I found myself continually putting off the writing this review, and half wishing Zack would do it instead. After having a few weeks with the game, I decided to bite the bullet and get my thoughts out in the open. Being the most controversial game of the year, there has already been a ton of media attention on Modern Warfare 2, and how it is either the “1337est shiz ever” or is destroying our youth and morals. Instead of wading into that mess, I’ll keep this review simple and voice my thoughts on each of the three game modes, and then let you get on with your life.

Single Player Campaign

“I doubt leaping across chasms in a snowmobile is part of a typical special forces training regimen”

For me, the main draw of the Call of Duty series has always been the multiplayer, but I can appreciate a solid campaign too. With as many high points in the campaign of Call of Duty 4, I was skeptical that the sequel could top the original, and in many ways, my doubtfulness was well founded.

The campaign certainly has its moments, but the amount of sequences included in the game simply for shock value gets a little tiring. Other moments feel like they’d be more appropriate in a James Bond or Jason Bourne movie than a “realistic war shooter”. Perhaps they were included for cinematic effect, but I doubt leaping across chasms in a snowmobile is part of a typical special forces training regimen. While the game does have action-movie moments, I am wary to use the term “cinematic” to define Modern Warfare 2. While Modern Warfare 2 does have its “wow” moments, its attempts at being cinematic often feel pretty forced, especially when compared to a title that actually pulls it off well, like Uncharted 2.

Multiplayer

“I am fully confident I will still be playing it a year or more from now. Few games can command that kind of attention from me.”

While for me, Call of Duty 4 still reigns supreme for the single player campaign; the multiplayer is really where the sequel shines. Granted, it’s not hugely different than the already superb multiplayer of COD4, but there are a ton of notable improvements that makes the gameplay even more addictive. The level progression system is more robust, the killstreak bonuses more outrageous, and the character and weapon customization limitless. I haven’t been able to play as much of the multiplayer as I’d like, with so many other Q4 releases vying for my attention, but I am fully confident I will still be playing MW2′s multiplayer a year or more from now. Few games can command that kind of attention from me.

Players who relish at the opportunity to fire live ordinance at pre-pubescent 12 year olds will find plenty to love with Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer, while those of you who aren’t ecstatic about shooting others in the face are probably not going to place MW2 above eating, sleeping, and other bodily necessities.

I can’t say I am pleased about the loss of party chat, and I certainly can’t speak for the removal of dedicated servers for PC gamers, but there is enough to love with Modern Warfare 2′s multiplayer for me to overlook these indiscretions completely.

Spec Ops

“…there are enough spectacular, bite sized sequences to make the Spec Ops mode one of the best new features of MW2.”

When the new Spec Ops mode was announced, I assumed it would be a tacked on co-op mode, an excuse for not having full campaign co-op support. Though I’m still a little disappointed at Infinity Ward’s refusal to offer such a simple, industry-standard feature, the Spec Ops mode has turned out to be an awesome new mode, and something I definitely was not expecting. Though not all of the missions are fantastic, there are enough spectacular, bite sized sequences to make the Spec Ops mode one of the best new features of MW2.

With the polarizing subject matter of the “No Russian” mission, the loss of dedicated servers causing outcry among PC gamers, and an insensitive and arrogant advertising campaign, the release of MW2 was marked with a great deal of controversy.  I feel these have all been thoroughly beaten to death by the media, so I’ll simply remark that there were many things I would have preferred been handled differently with the development and release of Modern Warfare 2. That aside, Modern Warfare 2 is a great, if flawed experience.