Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2 actually lives up to all the hype that has been surrounding it.

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is a first-person shooter game set in a modern and realistic setting. The campaign mode continues the story from its predecessor, featuring intense missions and a dramatic narrative.Multiplayer mode offers various game modes, maps, and customizable loadouts, encouraging teamwork and skill-based combat. Spec Ops mode provides cooperative missions for players to complete with friends, adding another layer of replayability and challenge.

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Play Modes

Reviews

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 18,712 reviews

story996 positive mentions

stability43 negative mentions

story
2,084 mentions
48 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The story of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" is widely praised for its engaging narrative, memorable characters, and intense missions, continuing the saga from the first game with significant plot twists and emotional moments. Players appreciate the variety of gameplay experiences, from high-stakes action to stealth missions, although some criticize the campaign's brevity and occasional plot holes. The infamous "No Russian" mission remains a controversial highlight, showcasing the game's willingness to tackle provocative themes within its storyline. Overall, the campaign is considered one of the best in the franchise, complemented by the fun and challenging Spec Ops mode.
- “The story ripped my guts out, swung me around and left me craving more, 100/10 do recommend.”
- “The campaign has a gripping narrative and unforgettable missions that keep players on the edge of their seats.”
- “The story this time around is a downgrade from MW1: silly and straight up cartoony.”
- “The story is extremely well written and the campaign is super fun.”
- “The story is not good as Modern Warfare 1, but is okay though and the graphics are fire.”
gameplay
552 mentions
47 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Modern Warfare 2 is widely praised for its fast-paced action, smooth mechanics, and engaging multiplayer experience, making it a standout in the Call of Duty franchise. While some players note issues with difficulty and balance, particularly in multiplayer, the overall consensus highlights the game's innovative features, replayability, and nostalgic appeal. Despite its age, many reviewers find the gameplay remains enjoyable and relevant, with a mix of classic and new mechanics that enhance the experience.
- “Its innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the introduction of special ops mode, extend replayability.”
- “The gameplay is a perfect mix between action-fps and great storytelling.”
- “Its tight controls and refined mechanics make for a smooth and satisfying experience, whether you're sniping enemies from afar or engaging in intense close-quarters combat.”
- “Gameplay and difficulty are where the real issues begin.”
- “After playing for a couple of hours and hopping off, I decided to check ratings and gameplay, and to my horror I discovered the multiplayer was extremely vulnerable to the RCE (remote code execution) exploit, which allows attackers to install RATs (remote access trojans) and other malware directly onto your PC.”
- “The AI sucks, the gameplay sucks, the combat makes no sense.”
graphics
540 mentions
50 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of this game, originally released in 2009, are generally praised for their quality, especially considering the time of its release. While some players note that the visuals may not compete with modern titles, many agree that they still hold up well today, offering a visually appealing experience that enhances the gameplay. Overall, the graphics are described as good for their age, with some players expressing a desire for a graphical upgrade to match contemporary standards.
- “The graphics are stunning and the gameplay is incredibly fast-paced and intense.”
- “For a game that came out in 2009, I was blown away by not only the revolutionary graphics (for the time) and the 10/10 storyline.”
- “The graphics are outstanding even though the game is 13 years old; it was truly ahead of its time.”
- “Even in 2009, the title is graphically outdated; some skyboxes are really pixelated.”
- “The graphics of this game are inferior to Modern Warfare II; honestly, everything about this game is inferior to Modern Warfare II.”
- “The biggest gripe I have is to do with the technical side of the game (sound, graphics, animations, options, controls) which are and feel really outdated.”
music
198 mentions
50 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe, which enhances the emotional depth and intensity of the gameplay. Players describe the soundtrack as iconic, epic, and a significant factor in creating a memorable gaming experience, often evoking nostalgia and elevating the overall atmosphere of the campaign. Overall, the music is considered one of the standout features of the game, contributing to its status as a classic in the first-person shooter genre.
- “The soundtrack is phenomenal, giving us epic tracks that fit the game's narrative perfectly and really set the feel of each mission.”
- “The music by Hans Zimmer is one of my favorite soundtracks from any game or film; the story is incredibly compelling and, for some parts, genuinely emotional.”
- “With actions that'll leave you on the edge of your seat, sensational underlying themes, and a kickass soundtrack by the man himself Hans Zimmer, COD Modern Warfare 2 will leave you breathless at the end of the ride.”
- “However, I think this game should've had a music volume option rather than only a master one.”
- “Oh and why, oh why do the developers insist on a loud obnoxious soundtrack that you can't turn off?”
- “Ps: you can't even turn off the repetitive music.”
replayability
61 mentions
26 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is generally viewed as high, bolstered by innovative gameplay mechanics like the special ops mode and a well-received campaign that encourages multiple playthroughs. While some players note issues with multiplayer due to modders and dwindling online communities, the co-op spec ops missions and challenges provide significant replay value. However, a few reviews mention low replayability for those who prefer linear experiences or are less interested in multiplayer.
- “Its innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the introduction of special ops mode, extend replayability.”
- “The special ops missions (roughly 3 dozen) give you the opportunity to challenge your skills in a wide variety of ways, so there is some replay value there, especially given that they can be played co-op.”
- “A great Call of Duty game with lots of replay value in it, thanks to the spec ops and multiplayer modes; this game is a 3-on-1 package, offering a lot at a decent price.”
- “No replayability.”
- “It's so scripted that there is little to no replayability unless you enjoy doing exactly the same thing over and over and are enamored with learning what is effectively an elaborate dance routine (shoot there, spin around, shoot there, move 2 meters, shoot there, etc.).”
- “With dwindling numbers online, when you buy Modern Warfare 2 you better really love the campaign and special ops because the online multiplayer is in its final days which will leave no replayability to the game at all.”
humor
61 mentions
97 % positive mentions
-2 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its funny mechanics, character names, and absurd scenarios that create memorable moments, especially in multiplayer and co-op modes. Many reviews mention the enjoyment of playing with friends, where the humor shines through in both gameplay and interactions, making for a hilariously entertaining experience. Overall, the game is described as a fun and comedic adventure, filled with laugh-out-loud moments and quirky elements.
- “A great soundtrack, an emotionally investable story, and funny game mechanics.”
- “The scenario is ludicrous, the set pieces are hilarious and it's all backed by a Hans Zimmer soundtrack.”
- “Just a great funny game, in which many hours can be lost.”
- “It can get funny at times, but overall, the humor falls flat.”
- “Another unfunny MLG joke here that just misses the mark.”
- “The attempts at humor often feel forced and lack originality.”
stability
56 mentions
20 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
77 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is highly variable, with many users reporting frequent freezes, crashes, and bugs, particularly during startup and in multiplayer modes. While some players experience smooth gameplay on older systems, others face game-breaking issues that necessitate restarts or reinstallation. Overall, the game shows a mix of minor to severe stability problems, with a notable lack of updates to address these glitches.
- “Great game, almost no glitches and very fun gameplay.”
- “It's also very light on system requirements, so you can play it on an old PC, laptop, etc., and it runs great.”
- “Runs great on most systems and still has a stable player base.”
- “You can't change resolution; if you do, it freezes the PC and you have to restart.”
- “It just freezes every time I try to launch the game.”
- “I bought this last year, and after playing it for only 5 hours, the game will not start up and freezes on the intro scene before even loading the menu.”
emotional
54 mentions
98 % positive mentions
-4 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players expressing deep connections to the story and characters, often leading to tears during pivotal moments. The combination of a compelling narrative, impactful music by Hans Zimmer, and the portrayal of war's complexities evokes strong feelings, making it a memorable experience for many. While some players noted a lack of character depth, the overall emotional resonance of the campaign remains a standout feature.
- “Set in a realistic, modern-day conflict, it offers a gripping campaign that portrays the complexities of war with striking emotional depth.”
- “The emotionally charged tunes perfectly complement the game's intense, action-packed moments.”
- “The music by Hans Zimmer is one of my favorite soundtracks from any game or film; the story is incredibly compelling and, for some parts, genuinely emotional.”
- “The game had potential, but the emotional depth was lacking.”
- “I felt disconnected from the characters and their struggles.”
- “The story tried to be emotional, but it fell flat and felt forced.”
grinding
48 mentions
4 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be quite tedious, often requiring significant time investment, with many suggesting that it feels like needing "a second life" to complete. While some missions and multiplayer experiences are described as enjoyable, others are criticized for being overly grindy and frustrating, particularly in the later acts. Despite these criticisms, some players appreciate the challenge and nostalgia associated with the grinding process.
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Some 3rd act missions are downright tedious and the last mission is laughable, at least for my taste.”
- “Worst multiplayer I have ever played, many hackers and terrible, terrible map selection, not to mention the awful and tedious level up and prestige system.”
optimization
41 mentions
29 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance on low-end PCs and smooth controls, while others report significant stuttering and stability issues, particularly on the PC port. Many users note that the game appears to be primarily optimized for consoles, leading to inconsistent performance and occasional crashes. Overall, while some players find it well-optimized and enjoyable, others experience frustrating performance problems that detract from the gameplay experience.
- “I really didn't think that this game would run smoothly on my Intel HD 520 laptop, but I'm quite satisfied. Even though my specifications are low-end, this game can still spoil my eyes.”
- “I had lots of fun playing this game and I think it is one of the best optimized Call of Duty games because the sniping and movement in this game feels incomparable to any other Call of Duty game.”
- “Perfectly optimized and smooth controls.”
- “I can't play this game; it just keeps stuttering!”
- “Game is very fun overall, but playing the co-op missions with my buddy for any extended amount of time ends with the game stuttering every few seconds, wish it didn't.”
- “But what hurts this game the most is the optimization; never in my life have I ever seen a game so effortlessly ported to the PC.”
monetization
26 mentions
12 % positive mentions
19 % neutral mentions
69 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players perceiving recent remakes as cash grabs laden with microtransactions, battle passes, and other monetization tactics that detract from the gaming experience. In contrast, the original game is praised for its lack of such features, allowing players to enjoy the game without the pressure of additional purchases. Overall, there is a strong sentiment against the current trend of monetization in the franchise, with players longing for a return to a more straightforward, content-rich gaming experience.
- “No battle royale, no lootboxes, no microtransactions, no always online, no goofy dances, no silly camos or attachments, no season passes.”
- “The best COD game, no microtransactions, most nostalgic maps and weapons, and a movement that is worth it.”
- “- No microtransactions for pay-to-win content.”
- “The remake I hear is pretty bad too overall and has a lot of stupid microtransactions.”
- “I think why I returned to this specific game is I'm just over Activision shoving microtransactions in every new Call of Duty; personally, I'm just sick of it.”
- “Even if MW2 was remastered, it would probably only have a slight graphical tweak, play worse than ever, and be buried under day one DLCs and microtransactions.”
atmosphere
24 mentions
50 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its stunning graphics, detailed environments, and immersive soundtracks, particularly those composed by Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. Players appreciate the dramatic and emotional impact of the missions, which effectively transport them into various well-crafted settings, from war-torn landscapes to iconic locations. However, some reviews note that the atmosphere can occasionally feel chaotic or kitschy, yet overall, it significantly enhances the gameplay experience.
- “The landscapes are beautiful, maps are masterfully done, weapons are detailed, and effects like fog really add to the atmosphere.”
- “It knows exactly how to hit the player's emotions, with a well-written story, top-notch dialogue, and an atmosphere in each mission that can make you go from low and hopeless to determined and triumphant.”
- “The environment and maps are so well detailed and designed, creating a dramatic and really good atmosphere and feel.”
- “Cod again relies on a dramatic atmosphere and adrenaline experience, which is sometimes too chaotic and sometimes kitschy.”
- “With no atmosphere, the wave should be ineffective.”
- “The soundtrack is my favorite part: excellently paced and provides a tense and often bleak atmosphere to the events.”
character development
6 mentions
67 % positive mentions
-17 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised, with players noting excellent voice acting and emotional depth that enhances the overall experience. Despite a relatively short campaign of around 8 hours, the characters are well-crafted and memorable, contributing to a strong connection with the narrative. The inclusion of unique missions and engaging NPCs further enriches the gameplay, making it both fun and impactful.
- “The character development was excellent and the voice acting really shines in this game.”
- “You'll come to love the NPCs that traverse the levels with you, as their voice acting and character designs are iconic.”
- “There is incredibly detailed character development for a story based on running around shooting people, and there was emotion, anger, and all sorts of revenge and spite interwoven into the story - you really feel for the character you are playing, which is cool for sure.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
- “I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, leaving me disengaged from their journeys.”
- “Despite the interesting premise, the characters don't evolve in meaningful ways, which detracts from the overall experience.”