I have to admit that it has been a long time since I’ve picked up a controller and played any sort of computer game.  In fact, I’ve never owned an XBox 360 or a PlayStation 3.  But I did have my time back in the days of the Sega Genesis!  So when it comes to reviewing Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, I’m forced to count on the experience of those who already have played the game and some of its predecessors.  I offer this product as an affiliate of Amazon, so I’ll put some of their excellent commentary to use in this review also.

One of the first places I go to select a product is to look at the best-sellers on sites such as Amazon.  Right now, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 is #1 on their Video Games list.  That means it is HOT! 

Next, I take a look at their ratings section, to see what the feedback is.  Most people will only take the time to comment on a product that they have had a problem with.  It is the nature of people to not pass along compliments as often as complaints.  So, when I see a ratings section like I do for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, I’m excited!  Users really love this product!  Over 70% of the comments are 4- or 5-star rated.

Finally, I review the comments section.  Sometimes, even the good comments show a weakness in the product when they leave an “I liked it, but…” comment.  Such is the case for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 in a very well written 5-star review in which the writer tells of his disappointment in the story line.  I especially like to look at the 1-star ratings to see why people are disappointed.  Many times it isn’t the product, but a situation.  For example one of the reviews for this product received a 1-star rating because the user didn’t like playing in multi-player mode, and didn’t have the equipment to use that function.

When reviewing comments on Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, I found these types of comments for the 4- and 5-star ratings:

• Great game…Short Campaign
• Had the potential to be a perfect game but it settled for a great game
• What We Were Hoping For
• Why are there negative reviews!
• Exceeded Expectations
• Multiplayer Extraordinaire
• No surprise here… It’s a great game!

Here is what Amazon wrote about the game:

The storyline of Modern Warfare 2 picks up where the events of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare left off. The ultranationalist Russian leader Zakhaev has been eliminated, but it seems that his lieutenant, Vladimir Makarov, is an even bigger danger. Having made a successful play for power, Intel indicates that he is extending the reach of his influence well beyond the borders of Mother Russia, causing a stir in the international community and prompting the involvement of Task Force 141. Task Force 141 is an elite multinational unit made up of Navy Seals, Delta Force operatives, British SAS and CIA. In the single player campaign you are Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson, with the hero of Call of Duty 4, “Soap” MacTavish, promoted to Captain, making an appearance as an NPC (non-player character) and your commanding officer. The elimination of Makarov and his underlings at any cost is your number one priority, regardless where the fight occurs.

Gameplay
The latest release in arguably the most successful tactical first-person shooter franchise of all-time, gameplay in Modern Warfare 2 follows the same winning and time-tested structure of earlier games in the series. In the single player campaign players are aided by AI squad members as they take on a series of missions aimed at eliminating Ultranationalist forces. Each mission is built around a particular objective, with players utilizing some level of guidance from NPC characters, including “Soap” MacTavish, and aided in navigation by the game’s heads up display (HUD). Along the way players will be able to utilize a wide variety of weaponry and and vehicles, as well as be able to customize weapons with gadgets attached to them.

Also, just as in previous games in the series, Modern Warfare 2 is heavily focused on multiplayer gameplay. The different multiplayer modes, available both in local play and online, contain plenty of customization options and revolve around different strategies ranging from the every man for himself action of “Free-for All,” the classic team-based fun of “Capture the Flag and the tactical, team-oriented action of “Search and Destroy,” just to name a few. Multiplayer modes also feature the “Perk” System that players may be familiar with from earlier in the franchise. Through this system players gain additional abilities, weapons and benefits as they gain experience in combat. This can be done by leveling up, but another important way way is through “kill streaks,” the number of enemies eliminated in succession. These are available beginning with three kills and include the ability to call for supply drops, predator missile strikes, helicopter gunships and many more. Players have the ability to customize in advance which perks will be available at each number and can even gauge their progress towards each at the touch of a button. With an eye towards not making the game too hard for new players the game also features help to players experiencing “death streaks,” multiple consecutive deaths in multiplayer matches.

Special Ops Co-op Mode
Along with a single player mode and multiple multiplayer modes, Modern Warfare 2 also features an unique third main play option, Special Ops Mode. Available both online and in local play, Special Ops Mode is designed to provide a distinct time-based play option, featuring special scenarios not found in other modes in the game and lots of enemies to take on. This mode can be played either alone or with a friend, again either locally or online, with local co-op play including split-screen functionality.

Key Game Features

• Challenging Multiplayer Modes – Modern Warfare 2 will contain a wealth of multiplayer modes including: the every man for himself action of “Free-for All,” the classic team-based fun of “Capture the Flag and the tactical, team-oriented action of “Search and Destroy.”
• Improved AI Enemies – Improved artificial intelligence now allows enemies to attack from virtually any direction as players respawn into the game adding additional challenges.
• An All-new Call of Duty Adventure – Modern Warfare 2 features an all new Call of Duty storyline revolving around the continuing struggles against the Russian rebel group the Ultranationalists, who have found a new and more dangerous leader.
• The ‘Special Ops’ Optional Co-op Mode – “Special Ops” Mode allows two players, either alone or with a friend, to engage in unique mission play and features split-screen functionality.
• Diverse In-game Environments – Battlegrounds traversed in the game range from the lonely, snow-clad mountains of Kazakhstan, to dark tunnels in the Afghanistan and the crowded slums of Rio.
• Nonstop Action – Modern Warfare 2 contains no cutscenes, so players are always engaged in the action, no matter where they are in the game.
• New Breach Gameplay Mechanic – Players can now blaze their own paths through the game by “Breaching” formerly impregnable obstacles like walls and doors with explosives.
• New Gadgets, Weapons and Weapons System Modern Warfare 2 contains many new and updated weapons, new weapons attachments, as well as a variant of the multiplayer weapons customization system from Call of Duty 4, now available in the single player campaign.
• New Perks and Increased Customization – Multiplayer modes feature new perks for leveling up, and for killstreaks and deathstreaks. Those awarded for streaks can customized in advance according to when they become available.

FTC Disclosure:  Thing-Finder.com is an affiliate of Amazon.com, and is paid a commission for any sales through this site.  There is no increase in cost to the buyer due to this affiliate sale.  The price is the same as if you bought this product directly from Amazon.

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