Graphically, I’ve always been pretty critical of the IW engine. 60fps is all well and good, but I never felt that it added too much to the gameplay, whilst at the same time providing some pretty muddy textures that looked frankly dreadful up close, and a general lack of detail that wasn’t ideal. IW has come and blown away pretty much all of my expectations with MW2. Clearly they’ve been listening to me! There’s now a layer of bump-mapping over most surfaces that basically improves details on textures when you are close to them, eliminating my major gripe.

 

In addition, the levels are often much larger, and there’s some great additional effects too. One level has some unbelievably good rain effects, whilst another has some great volumetric snow that blows in and out. Many of the levels are also much more open and larger than in the previous games, whilst there’s also far more variety to proceedings too, with everything from snow, to jails, to deserts and cities. You’ll never get bored with the visual style of the game. Animation, whilst improved, also seems subtly improved over previous titles too.

 

 

Sound is also good, although this has always been a strong point of the series. However, I can find no faults with what is on offer here. The cast of characters are individual, perform their lines well, and have a great script to work with. Everyone seems larger than life, and for the first time in a COD game, I found myself caring for the ensemble of characters you play as, and play with. The music is also much improved, with a very cinematic score. The US based levels are particularly good, with a haunting orchestral background that reminds you of what a crazy situation you’re in at the time. Weapon effects and explosions have always been good, and there are no disappointments here either. Turn up your surround system and enjoy!

 

 

If you’ve ever played a COD game online before, then you know pretty much what to expect. If you’ve been living under a rock, then expect the same 60fps gameplay, 18 players online, and, unfortunately, a lot of screaming kids. If you have played before, you should still expect some subtle differences.

 

The perks have been changed, and there are many more options for your kill-streaks- and you need to choose which ones you take on a risk-reward basis. Think you’re good enough to get a 25-kill streak? Then take the tactical nuke and watch as you instantly win the game. Think you’re only good enough for 5-6? Then take a more traditional helicopter or UAV approach.

 

 

There’s also far more perks than in MW or WaW, and this time, there’s basically a counter for every other perk. Fed up of being taken out by those with a heartbeat sensor perk? Counter others that have them by taking ‘cold blooded’ which means you don’t show up on the sensors. IW have thought of just about everything that you could possibly think of. Toss in 15 odd good maps, with a variety of play styles, and even a third person mode, and you have what is a pretty complete package that fans will love.

 

New players may be put off by the fact that those familiar with the series will be at an immediate advantage, and all the shouty kids, but it’s no worse than coming in now to say Halo, or GoW2. If fast paced, tactical MP is your thing, this is where it is at.

 

 

"Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" is not quite perfect. Some people may find it too samey compared to previous titles- and to an extent, it is. But it is probably the perfect sequel- as everything that you could think of from the first game has been subtly improved, from the graphics, to the annoyances in the single player, to the multiplayer perks. And then you get a whole new mode on top of everything to play with, which is loads of fun.

 

My love for the series has been completely re-ignited. Believe the hype- this is one game that you cannot do without.

 

 

 

 

+ Much improved graphics
+ Cinematic story
+ Spec-Ops