It’s Finally Here. But Does Modern Warfare 2 Deliver?

It’s been talked about, speculated about and has fast become one of this year’s most eagerly awaited videogames, even being described in it’s launch trailer as “The most anticipated game of the decade”. Gamers around the globe have been itching to get their hands on Modern Warfare 2 ever since it was first announced, with the internet and magazines abuzz with hype over just whether the game would deliver in the same fashion that it’s predecessor did.

Well, the good news is, it does. Then it delivers again and again, and again. Modern Warfare 2, unlike most games, without a doubt lives up to the hype surrounding it – offering a truly action-packed, varied experience that will have you feeling as if you’re living your very own Hollywood action epic.  You’ll find yourself drawn into every aspect of the game, from the fast-paced storyline to simply battling people online, shooting, bombing, snow-mobile riding (and many other things besides) through a highly enjoyable gaming experience.

If you’re new to the franchise, Modern Warfare 2 picks up five years after the events of the first game, the details of which I will not go into here so I don’t spoil the story for anyone who didn’t play it (although another must have game).  After a quick tutorial level, you’re thrust into the middle of a full-scale battlefield and begin your epic, globe-trotting adventure, playing as either a member of  United States Ranger Force or a member of an elite squad known as the Task 141.

As both soldiers you’ll be battling through hundreds of enemies, wielding  a huge variety of weapons ranging from tank-busting rocket launchers to machine guns with thermal-imaging scopes, ducking and weaving behind cover as you spray the field before you with bullets, destroying most of the local scenery in the process.

I found myself thrilled to be back in the middle of a battlefield that Activision, the company behind Modern Warfare, is so exceptionally gifted at creating. You will really feel as if you’re battling for your very survival, particularly when playing on the harder difficulties that the game has to offer, which easily offers the most realistic and challenging experience.  It really is very satisfying to win against your enemies, particularly on levels where the story has made the stakes and implications of your actions so important that you really feel as if you must succeed.

It’s not all good news however. The main campaign, while being extremely well done and thrilling, is short in length. Overall, I clocked in around 6 hours of time to finish the game, playing on the ‘hard’ difficulty setting. I found myself wishing for just a little bit more, as I enjoyed the hours I spent playing the game so much that I just didn’t want it to end.  Activision has made up for this however by offering the new ‘Spec-Ops’ mode, where you can replay missions from the main storyline with different objectives to earn stars, continuing the action.

For many, the most important aspect of the game will be the online multiplayer, which I have to say is as rock solid and fun as ever, made even better by the new levels and weapons that are available this time around.  You’ll find hours upon hours of fun playing multiplayer, be it against friends or just random people, earning points to upgrade your available weapons and perks as you progress.

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience this year, look no further than this game. The presentation and polish is impeccable, the storyline exciting and the action thrilling. It may well be worthy of it’s title as “the most anticipated game of the decade.”