. I see it like food, if you have yet to try it you may like it, try the new system to see if it works before you bash it, if it fails on PC the IW will surely put in dedicated servers, its a bold move for IW but if they pull it off it could very well change they way PC games are played. As for console fanboys, please try to respect PC gamers as we are serious gamers as well, some of us even own consoles, we just choose to play on PC for the modding and map making as well as other free stuff (and there is a MUCH LARGER variety of games). TO ALL PC GAMERS, TRY IT BEFORE YOU KNOCK IT, IW WOULD NOT DO THIS AND INVEST IN IWNET FOR NOTHING.
PC gaming isnt dead, but it is looking mortally wounded.
I like looking at moist quim as well as gaming.
kiss that pink
can't wait for it......prepare for battle
While I'm sure the single player game will be as good if not better then COD4 I won't be buying it due to the utter lack of a viable multiplayer game. Steam and EA have said they are going to support dedicated servers as its still the best way to run multiplayer games. By ignoring the PC players IW have shot themselves in the foot and lost a lot of money as thousands will have cancelled their order, me included.
I can honestly say I hope they change their minds and release a patch for multiplayer with support for mods, console commands, etc or I hope they fail as a business as it was the PC gamers that made COD4 so big online and they just turn round and slap us in the face.
PC created the video game genre. PC's have always surpassed consoles in their flexibility (Mouse, Keyboard, Joystick, HUD, Steering Wheel, 3D, physx cards...) Graphics (A 280 nviida card smokes the PS3 Cell.) And general useablity. And I won't even go into the upside of a mouse over a control pad, an average mouse gamer will own a control pad gamer 9/10 of times. I challenge anyone who disagrees. So why the console has become king of the hill? Because kids can't afford to hang with a $999 gaming computer rig and it is much easier for developers to keep copy proctection on a console. Otherwise PC wins everytime, hands down.
can't wait for it......prepare for battle
Wow. The PC game player community is really not happy with IW. Someone even said "it's all about money!" OF COURSE IT IS. IW knows exactly what to do to make a fortune. They're smart. This isn't an open source lets hug each other project. Catering to the PC community (which is dramatically smaller than the console community) is double the effort with very little pay off. A "boycott" of 200,000 PC gamers? SO WHAT! They will move millions of copies to console users and they know that they'll still sell an enormous amount on the PC anyway. I'm not a huge video game player, but I've been playing COD4 on my 360 regularly since it came out. This is the best shooter game ever, period. GET A CONSOLE!!!
Wow I�ve been playing cod mp right from the early days and I can�t believe the decision to make the new and improved super sophisticated next-level mp of a brand new 2009/10 cod game a 9vs9 early 90's throwback!
I didn�t realise that the console versions were so far behind in terms of mp ability that it is not possible for more players than those involved in a Sunday league footy match at the park (11vs11!!!) to play against each other! 9vs9 the future? � don�t make me laugh! Why bring the pc version back 2 decades? Even 1987 MIDI Maze supported 8-a-side and that was the first mp 1st prsn shooter invented!
9vs9 � a more enjoyable and realistic experience � I�m in a warzone, I�m in Afghanistan where troops are organised into 30-man combat platoons, �REALISM� = absolute minimum of 30 a side capability for those who want it! Got no problem with a 9vs9, hell a 1vs1 is all good if it turns u on! But as an OPTION not as the ONLY choice! - it sure don�t do it for me and my mates anyways!!
If I were chief: airstrikes and dogs would be dropped or at least limited CHRIST!, bigger maps + vehicles would be a must, age 3+ deathmatches would be banned, a proper system of rank would be implemented with single shot kills to the leg � lol becoming a thing of the past.. hold on... it just occurred to me... heard of Battlefield anyone? I may just be off 4good this time! - someone plz remind me why I�m gonna stick with Activision and its �next gen� mp console raped game???
I use PC and PS3, while PC has amazing features (modding, dedis, host etc) the PS3 has simplicity such as click play and your away :D. It actually doesn't matter what u get this on, they are the same on ps3 pc and 360 altho the only difference is the grpahics on PC, so just get it on what u like altho there may be hope of PC gettin dedis someday. All in all 10/10. BRING ON MW3!
Its probably great when the PC version is delivered tomorrow, however, without dedicated server support as was the case for COD4, then, IW and activision, have DESTROYED the PC version for this game. A petition of over 180,000 signatures has been formulated in just 1 month, with the support of gamers from other platforms as well, not just the PC, there is uproar in the PC community that they have designed this game with ONLY the console player in mind. Its a disgrace, and they have lost over $12 million in sales for the PC version, from people cancelling their pre-orders.
Its a shame, that companies like this that have a very successful franchise, dont put more effort and ideas into their games and only pamper to the console player where there is more bucks to be made. I know its simply down to the case that its money at the end of the day and in business, you have to make a profit to survive, however.....it was indeed the PC community that got the ball rolling for IW with the first release of Call of Duty. For all PC gamers out there today, they feel very angry and let down by the company that helped them build their sales base in the first place, to then leave out numerous functions that the PC community is missing from their latest release, the biggest of which is dedicated servers. Their explanation from Rob, was of course, to make the players enjoyment of the game better, by introducing a P2P approach for multiplayer support. To be honest, when a guy that is running the development of the game, suggests this reason, its clearly time for the CEO of the company to review his employment. Rob, simply doesnt know what he is talking about.
I could leave you all with a list of links to websites that contain his remarks and his interviews to see for yourself, but.....you're all grown up, am sure you could do that for yourself.
R.I.P Modern Warfare 2
Seriously, who cares about PC gaming. Besides MMORPG's and RTS games, PC gaming is almost dead. It had its time and is now past its prime. It's not personal PC gamers, it's just business.
Carol, get it for him.
He'd be more scarred watching the news, it's less realistic than Gordon Brown winning the next election.
As for people complaining about the PC whingers. They made COD the phenomenon it is. They created the publicity. This game will sell like hotcakes, the next one will die a cold, lonely death.
Remember who told you. Big Dog.
Played it already, and yes it does kick ass!!
PC Gamers, there is one easy solution... Go console, and quit complaining. buy a ps3, theres a bundle of games that are amazing on ps3, its free to play online, AND you can still look at your porn. i mean, where can you go wrong with such diversity
im seriously about to demolish millions of people on this game...prepare.
Gamertag - QuickReload
I think that the age rating system has gone caput because pegi seem to rate soom games as 18+ were as Overs as the like as BBFC rate it as 15+ help!!
Not Long Tooo Go :)
i am actually excited .
If it weren't for videogames, violence would not exist.
I'm not going to come on here and bash all these PC gamers for complaining about the changes to the game but, and I'm sorry to say this cause it probably hurts, this is about money. Obviously the majority of cash flow from the last installment of this game came from console users. You can't blame Infinity Ward for designing this game with the consoles in mind. It's where they make bank. Honestly, I'm sure it's even a little more complicated than that, but I would say that money is a HUGE factor in this decision. When you talk fan base, the console community probably makes up about 75%, so you're telling me that you expect them to spend the extra time/effort/money to cater to a demographic that constitutes about 25% (if that) of their revenue? Please. Not to mention that Activision probably sees little to no point in dividing their resources between the two beyond what is minimally required (again, all about the benjamins). They are probably mandating that IW gets to work on the next installment instead of wasting their time customizing this game for a marginal user group.
Carol: Absolutely not. There's a reason why that 16+ rating is in place (and 18+ for the Mature here in Canada).
I am an avid gamer, but I am also an avid believer in separating the age demographics for certain games. So in short, no. Wait until he is sixteen, and then get him both COD4 and Modern Warfare 2, because the former was an incredible experience and the latter will undoubtedly follow that trend.
Yes this game is hyped like crazy, but it is because of one of the best marketing and launch campaigns ever made for a video game. The console world has never seen anything like this
http://whowhatwherewheny.wordpress.com/2009/11/06/modern-warfare-2-launch-is-here/
Got the game for the 360 on Saturday and it is incredible. The single player is excellent and so fast paced its hard to stop playing or not feel enticed into doing one more mission.
Ive yet to play any of the Special Ops but the multiplayer again is fantastic yet slightly mind boggling at how many extra things there are to unlock at first and the levels are brilliantly detailed it just looks superb on a nice tv and I dont even play it in HD which will really be something to behold!
As for PC users IW does seem to have irked them somewhat which does suck but the reason I gave up playing PC games was the expesne of the hardware to continuosly upgrade. I'll never regret the day I bought a 360!
Suck it up PC Gamers and buy a PS3!
lol cry pc babies cry.
Anyone know if I should let me 15 year old son have it? COD4 was 16+ so I don't know why it should be rated 18. All his mates are 'getting'it and he is desperate.
I'm a console gamer. Stupid, maybe. But I find that the more players you have, the harder it is to form cohesive strategies (unless you happen to know 15 people who don't like to sing into their microphones). I play only the 3v3 mode in CoD4 for that reason. Why in the world would you want 16v16!?
I for one will be cracking the PC version to play the single player mode...Screw the online crap if the developers are going to be like this.
"Positives:
* Custom PC features like mouse and keyboard, and graphic setting."
That's not a positive, that's a standard feature of all PC games; the ability to use a Mouse, Keyboard & alter resolution / details settings. You might as well be praising the console versions for "Custom console features like controller support".
PC users, get over yourself and get an Xbox 360 or PS3 and enjoy it, like all of us other console owners out there!
Its gonna be awesome!!!
P.S Bob Stevens I agree with you, great piece of writing!!!
PC users, get over yourself and get an Xbox 360 or PS3 and enjoy it, like all of us other console owners out there!
Its gonna be awesome!!!
Every single PC gamer crying blasphemy is full of themself. The review of a game is not based on what it isn't, but what it is. I'm a PC gamer and a 360 gamer, and I play this on the 360 more to be with friends. Who cares if you can't mod, host, do whatever you want? It's not your decision, it was Infinity Wards. If you don't like it, don't play it. Simple as that. Rating and flaming a game you have not played is immaturity on the level of console fanboys screaming which version of the game is better.
Cry a river, grow up, and play something else.
How can you in one sentence state that MW1 is still successful because of it's multiplayer and then completely ignore that MW2 has completely crippled multiplayer with a max 9v9 maps. What's worse is that it will be hosted by a player Rather than having any low ping dedicated servers so expect ridiculous lag. So what you're left with is 6 hours of single play and you get to pay 50 quid for it. Poor review joining in the hype and brushing over the facts.
You failed to mention that the PC version of MW2 has been severly maimed by limiting the amoutn of players, Dedicated servers , mods, the lean feature, mw2 PC has hit rock bottom sadly that's the console standard
Positives:
* Custom PC features like mouse and keyboard, and graphic setting.
Negatives:
* No dedicated servers.
* No mod support.
* Max multiplayer 9v9.
* No lean.
* $60 price tag for a PC game.
* Runs on IW.net P2P network.
* No developer console (For commands, etc).
* No match recording.
* Complete and utter disrespect to the PC gamer community.
Summary:
"The game is not balanced for lean." - Infinity Ward
Rating 0/10
"Infinity Ward have kept the nuts and bolts of their multiplayer intact". Nick, you failed to do your research. IW did not keep the "nuts and bolts" on the PC version. This change has caused a huge uproar in the PC community. Unfortunately, the complaints have fallen of deaf ears at IW.
Spec-ops isn't unlocked by completing the Campain, it's unlocked from the beginning, when you first start the game.
PLEASE make a distainction betwen the review for the Xbox 360 version and the PC.
PC has no dedicated server support and therefore the online will be atrocious.
No mention of third person mode?
the removal of the dedicated servers for PC users is a big problem for me. I don't want to be treated like a ocnsole gamer and it seems that the PC version is just a direct port with no thought given to PC users at all. Disappointing.
Lock and load? More like howl and unload. Infinity Ward may well have (or so I hope) underestimated the ire and disgust of the thousands of COD4 players. Count me among the many who have no intention of buying this game.
ssshhhhhh, i was nice to the computer guy in the store, I am just about to unwrap mine!
Spec-Ops is not unlocked by beating the campaign. It is always available.
I can not wait!!!
This game for the PC user is going to flop due to IW's suicidal decision not to support the use of remote hosts to run the game and use P2P on the user that starts the game. I have recently played Op Flashpoint 2 which uses this online gaming format and it is rubbish. It lags (I have a stable 6 meg connection), the host user has the home advantage.
As soon as I heard that they were not going to support host servers (Which is a two fingers to the online community) I went to Amazon to cancel my order. I then noticed that there were nearly 108 pages of disgruntled players who had also cancelled there orders due to this. The next day Amazon had removed all comments and have now STOPPED people from making any comment.
On the bright side EA who are making 1943 and Bad Company 2 have seen where IW have gone wrong and have said that they will continue to support online hosts.
From a single gamer I'm sure the game will be good however I do prefer the online side as it is more challenging. Shame really that IW have cut there nose off because they did some lazy programming and couldn't be bothered with the PC community.
You appear to have forgotten then small matter of dedicated servers for the PC version.
I think a more accurate review would be:
Positives:
* Custom features like mouse and keyboard.
Negatives:
* No dedicated servers.
* No mod support.
* Max multiplayer 9v9.
* No lean.
* $60 price tag for a PC game.
* Runs on IW.net P2P network.
* No developer console (For commands, etc).
* No match recording.
* Complete and utter disrespect to the PC gamer community.
Summary:
"The game is not balanced for lean." - Infinity Ward
I notice how you have managed to 'skip' one of the major issues with the game and obviously have done your TEST on a console. There is a major issue with the PC side as it no longer supports Dedicated servers and that is one of the features that has kept COD4 running for so long. Before you give it a score of 100, whu not test the PC side of things and give it an HONEST review.
GT
Stop your bullshit. This game is crap!
Singleplayer is ok... average... Multiplayer is a lagfest. GTFO
Great reviews. Particularly appreciated this paragraph:
"The story of Modern Warfare 2 is utterly ridiculous and its plot has more holes in it than a hunk of swiss cheese. But then, the game's story exists merely as an excuse to hang action set pieces on, and in this regard it's an unqualified success, mainly because Infinity Ward's level design is peerless."
Well said. I believe you.
The single player aspect I suspect is fine from you're review but as a long standing CoD fan I am disappointed by the fact that dedicated server support is removed, as is modding support which has helped keep older titles still a viable buy, and the lean function removed which will decrease tactical on the spot capabilitys, the game will lag for five seconds if the games host leaves play while the system finds a new host from players on that map which never happened on the dedicated server system and probably most important players ingame limited to 9v9 now as a max on some maps and less on all others. I just played on a CoD2 server this morning with 50 players ingame it was frantic and great fun with a 20 minit game time MW2 I understand has 10 minit matches. The game is a direct console port useing a console like multyplayer system IWnet instead of dedicated servers. If all games start to go this route will it make a big impact on companys renting out server space on dedicated servers for millions of players currently enjoying that online mode. A lot of negativity on IW's forums about this new game of theirs with an almost 200,000 strong boycott petition for the PC version as the changes made do not really affect the console side of things. The console players are not complaining too much about it, but then its not the console version thats been dumbed down to suit some demographic is it.
The single player aspect I suspect is fine from you're review but as a long standing CoD fan I am disappointed by the fact that dedicated server support is removed, as is modding support which has helped keep older titles still a viable buy, and the lean function removed which will decrease tactical on the spot capabilitys, the game will lag for five seconds if the games host leaves play while the system finds a new host from players on that map which never happened on the dedicated server system and probably most important players ingame limited to 9v9 now as a max on some maps and less on all others. I just played on a CoD2 server this morning with 50 players ingame it was frantic and great fun with a 20 minit game time MW2 I understand has 10 minit matches. The game is a direct console port useing a console like multyplayer system IWnet instead of dedicated servers. If all games start to go this route will it make a big impact on companys renting out server space on dedicated servers for millions of players currently enjoying that online mode. A lot of negativity on IW's forums about this new game of theirs with an almost 200,000 strong boycott petition for the PC version as the changes made do not really affect the console side of things. The console players are not complaining too much about it, but then its not the console version thats been dumbed down to suit some demographic is it.
Brilliant!!!
cool
Hmmm Did you actually play any multiplayer on-line. COD 4 and 5 are still going strong because of their great on-line play with up to 32 people. Peer to peer is going to severly limit the amount of players and forget about choosing who you want to play with