Possibly the most hyped, most discussed and most anticipated release of 2009, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has arrived at retail in North America, Europe and a number of other large territories. The near global launch and intense marketing thanks to publisher Activision will give Infinity Ward’s latest the resources it needs to become one of the most successful launches of 2009, and possibly even one of the most successful videogame releases of all time.
Of course, this is all before anyone outside the team responsible for the game has sat down and played the final retail build. Success is a double-edged sword, as while it maintains a backbone of retail acceptance for the sequel, it also breeds expectation. And of all the videogame sequels released this year, few could claim to have built as much expectation as the latest Call of Duty release.
Beginning the game for the first time highlights just how widespread the popularity of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is expected to become. After a small amount of reported controversy, a Title Update prompts the player to answer as to whether or not they’ll take offence at content 
that they’re given no clue as to the subject matter. A cautious attempt to keep the Call of Duty franchise in good standing with the vocal minority it may be, but an interesting turn of events nonetheless. The scene at Moscow airport has been suggested to have caused the small backlash, but arguably more disturbing is the moment at which you plunge a knife into a nameless enemy’s body, for a moment watching his face as life leaves his body.
The Campaign is offered as the primary game concern from the Main Menu, with the multi-player modes and the new Special Ops gameplay mode present as sideline options. This may confuse those fans who have stuck with the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare solely for its’ enduring online gameplay options, but is clearly a decision made to appease newcomers, rather than an intentional display of priorities.
The Campaign is a thrilling affair. Though it could be considered relatively brief, coming in at around six to seven hours for the first playthrough on the regular difficulty setting, every moment is a dramatic and compelling gameplay experience, right from the beginning. An
interesting design decision sees the player taking part in the tutorial through the eyes of the tutor, as opposed to the student, and in typical Call of Duty fashion, the first level is a stunningly orchestrated warzone, with bullets screaming in every direction and the sunlight glinting in through the cracks in the crumbling buildings. Little yet released on the Current-Generation has been quite so visually impressive.
Infinity Ward spokespersons have previously started that the team have wanted to create a “cinematic experience”, and few could argue that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 isn’t an entirely Hollywood inspired production. There are precious few moments when the player isn’t lead along a very narrow path, and although certain sections deliver the feeling of freedom, in truth there is no room for a player’s individual interpretation. It’s Apocalypse Now to Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising’s Full Metal Jacket; more concerned with the adventure of war than the brutal reality behind it. Though every moment of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is enjoyable, few could be said to be progressive for the genre in any respect other than mainstream acceptance.
Every level is designed as one wholly unique spectacle, and the adrenaline rush never lets up within. However, despite having an overarching plot, due to the vast variety of environments and objectives, the levels can feel entirely disconnected from one another, 
created for their drama as opposed to an aid to the telling of the often ham-fisted story. The lack of freedom can make the game feel rather claustrophobic at times, and so it’s here that the new Special Ops mode steps-in. A series of missions taking place upon areas from the Campaign levels and reconstructed versions thereof, Special Ops allows players to tackle any number of objectives as they see fit. The lack of an option to pick your own loadout before each mission feels like somewhat of an oversight, but the opportunity for co-operative gameplay is easily the biggest long-term draw that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 can offer.
The multi-player will sustain a huge audience for many, many months, of that there is no doubt. The refinement from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – and, refinement being the most apt description – will grant long-time players an opportunity to refresh their skills, whilst newcomers are certainly given a few additional aids. However, there is little to convince those not compelled by the first title to join in now.
One of the greatest strengths of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is it’s presentation. The stunning visual quality is maintained throughout every area and 
with every character model, and the environments are some of the most detailed constructions videogames have yet managed to offer. The voice-acting is also of astonishing quality, rivalling the Grand Theft Auto series for its’ unique characterisation with well known actors.
Though Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is an enticing prospect, it’s not without flaws. The game is so heavily reliant on scripted events, that during one of the sneakier missions there is the frequent possibility of running within inches of guards, yet still being able to move away undetected. The easier difficulty settings will provide little challenge, while the constantly aware Checkpoint System will occasionally save at the most inopportune moments on harder settings.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a stunning game, appealing to the widest view of it’s target demographic possible. Every moment of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Campaign is compelling, but it’s far from cerebral and some may take an almost instant dislike to its’ laymen’s approach to First-Person Shooter gameplay. Special Ops is undoubtedly needed to round out the package, but within that has become the most inviting opportunity for long time gamers to exercise their own tactician skills. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 may not be for those hoping Infinity Ward had new ideas to progress the genre, but those many millions enthralled by the first title will have little to complain about.
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