Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 (2009)
" Cinematic action shooter with deep multiplayer and weapon customization but dated mechanics "
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 (2009) Review
Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® 2 (2009) is widely regarded as a landmark title in the first-person shooter genre, praised for its cinematic campaign, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay. The narrative builds on its predecessor with intense, emotionally charged missions and a well-paced story featuring iconic characters like Soap, Ghost, and Makarov. The campaign is complemented by a challenging yet rewarding Special Ops mode and a multiplayer experience that introduced innovative killstreaks and customization, although current online activity and security vulnerabilities are concerns for players.
The game’s graphics, for its time, remain impressive with detailed environments and a stirring soundtrack enhancing the atmosphere. While some players note difficulty spikes and occasional filler missions, the overall experience is considered highly satisfying. However, security risks in multiplayer servers have been reported, urging caution for online play. Despite minor issues, Modern Warfare 2 continues to hold a special place in gamers’ hearts as a classic and influential shooter.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the game's cinematic and emotionally gripping campaign, enhanced by a powerful musical score.
The multiplayer mode is celebrated for its fast-paced, balanced gameplay, deep customization, and innovative killstreak system. Special Ops mode adds enjoyable cooperative challenges, increasing replayability. The graphics and level design were considered advanced for their time, delivering immersive and varied environments. Iconic characters and memorable story moments contribute significantly to the game's lasting appeal.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the presence of security vulnerabilities in multiplayer servers, making online play risky.
Some players find certain campaign missions to be filler or experience difficulty spikes that can frustrate. The multiplayer community has diminished over time, leading to low player counts and lag issues. Additionally, the PC port has been noted for lacking proper controller support, affecting gameplay on certain platforms. Lastly, some feel the story pacing is rushed compared to modern standards.
Pros
- • Cinematic and emotionally impactful campaign with memorable characters and story.
- • Innovative multiplayer with balanced gameplay and deep weapon customization.
- • Special Ops mode offers fun cooperative challenges and enhances replayability.
- • Impressive graphics and detailed environments for its release era.
- • Epic musical score that heightens the game's dramatic moments.
- • Campaign difficulty provides a satisfying challenge without being unfair.
- • Varied mission design keeps gameplay fresh and engaging.
Cons
- • Multiplayer servers have known security vulnerabilities risking player safety.
- • Some campaign missions feel like filler and disrupt pacing.
- • Difficulty spikes in certain missions can frustrate players.
- • Online multiplayer population is low, causing lag and matchmaking issues.
- • Lack of proper controller support on PC affects gameplay experience.
- • Campaign considered short by some, impacting perceived value.
- • Multiplayer can be chaotic and overwhelming for new players.
Rating Criteria
The most-anticipated game of the year and the sequel to the best-selling first-person action game of all time, Modern Warfare 2 continues the gripping and heart-racing action as players face off against a new threat dedicated to bringing the world to the brink of collapse.
