Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 6,082 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Game Cover
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.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 6,082 reviews
gameplay14 positive mentions
monetization6 negative mentions
  • Classic gameplay that brings back nostalgia and great memories.
  • Fun multiplayer experience with a variety of game modes and customization options.
  • Still has an active player base, making it easy to find matches.
  • Multiplayer is plagued with hackers and modded lobbies, making it frustrating to play.
  • Security vulnerabilities allow hackers to potentially access players' computers.
  • Lack of support and updates from developers has left the game in a broken state.
  • gameplay49 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its polished mechanics, fast-paced action, and nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic titles. However, some players criticize the balance issues, frustrating spawns, and technical problems that detract from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains engaging for those who appreciate its gunplay and strategic elements.

    • “Despite some controversy surrounding its themes and content, the game's polished gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals remain unmatched.”
    • “Hilariously fun, yet full of deep movement mechanics and incredible gunplay.”
    • “The gameplay was just right, the weapons were perfect and the fun that people had playing this game is something Call of Duty creators continue to attempt to recreate today (2023).”
    • “This game is an absolute mess because every single map is poorly designed and doesn't work with the most basic gameplay mechanics of any Call of Duty game I've played so far. The weapons, perks, and player base are all frustratingly bad.”
    • “I really wanted to love this game; I was hoping for a killer campaign with a fun classic Call of Duty multiplayer experience. However, in my 25 minutes of gameplay, it crashed five times and took over my computer, preventing me from using task manager or closing the program.”
    • “Revisiting the multiplayer after so long, I had forgotten how fast-paced the gameplay was and how frustratingly terrible the spawns were, which made the experience quite disappointing.”
  • graphics48 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising their polished quality and ability to hold up well over time, especially on higher settings. While some users noted that the graphics are not as demanding or realistic compared to newer titles, others highlighted the impressive details and vibrant aesthetics that enhance the overall experience. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, contributing to the game's enduring appeal despite its age.

    • “Despite some controversy surrounding its themes and content, the game's polished gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals remain unmatched.”
    • “The graphics have taken a huge upgrade, the weapons are on another level in terms of details, the particles are clearer and more appealing, the character model is just as impressively looking as the environment too.”
    • “From its story to its gameplay, it's an overall masterpiece with well-held up graphics.”
    • “It's not graphically demanding (year 2009 :)), but I would never say that I will spend over 100 hours on this game :d”
    • “Modern Call of Duty runs at a solid 18 fps with graphics that make Crossy Road look awful.”
    • “Not even that good graphics for a remaster; the Chinese man on the bend promised me it was MW2 remastered with better graphics, but it is the same crappy graphics.”
  • story41 mentions

    The game's story is widely praised for its gripping narrative, memorable characters, and engaging missions, making it a standout feature alongside its multiplayer mode. Many players highlight the nostalgic value and cinematic quality of the campaign, though some express disappointment with certain plot inconsistencies and the prevalence of hackers in multiplayer. Overall, the story is considered a major draw, with many recommending it for those seeking a compelling single-player experience.

    • “With its gripping storyline and memorable characters, it immerses players in the heart-pounding action of modern warfare.”
    • “One of the best games I have ever played, amazing characters and an amazing story, 10/10.”
    • “From its story to its gameplay, it's an overall masterpiece with well-held up graphics.”
    • “☑ no story”
    • “The story doesn't sync in much.”
    • “Yeah, there's a decent plot hole in the game.”
  • humor18 mentions

    The humor in the game is consistently highlighted as a major positive, with players enjoying funny bugs, amusing interactions, and humorous character names. Many reviews note that the game's comedic elements enhance the overall experience, making it entertaining despite some issues like toxicity and cheating. Overall, the humor contributes significantly to the game's appeal, often surpassing that of recent competitors.

    • “Hilariously fun, yet full of deep movement mechanics and incredible gunplay.”
    • “I got in a match with someone named troll and they were really funny.”
    • “Yeah, this game is still funny and better than many recent Call of Duty games.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, as players appreciate the absence of microtransactions and battle passes, which contrasts with other titles in the genre. However, some users express frustration with the game's reliance on advertisements and feel that more resources should have been allocated to game development and quality control instead. Overall, the lack of pay-to-win content is seen as a significant advantage.

    • “The best COD game, no microtransactions, most nostalgic maps and weapons, and a movement system that is worth it.”
    • “No microtransactions for pay-to-win content.”
    • “Activision and IW should have spent more time and money on game development, text translators, customer support, and quality control instead of on 'easter eggs', licensed music (heard during the first mission), advertisement, and celebrities.”
    • “Oh right, you won't do that, because there aren't any microtransactions or battle passes in these games, so what's the point, am I right Activision?”
    • “I believe that the ads are my biggest limiter right now; if we could hip fire accurately over distances, I would do much better in our games.”
  • stability8 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while it runs well on modern hardware and Linux, users report frequent crashes, freezes, and glitches, particularly when using certain weapons. There are concerns about security vulnerabilities in multiplayer, and players are calling for updates to address these issues.

    • “Runs great so far!”
    • “Runs great on Linux.”
    • “The game runs great with an i5, no graphics card (my setup), although a bit stuttery at times.”
    • “The only problem is some glitches.”
    • “The game crashes or freezes when I shoot with the sniper, shotgun, or SMGs.”
    • “It constantly freezes.”
  • grinding8 mentions

    Players generally agree that the game involves significant grinding, often requiring a substantial time commitment. However, many find that the experience can still be enjoyable and rewarding, especially when approached with the right mindset. Overall, while the grind can be intense, it contributes to the game's classic appeal and fun atmosphere.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It's grindy, sure, but you can still have a lot of fun if you play your cards right and get what you desire.”
    • “Fun game and atmosphere very basic in a way, but lots of challenges and grinding; honestly, most will be done by having fun and enjoying the game.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    Overall, users highlight a strong sense of replayability in the game, particularly due to satisfying leveling mechanics and enhanced graphics that evoke nostalgia. Many appreciate the multiplayer features and local gameplay options, which contribute to a fun and engaging experience. However, some users feel that the replay value is limited, indicating a mixed perception among players.

    • “Levelling up is satisfying and the replay value is worth it.”
    • “You know the short amount of time I've spent playing this game reminds me of the good old days when Call of Duty was replayable and didn't get boring after an hour.”
    • “The replay value of the game is virtually zero.”
    • “Believe me when I tell you: this game has replay value online and offline.”
  • music5 mentions

    Reviews of the game's music are mixed; while some players appreciate the nostalgic soundtracks and find them enjoyable, others criticize the focus on licensed music and celebrity involvement over more essential game development aspects. Overall, the music is seen as a highlight for some, enhancing the gaming experience, but not without its detractors.

    • “I love this game and it brings back so many memories, and even the soundtracks are amazing. I highly recommend.”
    • “A great game to just sit back and play to some music or a podcast.”
    • “Activision and IW should have spent more time and money on game development, text translators, customer support, and quality control instead of on 'easter eggs', licensed music (heard during the first mission), advertisement, and celebrities.”
    • “Don't even get me started on the Hans Zimmer music and the audio in this game.”
    • “But the acting, the missions, the music.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    Reviews highlight a mix of emotional responses, with some players expressing boredom to the point of tears, while others reflect on nostalgic and wholesome moments that resonate deeply. Additionally, negative interactions, such as name-calling, can evoke strong emotional reactions, underscoring the game's impact on players' feelings.

    • “Mw2 is every toxic kid's childhood, and the wholesome moments in it are the best.”
    • “So boring, literally made me cry.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The game is criticized for poor optimization, with users reporting significant FPS stuttering even on high-end hardware, such as a 2060 Super and an overclocked i7 9700k. Additionally, there are concerns about inadequate support for control schemes.

    • “Not optimized or even remotely ready for control support.”
    • “FPS stutters even with a 2060 Super and i7 9700K overclocked to 4.4GHz; it's just badly optimized for my card, sadly.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as masterfully crafted, providing a fun and engaging experience, though some find it basic. Despite its simplicity, players appreciate the challenges and grinding elements that contribute to the overall enjoyment, solidifying its status as a classic.

    • “Gameplay, atmosphere... everything is masterfully crafted.”
    • “Fun game and atmosphere very basic in a way but lots of challenges and grinding, and honestly most will be done by having fun and enjoying the game. It's a classic.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

91% average critic score

Buy Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Play time

19hMedian play time
217hAverage play time
7hMain story
29hCompletionist
3-553hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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