Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

60%
Game Brain Score Based on 130,826 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • stability
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Game Cover
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II drops players into an unprecedented global conflict that features the return of the iconic Operators of Task Force 141.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Web Browser
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

60%
Audience ScoreBased on 130,826 reviews
story2,103 positive mentions
stability4,254 negative mentions
  • story7,217 mentions

    The story of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative and character development, particularly the return of beloved characters like Ghost and Soap. However, numerous bugs and glitches, such as lighting issues and mission-breaking crashes, have marred the experience, leading to frustration among players. While some missions are praised for their creativity and intensity, others are criticized for being tedious or lacking coherence, resulting in an overall sentiment that, despite its potential, the story falls short of the high standards set by previous entries in the franchise.

    • “The campaign isn't just a series of loosely connected missions; it's a narrative masterpiece that delves into the complexities of war, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.”
    • “The campaign is packed full of exciting missions - usually I find myself hating a mission or two but I genuinely enjoyed every single one.”
    • “The storytelling, while ambitious, often descends into a convoluted mess of clichés and over-the-top set pieces.”
    • “The plot of 2022's MWII was pretty mediocre, and the main highlights of this game's single-player story mode were definitely the graphics and cinematic clips.”
    • “The campaign is packed full of exciting missions - usually I find myself hating a mission or two, but I genuinely enjoyed every single one.”
  • gameplay5,082 mentions

    The gameplay of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its core mechanics, gunplay, and graphics, describing it as a return to form for the franchise. However, numerous complaints highlight issues such as frequent crashes, poor map design, and a frustrating user interface, which detract from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the slower, more tactical gameplay and new mechanics, others find it unbalanced and overly reliant on camping strategies, leading to a less enjoyable multiplayer experience.

    • “I deeply enjoy the gameplay of this game.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics in Modern Warfare 2 are refined to near perfection.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and fierce.”
    • “It's not just the gameplay which is trash, the UI/UX just screams of incompetence and don't get me started on how this game, which came out in 2022, requires a restart to update.”
    • “The game has a lot of broken mechanics as well which render hours of grind to become useless.”
    • “The multiplayer modes and mechanics seem stuck in the past, failing to address the advancements made in multiplayer gaming since the original release.”
  • stability4,362 mentions

    The stability of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" has been widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, graphical glitches, and various bugs that significantly disrupt gameplay. Many users express frustration over the game's performance issues, particularly in multiplayer and campaign modes, where crashes and freezes are common. Despite some enjoyable aspects of the game, the overwhelming number of technical problems has led to a general consensus that it is not worth the full price until these issues are addressed.

    • “I tried the XDefiant beta and I was so surprised to play a first-person multiplayer shooter that wasn't buggy and the matchmaking didn't make me want to rip my hair out.”
    • “The game runs great on my system which is an RX 6700 XT with 32GB of DDR4 and an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 with a radiator for cooling.”
    • “The game is well optimized and runs great on extreme and 1440p over 160fps with no stutter at all.”
    • “It is so fucking unfortunate that the released product is plagued by glitches and issues, to the extent that progressing through the campaign necessitates repeated reinstallation.”
    • “The game is buggy as hell, if you want to buy this game buy it in like a month or so.”
    • “This game is a buggy mess that should never have been released in this state, and they obviously are going to sell the buyers of the 70 usd game down the river by abandoning them since warzone prints money.”
  • graphics3,950 mentions

    The graphics in "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and attention to detail, with many players noting the impressive environments and character models. However, numerous reviews highlight significant issues, including frequent graphical glitches, crashes, and inconsistent performance across different hardware setups, which detract from the overall experience. While the visuals are often described as breathtaking, the game's optimization and stability remain a concern for many players.

    • “The graphics are astonishingly realistic, with every bullet impact, explosion, and environment meticulously designed to immerse you in the high-stakes situations.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, with highly detailed environments, realistic character models, and breathtaking cinematic moments.”
    • “The graphics are amazing and the maps offer enough variety to satisfy each player's game style, some small and tight for bunny hoppers and some more open for snipers.”
    • “Graphically, the remaster boasts improvements, but they feel uneven and inconsistent.”
    • “Yes, character models might look slightly more polished, and the environments have received a facelift, but this is hardly groundbreaking in an era where gaming visuals have evolved significantly.”
    • “The graphics, touted as cutting-edge, are underwhelming and fail to deliver the immersive experience one would expect.”
  • optimization2,524 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback from users, with many citing frequent crashes, stuttering, and poor performance even on high-end hardware. Players report long wait times for shader optimization, which often fails to resolve issues, leading to frustration and a diminished gaming experience. While some users have experienced stable performance, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized and requires significant improvements to be considered playable.

    • “The game is well optimized and runs great on extreme and 1440p over 160fps and no stutter at all.”
    • “The performance is a 7 or 8 out of 10 but the graphics are awesome, the new engine feels really good for like a modern version of the classic shooter we all know cod as.”
    • “The game is surprisingly well optimized in the sense that I can run it on max settings with a smooth gaming experience of 100+ fps in campaign and 120+ fps in multiplayer, so I am very happy with the optimization of the game.”
    • “This game is so poorly optimized that it runs on 80-90 fps on the lowest of settings and has such trash servers that even a caveman would hate it.”
    • “Between the crashes that count as deaths so you lose all your items and the constant shader optimization that you can't play with finishing, it's amazing anybody puts up with this absolute bullshit of a game.”
    • “The optimization is genuinely atrocious, with some of the most painful frame drops, load times, and the fact you sometimes need to wait ten minutes after booting just so the shaders can load.”
  • monetization1,180 mentions

    The monetization strategy in this game has been widely criticized as aggressive and predatory, with players feeling overwhelmed by constant advertisements for microtransactions, battle passes, and in-game purchases. Many reviews describe the game as a "cash grab," highlighting that the focus on monetization detracts from the overall gameplay experience, with numerous attachments negatively impacting aim-down-sight (ADS) speeds and promoting a camping playstyle. Overall, players express disappointment in the lack of value for the $70 price tag, compounded by the extensive monetization tactics that feel more suited to a free-to-play model.

    • “While Modern Warfare offers an expansive multiplayer experience with continuous updates and new content, the prevalence of microtransactions can at times overshadow the gameplay.”
    • “The differing approaches in these games reflect the evolving industry trends, where Modern Warfare prioritizes ongoing engagement while also raising questions about the balance between player experience and monetization.”
    • “However, the lack of innovation, shallow character development, and reliance on microtransactions prevent it from reaching its full potential.”
    • “This heaping 125GB of garbage will uninstall multiplayer to push an update for the shop and show network errors while trying to load a needlessly complicated battle pass full of garbage cosmetics and cash grabs.”
    • “The game is full of bugs, console aim assists; basically person with the faster ads and a faster gun wins.”
    • “The monetization strategy is quite aggressive, with constant ads for battle passes and bundles that overshadow the gameplay experience.”
  • grinding928 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the challenge of grinding for weapon attachments and camos, others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment, often describing it as a "grind simulator" that requires a significant time investment. Overall, players suggest that those who enjoy grinding will find satisfaction, but it may not appeal to casual gamers looking for a more relaxed experience.

    • “Weapon progression is actually enjoyable and not grindy with 70+ levels per weapon.”
    • “The camo grind isn't as grindy as MW19, and it feels rewarding to unlock camos.”
    • “It isn't as grindy as it appears to be once you learn the system.”
    • “Grinding out all those skins for your weapons will be refreshed, so you can grind again, so your progress will never be carried over.”
    • “The weapon leveling system is tedious and is annoying to complete.”
    • “The grind is not worth it; I feel like I'm just wasting time grinding 5 weapons just to get 1 attachment.”
  • humor655 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding joy in the chaotic and often toxic interactions within voice chat, particularly through the new proximity chat feature. While some appreciate the comedic moments and absurdities that arise from glitches and bugs, others express frustration over the game's serious issues, which detract from the overall experience. Overall, the humor often stems from the community's interactions and the game's imperfections, making for a uniquely entertaining yet frustrating environment.

    • “Super fun, entertaining to watch somebody explode into a puddle of pink goo, hilarious to say 'I got taken out by Nicki Minaj.'”
    • “The game had a rough but promising launch, multiplayer was alright, new Warzone was fun, and the campaign had some funny parts to add to it.”
    • “Voice chat in Warzone is so funny.”
    • “There's so many issues it's just not funny.”
    • “What an unfunny joke.”
    • “This game is so damn unstable it's not funny, it crashes tons, the game has tons of bugs and makes less sense than a grandma with Alzheimer's telling you about what she did yesterday.”
  • music259 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it uninspired and lacking variety compared to previous titles. While some appreciate the sound design and immersive effects during gameplay, others criticize the limited soundtrack and the prevalence of distracting background noise from other players. Overall, the soundtrack fails to enhance the gaming experience for many, leading to a preference for listening to personal music instead.

    • “The sound design is also excellent, with a great soundtrack that complements the gameplay.”
    • “The soundtrack, endless possibilities, and the calmness it brings to its players.”
    • “The musical score perfectly complements the action, heightening the emotional impact of each moment.”
    • “The soundtrack, while recognizable, does little to enhance the gaming experience.”
    • “It isn't a bad game; I actually really like it, but the background music combined with really loud gunshots makes it so annoying to play. I have gameplay and cinematic music on 0, but the sound of gunshots is still blaring in my ears, so while I'm playing, I can't hear footsteps or even tell if someone is shooting at me until my screen starts to get red.”
    • “There's a serious lack of music, and what little of it is there is just a rehash of MW 2019.”
  • emotional200 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses from players, with some expressing deep connections to well-developed characters and impactful narratives, while others criticize the disjointed storytelling and lack of emotional investment. Many players report feeling a mix of nostalgia and disappointment, particularly when comparing it to previous titles in the series that had stronger emotional resonance. Overall, the game seems to evoke both heartfelt moments and frustration, reflecting a complex emotional landscape among its community.

    • “It's a testament to the emotional impact of video games, and the enduring power they hold to connect us with our past and with one another.”
    • “The intertwining storylines, memorable characters, and breathtaking set pieces create an experience that is both emotionally charged and explosively thrilling.”
    • “The game's orchestral score complements the action perfectly, enhancing the atmosphere and adding emotional weight to key moments.”
    • “The campaign - we got this one week early and I must say this has been one of the weakest campaigns I have played in recent years. I felt that the action was a drag with a really boring storyline and there was no hype around finding out what's going on or the next mission's excitement. 5.4/10”
    • “I don't expect mindf***s from a game like this, so I'm fine with it. Real-life CIA missions must be even more boring story-wise than the campaign anyway.”
    • “I guess Activision no longer cares about its already toxic community created by themselves, and as of today, releasing a 69.99 euro arcade shooter with a very boring story composed of a few missions is actually fine.”
  • replayability179 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising the multiplayer modes and DMZ for their variety and endless challenges, while others criticize the limited content in the campaign and co-op modes, which offer little incentive for repeated play. Many reviews highlight the fun of multiplayer and the potential for replayability through different game modes, but frustrations with skill-based matchmaking and a lack of engaging content in certain areas dampen the overall experience. Overall, while some aspects provide high replay value, others fall short, leading to a divided opinion on the game's longevity.

    • “Overall, it's a decent game with a lot of replay value.”
    • “The multiplayer mode is also outstanding, with a wide variety of maps and game modes that offer endless replayability.”
    • “The campaign is also highly replayable, with multiple difficulty levels and branching paths that allow players to experience the game in different ways.”
    • “There are only 5 and not at all replayable.”
    • “The gear you use is assigned at the start and is the same every run, obliterating any hope of replayability and making raids feel like glorified campaign missions.”
    • “They have no replayability value once you complete it as there's nothing much to really reward the player in this game as raids in other games work with loot value and best in slot gear stats where understandably, Call of Duty doesn't have any of that.”
  • atmosphere49 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and detailed environments, which enhance the overall experience, whether in single-player campaigns or multiplayer matches. Players appreciate the meticulous graphics and sound design that contribute to a gritty, realistic feel, although some express concerns about inconsistencies, such as the introduction of paid content that disrupts the game's tone. Overall, the combination of well-crafted settings, engaging soundscapes, and emotional depth creates a compelling atmosphere that resonates with many players.

    • “The graphics are sharp and detailed, and the environments are meticulously crafted to create a realistic and immersive atmosphere.”
    • “From bustling urban landscapes to twisting mountain ranges, every detail is rendered with remarkable precision, creating an atmosphere that draws players deep into the heart of the conflict.”
    • “The environment and maps are so well detailed and designed, creating a dramatic and really good atmosphere and feel.”
    • “It has no atmosphere.”
    • “In conclusion, if you were expecting them to embrace the zero dark thirty-esque atmosphere of the first one you will be severely disappointed.”
    • “But the crashes, stutters, bad matchmaking, poorly designed maps, dull atmosphere are just sad.”
  • character development42 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the depth and memorable performances of characters like Ghost, while others criticize the overall lack of innovation and depth compared to previous titles. Many players appreciate the well-paced character arcs and engaging storylines, but some feel that the reliance on microtransactions and shallow development detracts from the experience. Overall, while there are standout moments and improvements in character design, the consensus suggests that the game falls short of the character development seen in earlier installments of the franchise.

    • “The character development is commendable, with memorable performances from the voice actors.”
    • “The character development in the story is amazing, the plot is solid, and the gunplay is possibly the best we've seen in any Call of Duty.”
    • “You can tell the developers took their time to develop a campaign with a rich story and character development and tied it with a soundtrack to keep you gripped from start to finish.”
    • “Another aspect that disappointed me was the lack of depth in character development.”
    • “However, the lack of innovation, shallow character development, and reliance on microtransactions prevent it from reaching its full potential.”
    • “This game has no character development like the original Modern Warfare series had.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

24hMedian play time
88hAverage play time
7-100hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 635 analyzed playthroughs

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