Strap back on the combat boots: the king of first person shooters has returned. This sixth iteration of the Call of Duty series is poised to be its biggest with more action, more customization and a storyline that's already making headlines before the game's even been released. Just how big is it going to be? Allow us to share the Top 5 things to know so you can see for yourself.
1. DIY for effective KIAs
Customization is key to the latest generation of Call of Duty games, but the original Class system was only the beginning for developer Infinity Ward. In Modern Warfare 2, players can unlock new call signs and emblems, fine tune their weapons and even design their own kill streak rewards. It's like re-inventing Rambo, except without the slurred speech and silly bandanna.
2. Beat terrorists with a little help from your friends
The newest addition to Modern Warfare's already excellent multiplayer options is Special Ops, a series of missions that include different objectives and time-trials, such as "Breach and Clear," where players are tasked with breaking out of a Soviet gulag; or "Overwatch," which is a remake of the AC-130 mission from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Expect lots of variety from Special Ops, and play them solo, split-screen or via Xbox Live with a friend.
3. A Hollywood action movie you can play at home
More than just a simple shoot-em-up, Modern Warfare 2 raises the bar on storytelling, boasting an explosive script by Jesse Stern, writer/producer for NCIS (who also penned the original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare storyline). With pulse-pounding music by Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer and voice acting by veterans Keith David and Kevin McKidd, not to mention the odd line from hip-hop icon 50 Cent, this is one experience that'll make you crank up the volume.
4. Next-Generation Kill
With a new Call of Duty comes a whole new arsenal of weaponry. It's predictable enough that Modern Warfare 2 will have a ton of machine guns, but new to the series are more custom equipment like Thermal Insertion flares for respawning closer to the action and Riot Shields for blocking and deflecting enemy gunfire. Even better are the big kill streak rewards which include deployable sentry guns and Predator missiles; you know, for raining fire from afar on the ones you love.
5. See the world, then shoot it up!
From the shantytown streets of Rio de Janeiro to the blinding, bitter cold of Kazakhstan, Modern Warfare 2 travels far and wide to deliver some of the best action sequences this year. Whether you prefer escaping from enemies on the back of a snowmobile or engaging in an epic firefight in the nation's capital, the game's got you covered on all fronts. And there's quite a few surprises that even we can't share... yet.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Posted: 3 Nov 2009
